Vanilla Panna Cotta Recipe

An Italian dessert that’s rich and indulgent and yet not too much effort to make – why not try this mouth-watering vanilla panna cotta next time you entertain? The perfect dinner party dessert, it can be made ahead and served up when you’re ready for your sweet course.

Ingredients

• 600ml double cream
• 50ml milk
• 50g caster sugar
• 1 vanilla pod
• 1 strip lemon rind
• 2 leaves gelatine
• splash rum

Method

1. To make the panna cotta, gently heat the cream, milk, caster sugar, vanilla pod and lemon rind. 
2. Remove from the heat and infuse for 20 minutes. Split the vanilla pod in half, scrape out the seeds and add to the cream. 
3. Remove the lemon rind. Soak the gelatine in cold water for 5 minutes, then squeeze out the excess water and stir into the warm cream until it dissolves. 
4. Stir in the rum and cool a little, then pour into the glasses. Chill for at least 5 hours or until set.
5. Make sure the panna cotta has set before you decorate it and serve.