Apricot panna cotta

Ingredients

Panna Cotta

450 grams (16 ounces) apricots
100 grams (3.5 ounces) sugar
400 grams (14.1 ounces) cream (33% fat)
5 grams (0.18 ounces) gelatin
40 grams (1.4 ounces) amaretto

Equipment

Baking Tray
Ensure even roasting of apricots by using a non-stick or parchment-lined baking tray.
Blender or Food Processor
The key to a silky smooth apricot puree is a high-speed blender or food processor.
Saucepan
A heavy-bottomed saucepan helps to heat the cream and sugar mixture evenly without scorching.
Sieve
Straining the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve will give the panna cotta its signature velvety texture.
Refrigerating Glasses
Choose elegant glasses or molds to set and serve the panna cotta for a beautiful presentation.

Instructions

Step 1

Soak the gelatin in cold water according to the package instructions. Make sure the gelatin is fully dissolved for a smooth texture.

Step 2

Wash the apricots and pat them dry. Cut them into slices and place on a baking sheet. Preheat the oven to 392°F (200°C) and bake the apricots for 10 minutes. Roasting intensifies the apricots' sweetness.

Step 3

Let the apricots cool down. Once cool, remove the skins. Set aside one-third of the apricots and place them in a bowl. Pour the amaretto over these apricots and add one tablespoon of sugar. Mix well and set aside. Soaking in amaretto adds a delightful aromatic touch.

Step 4

Puree the remaining apricots until smooth.

Step 5

In a saucepan, combine the cream and the remaining sugar. If you have natural vanilla, you can add a bit to taste. Vanilla enhances the flavor profile of the cream.

Step 6

Heat the mixture over medium heat until it just begins to boil, then immediately remove from the heat.

Step 7

Add the apricot puree and the dissolved gelatin to the cream mixture, stirring well to combine. Strain the mixture through a fine sieve to ensure a smooth texture. Straining removes any lumps or undissolved gelatin.

Step 8

Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature before pouring into serving glasses. Refrigerate until the panna cotta is set, which should take at least 4 hours. For best results, leave it overnight.

Step 9

Once set, top the dessert with the reserved apricot slices soaked in amaretto, either whole or chopped. Top just before serving to keep the fruit fresh.

Step 10

This panna cotta is soft and creamy. If you prefer a firmer texture, you can increase the amount of gelatin.

Servings

Imagine a sunlit picnic where the highlight is a delicate panna cotta served in cute mason jars, topped with slices of amaretto-soaked apricots glistening like amber jewels! Or picture a sophisticated dinner party where each guest is presented with their own glass of this luscious dessert, crowned with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprig of mint to elevate the elegance. For those cozy nights in, serve the panna cotta in your favorite bowls, nestled alongside a crunchy almond biscotti for added texture and indulgence. Your guests won't be able to resist the tempting layers of creamy sweetness and tangy apricots, making your gathering a dessert-filled success.

Variations

For a gluten-free version, make sure all your ingredients are certified gluten-free, especially any flavoring additives. The panna cotta recipe itself is naturally gluten-free, so no much change is needed there. To make it vegan, you'll need to get a bit creative: replace the cream with a thick coconut cream or a mix of almond milk and coconut milk. Swap the gelatin with agar-agar, using the proportion guidelines on the package. Finally, replace the sugar with a vegan alternative such as organic cane sugar or maple syrup. With these simple swaps, everyone can enjoy a creamy, blissful dessert without worries.

Faq

What if I don't have a blender?
You can also use a food processor or hand mixer to puree the apricots until smooth.
Can I use frozen apricots?
Yes, just make sure to thaw them completely and drain excess liquid before use.
How do I avoid lumps in my panna cotta?
Straining the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve ensures a smooth and silky texture.
Can I prepare this dessert ahead of time?
Absolutely, you can prepare panna cotta up to 2 days in advance and keep it refrigerated until serving.
What if my panna cotta doesn't set properly?
Ensure you’ve used the correct amount of gelatin and let it properly bloom before adding to the cream mixture.
Can I add other fruits to this recipe?
Certainly! Raspberries, peaches, or even a mix of berries would complement the flavors wonderfully.