Panna Cotta is one of my daughter’s favourite desserts. She loves it plain with just a bit of vanilla flavour, but I prefer some fruits with it to cut down the richness. Valentine’s Day is coming up, so I made this panna cotta with strawberry sauce on top. It’s easy, tasty and perfect for the occasion ! The best thing for me is, my daughter and I can both enjoy it, with or without the sauce ! You can also use other fruits like mango, passion fruits, coconut or other berries. Happy Valentine’s Day ! Hope we all get to spend some time with our loved ones !  

Makes about 6 servings

For the panna cotta

• 350 mL whipping cream
• 150 mL milk (at least 2%)
• 45 g granulated sugar
• 5 mL pure vanilla extract
• 6 g gelatin sheet or 1 envelope of gelatin powder

For the strawberry sauce

• 360 g fresh strawberries (washed, hulled and cut into small pieces)
• 90 g granulated sugar (adjust if needed)
• 15 mL fresh lemon juice

1. To make the panna cotta, bloom gelatin sheet in cold water until soft (alternatively, you can sprinkle gelatin powder over about 50 mL of milk)
2. In a non-stick pan, heat whipping cream, milk and sugar over medium heat
3. Turn heat off when liquid starts to bubble, add vanilla
4. Gently squeeze out excess water from softened gelatin sheets and add into pot (or add the milk gelatin mixture if using powder), stir until all dissolved
5. Pour into desired containers, cool then refrigerate until set, about 3-4 hours (To avoid a skin from forming, you can use a plastic wrap, pressing gently on top of the panna cotta when setting)     
6. To prepare the sauce, heat strawberries, sugar and lemon juice in a non-stick pot over medium heat
7. Turn heat down to low when liquid starts to bubble
8. Cook until thickened, let cool and puree
9. When ready to serve, spoon strawberries sauce over panna cotta, decorate with finely chopped chocolate if desired