Lemon Panna Cotta w/Blueberry Sauce

It's just jello & cream... don't let it scare ya!

It’s just jello & cream… don’t let it scare ya!

This was an experiment to see if you could streamline the ingredients of the famous Italian dessert known as a Panna Cotta. It usually has one part HEAVY CREAM and one part WHOLE MILK. I switched to just Half & Half (which you may have around for coffee anyway). Real vanilla bean is divine, but we opted for REAL flavoring (& don’t skimp to imitation). This dessert has 3/4 cups of sugar in all the custard and sauce combined- so each serving is not that bad and you’ll find it just sweet enough, but not overly so. 

Now, lets talk MILK and LEMON. Funny story. When I was in college and waiting tables at Swensen’s (remember those in Greenville, SC?) They were a grill that also made homemade ice cream and I worked and managed there for many years. It’s actually headquartered in Ontario, Canada. Great restaurant! (and I later found a husband who was based out of Ontario, Canada too, Hahaaa.) But I have jumped the track, back to the story… when we served hot tea it was accompanied by all possible condiments: sugar, cream and lemon. When returning to the table the check on my customers, the lady said, “your cream is curdled.” I apologized and removed it as I walked, puzzled away. I knew we were good at FIFO (first in, first out) & food safety/quality. I promptly handed her a new cup of tea accompanied by an extra apology and more cream. She calls me over again, just seconds later… “this cream is spoiled too!” Now, in my memory, we went back and forth like the movie “Groundhog Day” but in reality I think it only happened about 3 times. Finally, I asked her how she was preparing her tea, “with sugar, cream and lemon” she said. Ah-Ha… there’s your sign. I explained (nice & gingerly as though it “could be”) that the lemon was curdling the half & half.

That’s where this recipe is going to scare you. When you add the lemon infused gelatin and get a small curdle start. Some pana cotta recipes have creme fraiche -so I was thinking, any thickness from the whisked in curdles only adds to the consistency. (and they do whisk smooth) It all worked out.

So while every chef out there thinks “panna cotta” is the over used dessert to impress with… I say, impress your family. Chances are you’re not fixing them as frequently.

I hope you enjoy this lasted writing… I am posting it as I enjoy a nice cup of hot tea w/ Lemon and honey -no cream :)

~kimberly kelly

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About kimberly kelly

I have been in media my whole life, a decade of Morning Radio Shows & a decade of Hosting Television Shows both cable & affiliate. Food is a passion & after sharing this BLOG with viewers... it kinda' grew a life of it's own. Nothing fancy t's just me - sharing what generation(s) in my family & friends & those in travels along the way shared. Food is an expression of ones self and a humble offering to loved ones. One of the best expressions of love. You get "One Trip"... skimp on the material things in life, food is your lifeline though -never skimp on your food! Food can be a positive affect on your health, but also the power to make one feel love. I hope I can show you some of both. Growing & cooking outdoors, is a reminder where our food should come... the ground & not just a shelf.
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5 Responses to Lemon Panna Cotta w/Blueberry Sauce

  1. Ralph macrina says:

    Nicely Done Kimberly !!!……the Amaretto with the Blueberries, what an awesome flavor profile ! To those who think panna cotta is cliche….hardly. Most often it is the simplest of recipes which are the most difficult to perfect.

    I’m in a kitchen 60+ hours a week and I love coming home to watch these cooking spots you do. (my daughter loves it when your pet “Black Bear” gets in the picture) You cook the way cooking was meant to be, with Passion, Fun & Flavor for those you love ! Keep up the Great work !

    • kimb3825 says:

      well now… coming from you, that meant even more! Thank you so much, not only for the kind words but the ones of encouragement. I really do LOVE doing them… I guess, because it’s NOT work, hahaa

      • Johana says:

        so sorry about the meringues. they look beaifutul though. :) i remember the panna cotta and thought it looked awesome. last year this time, I probably would have made it! but unfortunately i’ve developed a dairy allergy since then, so i have to avert my eyes whenever i see things like heavy cream. :( i hope someone will enjoy it for me on my behalf.

  2. kimb3825 says:

    tell your daughter…I’ll make sure Aengus the bear is in the next one!

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