In Australia and most of the world, this Sunday is Mother’s Day! Why not surprise Mum with a breakfast dessert of Honeyed Yoghurt Panna Cotta.
The literal meaning of Panna Cotta is “cream cooked”. This stray from the traditional Panna Cotta is light and refreshing because it uses yoghurt instead of cream. This is the easiest Panna Cotta recipe around.
Make it the night before then top with fruit and nuts for a very special breakfast treat, or decorate with flowers for a pretty evening dessert.
Cooking tips
Step 1
When measuring the gelatine, take care that the teaspoon is level or under rather than over, otherwise the Panna Cotta will set too well and end up almost rubbery.
Step 2
“Blooming” allows the gelatine granules to absorb water to the centre of the granule so that it can dissolve properly. If heat is applied before this happens the mixture ends up grainy.
Step 3
Here I use a low heat, continually stir, and test the mixture periodically between my figures until I can’t feel any granules. The mixture should not get too hot to the feel so this is a good way to also prevent the mixture from boiling.
Step 4
You can use glass serving dishes or even water glasses to pour the mixture into. I used 6 small dishes bought at Ikea. This allows room for a fruit and nut topping if served as a breakfast dish.
Step 5
I prepare this in the morning for a nighttime dessert or at night for a special breakfast. If you leave them any longer than 12 hours in the refrigerator, then covering will prevent them drying out.
Step 6
If I am using this Panna Cotta for dessert, I decorate with flowers. I have dianthus, marigolds, and geraniums growing in my garden for this very purpose. Here I have used dianthus and geranium petals. I wouldn’t use commercially grown flowers as I can’t be sure they haven’t been sprayed with insecticide.
For breakfast I will decorate with fresh or frozen fruit and chopped nuts. For a special breakfast I add flowers as well.
Shopping hints
Gelatine
For the best quality gelatine buy organic or at least make sure it is sourced from grass fed animals and free of sulphites. Sulphites are used as a preservative and some people are sensitive to them. I am – I develop an itchy rash that starts on my neck. According to the App “The Chemical Maze“, in others it can cause bloating, worsen asthma, destroy vitamin B1, cause lung and skin irritations, etc. If you want to read more about sulphite sensitivities you can start with this article on the Australian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy website.
I buy gelatine from the Changing Habits store in Australia, however simply google “buy organic gelatine” for your area.
You can also use the gelatine for Turmeric Latte Jellies or Chocolate Gummies
Yoghurt
Choose a good quality yoghurt that does not have thickeners or other additives.
Forget the low fat versions. We need the fat to utilise the vitamin A in the yoghurt as vitamin A is fat soluble.
