Strawberry Panna Cotta with Strawberry Compote
(Panna Cotta alla Fragola con Composta di Fragole)
Ingredients:
For the Panna Cotta:
3 cups sliced strawberries (1 lb)
1 and 3/4 cups well-shaken low-fat buttermilk
6 tablespoons sugar
2 and 1/2 teaspoons unflavored gelatin, from less than 2 (1/4-oz) envelopes
1/4 cup whole milk
1/4 cup heavy cream
For the Compote:
2 and 1/2 cups strawberries (preferably small; 3/4 lb), trimmed
1/4 cup fresh orange juice
2 teaspoons superfine granulated sugar
Special equipment: 6 (6-oz) stainless-steel or ceramic molds
Directions:
Prepare the Panna Cotta:
Blend strawberries, buttermilk, and sugar in a blender until very smooth, then pour through a very fine sieve into a medium bowl, pressing hard on solids.
Discard solids.
Sprinkle gelatin over milk in a small bowl and let stand 1 minute to soften.
Bring cream to a boil in a small saucepan.
Remove from heat and add gelatin mixture, stirring until dissolved.
Whisk cream mixture into strawberry puree and pour into molds.
Chill molds, covered, until firm, at least 8 hours.
To unmold, dip molds in a small bowl of hot water 2 or 3 seconds, then invert panna cottas onto dessert plates and remove molds.
Let stand at room temperature 20 minutes to soften slightly.
Prepare the Compote While Panna Cottas Stand:
Halve strawberries lengthwise if small or quarter if larger.
Whisk together orange juice and superfine sugar in a bowl until sugar is dissolved and add strawberries, tossing to coat.
Serve panna cottas with compote. Makes 6 servings.
Note: Panna cottas can be chilled in molds, covered, up to 2 days.