Thursday, June 28, 2007

Vanilla Panacotta with Quebec Strawberries


They're here! The markets are full of these red jewels and they are small, sweet and affordable. I don't know about you, but I prefer it when my strawberries actually taste like strawberries, which they don't throughout the winter months. These are so tasty, they don't need much dressing up.
I don't think I'll make it berry picking this summer, I'm too busy planning for a trip out west. Yes, UtHC is traveling to beautiful British Columbia for three weeks in July! I hope you all will join us as it is sure to be an adventure.


Sometimes the simplest desserts compliment our Quebec strawberries the best. Here the berries are enjoyed with a plain vanilla panacotta which allows the strawberries to be the main feature of the dish.


Vanilla Panacotta

1 Liter 15% cream
150g sugar
7 gelatin leaves (2 grams each)
1 vanilla bean

  • In a heavy bottomed pot, heat cream, sugar and vanilla bean gently over medium heat until simmering. Remove from heat and let infuse for about ten minutes. Scrape vanilla seeds from pod and stir into cream mixture. Remove vanilla bean and return pot to heat. Gently bring up to a simmer again.
  • In a bowl of cold water, dissolve gelatin sheets. Squeeze out excess water and whisk into hot cream mixture. Whisk well to dissolve gelatin.
  • Pour mixture into a bowl and place in fridge to cool. (If you are using vanilla extract, you can pour the mixture right into the prepared dishes) Chill mixture in fridge until it is slightly thickened and can support the vanilla seeds. You want to have them dispersed throughout the panacotta, not gathered at the bottom of the glass!
  • Prepare 6 serving bowls, ramekins, molds, glasses, or whatever you desire to hold the panacotta. In the photo I used plastic cone-shaped molds, but I also like to serve it in martini glasses.
  • Scoop the runny panacotta mixture into the glasses and chill until set. Serve with fruit coulis and sliced fruit.
  • 9 comments:

    Sandy said...

    I am always amazed at the beauty of your food Aimee! I am taking the boys strawberry picking this weekend and have found some inspiration here. Happy Canada Day and enjoy the long weekend with your family!

    April said...

    Yum, looks great! Quebec does have lovely strawberries. Have a great trip!

    Amanda at Little Foodies said...

    Hi Aimee. How beautiful. I've never seen panacotta served in that shape, it looks great!

    Aimée said...

    Thanks Sandy! Have fun berry picking and happy Canada Day to you, too!

    Hi April! Thanks for dropping by.

    Hi Amanda- Thanks! The top of the panacotta jiggles and bows when you bring it to the table and that part is usually a hit.

    Mandy said...

    Looks fantastic Aimee. My fridge hasn't been without delicious, ripe strawberries since the 'good' berries have arrived and I eat them every day! Your presentation is beautiful with the pointy panacotta. Lovely.

    Nora B. said...

    Aimée, that is beautiful! And have a wonderful trip. I worked in BC for 2 months a few years ago and I loved it very much - it has the best of the sea and the mountains. I was there in winter, so I can't imagine what summer would be like there.

    Patricia Scarpin said...

    This is so fancy, Aimée!
    Beautiful.

    Aimée said...

    Hello "Aunt" Mandy! :) Glad you are enjoying the best of the season as well. How about that new niece of yours, eh?

    Hey Nora! Well, you'll have to come back in the summer-it is great.

    Hi Patricia! Thanks so much!

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