Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta with Brandied Apricots ~ this cool eggless custard with a silky texture is easy to make and always popular. It’s the perfect summer dessert!
Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta is for those who appreciate incredible texture in their desserts…
Panna Cotta is Italian for baked cream. It’s related to custard, flan, crème brûlée, coeur de crème, pot de crème, and mousses, but it’s probably the simplest of all of them. There is no tricky cooking with eggs involved—the gelatin thickens the cream and is practically foolproof. It’s a good one to make for guests because practically everyone likes it. It’s cool silky light texture makes it a perfect hot weather dessert.
Sweet tart apricots are the perfect base for my silky panna cotta
I have two big bags of apricots and peaches fresh from the farmer’s market this weekend. The only problem is, you don’t get the luxury of time with ripe fruit like this. You have to be on your toes, pick a plan of action and get right to it. He who hesitates is lost. I know because I’ve hesitated, and lost, many times before.
This panna cotta seemed like a good first plan, one, because I’ve never made it before and two, it only required sacrificing a few of my apricots. I stewed them in a little sugar, water, brandy, and vanilla and that alone turned out to be worth the price of admission. I even spooned a little of the hot apricots over a small mound of vanilla ice cream so I could report back to you. It was possibly the best topping for ice cream I’ve ever tasted and I seriously could have stopped right there.
I love to serve dessert in individual little Mason jars
Sometimes you’ll see panna cotta served little jars or bowls, like I’ve done, and other times you’ll see it turned out onto bowls or plates. It can be plain, or made along with a sauce of some sort, either under it or over it. Usually it’s served in fairly small sized portions, mine are a little on the large side. I could have portioned out 6 or even 8 smaller servings. I based my panna cotta on this recipe.
I’m crushing on apricots lately!
- Apricot Jalapeño Jam
- Fresh Apricot Pie
- Chocolate Dipped Apricots
- Caramelized Apricot Upside Down Cake
Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta with Brandied Apricots
Ingredients
For the panna cotta
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 vanilla bean
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 1/2 tsp gelatin powder, one 1/4 oz. packet
for the brandied apricots:
- 5 apricots, pitted and sliced
- 1/4 cups sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup brandy, or Cognac
- 2 tsp fresh lemon juice, (a good squeeze)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Put the apricots, sugar, and water in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil and simmer the apricots for about 3 minutes, just until they soften but haven't broken down. Remove the apricots with a slotted spoon and layer them at the bottom of your serving dishes or jars.
- Add the brandy and lemon juice and boil the sauce for another 10 minutes or so, until it is reduced to a thick syrup. Take it off the heat and stir in the vanilla. Pour the syrup evenly over the apricots, about a tablespoon or so over each jar, don't drown the apricots.
- Meanwhile make the panna cotta---Pour the milk and cream into a saucepan, and add the vanilla bean seeds and the bean itself. Bring it up to a simmer. Turn off the heat and let it steep for about 10 minutes.
- Remove the vanilla bean pod, and add the sugar to the pan. Reheat the mixture and stir, just until the sugar is completely dissolved. Takeoff the heat.
- Put 2 tablespoons of boiling water in a small glass and sprinkle the gelatin over it. Let it sit for a few minutes while the gelatin softens.
- Stir the gelatin into the water until it is completely dissolved. Whisk it into the hot milk and cream mixture and blend it well.
- Carefully pour the mixture into the serving jars, filling to the top. Try not to disturb the apricots too much.
- Refrigerate until firm, about 4 hours.
Nutrition
I am making some brandied plums right now (bought a whole case of plums that aren’t lasting as long as I’d hoped) and may try a variation on this after they have marinated a bit longer. Loved your comment about your daughter’s brief stay–per current plans, that will be us next year, except Edinburgh instead of Dublin.
This was my husband’s favorite of all the jams I’ve made, so I hope you do try it! It’s an adventure having a child study abroad, Edinburgh sounds wonderful!
Apricots are one of my favorite summer fruits. Love this way of serving it, Sue. What is it about individual size servings that everybody likes so much?
I imagine you are thrilled to have your daughter home, even if it is just a day. The panna-cotta with brandied apricots looks delicious.
Oh wow, this looks fantastic! And definitely the perfect summer dessert. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve kicked myself from letting good fruit (or veggies) “go”…I hate it. Now, send one or three of those my way, please!
here’s what: you say vanilla bean? i’m there. you say apricots? I’m still there. I’m all over this.