By Anna Valmero
Inquirer.net

MAKATI CITY, Philippines — Want a dessert that’s both yummy, easy-to-make and something you can prepare days ahead of the party? Then, the Italian dessert panna cotta is for you.

Literally meaning “cooked cream,” the panna cotta is made by simmering cream, milk, sugar and adding gelatin to the mix. This makes for its simple, light consistency. It is topped with chocolate, caramel and fruit with syrup, whichever you prefer.

In this video, chef Paul Samson of the American Hospitality Academy - Philippines, teaches us how to prepare the Italian dessert.

For the panna cotta mixture, you will need: 150 grams of milk, 150 grams of cream, 62 grams of sugar, one and one-eighth (1 1/8) teaspoon of gelatin powder and one-half teaspoon vanilla extract.

Ingredients for the caramel sauce are: 125 grams of sugar, 30 grams of water, 2 ml lemon juice, 95 ml of cream and 62 ml of milk.

To make the panna cotta, follow these steps:
1. Scald milk, cream and sugar.
2. Bloom gelatin with cold water.
3. Add bloomed gelatin to scalded milk.
4. Pour panna cotta mixture in a small ramekin or container.
5. Chill overnight.

To make the caramel sauce, do:
1. Combine sugar, water and lemon juice on a pan and heat it over very low fire.
2. Wait until sugar is dissolved and becomes golden brown/caramel in color.
3. Remove the mixture off the heat, add cream and milk.

On the day of the party, remove panna cotta from ramekin and put it on a small plate. Put caramel sauce on the side. If you want, you can also add fruit salad on top and on the side of the panna cotta.

So what are you waiting for? Get started!