Honeyed Panna Cotta With Dried Figs And Sauternes Recipes

PANNA COTTA WITH HONEY

Steps:

• Place the cream, vanilla bean, and sugar in a saucepan and bring to a simmer. Remove from the heat.
• Remove the vanilla bean and split lengthwise. Scrape the vanilla beans into the cream.
• Squeeze the gelatin leaves to remove any excess water, then add them to the pan, stirring constantly about 30 seconds, or until the gelatin is melted.
• Drizzle about 2 teaspoons honey into the bottom of 6 (4-ounce) molds. Ladle the cream mixture into each. Refrigerate for several hours, until thoroughly chilled.
• To remove from the mold: Dip the bottom of the mold into a pot of hot water to loosen the panna cotta. Slide a knife around the edge, then carefully turn over onto a serving plate. Drizzle with the remaining honey and garnish with hazelnuts, if desired.

HONEYED PANNA COTTA WITH DRIED FIGS AND SAUTERNES

Steps:

• Place milk in heavy small saucepan. Sprinkle gelatin over. Let stand 5 minutes to soften. Stir over medium heat until gelatin dissolves, about 5 minutes (do not boil). Add cream, 3 tablespoons sugar, honey and salt and stir until sugar dissolves, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat. Whisk in vanilla. Cool slightly. Strain into 8 wineglasses. Refrigerate until set, at least 5 hours. (Can be made 2 days ahead. Cover and keep refrigerated.)
• Combine Sauternes, figs and 1 tablespoon sugar in heavy medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Boil until mixture is reduced to 3/4 cup, stirring occasionally, about 15 minutes. Remove from heat. Cool completely. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate.)
• Spoon some figs and cooking liquid atop each panna cotta and serve.
• *A California dessert wine made with Orange Muscat grapes; available at liquor stores and some supermarkets.