Cherry Topped Almond Panna Cotta Recipes

CHERRY-TOPPED ALMOND PANNA COTTA

Steps:

• Pour 1/4 cup milk into small microwave-safe bowl. Sprinkle gelatin over; stir to blend. Let stand 5 minutes to soften gelatin.
• Heat cream, 5 tablespoons sugar, and remaining 3/4 cup milk in small saucepan over medium heat just until bubbles begin to form around edge of pan, stirring to dissolve sugar. Stir in almond extract and vanilla extract.
• Heat gelatin mixture in microwave on low power until gelatin dissolves, stirring every 15 seconds, about 45 seconds. Stir gelatin mixture into warm milk mixture. Let stand 20 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes. Divide mixture among eight 3/4-cup glasses or compote dishes. Cover each with plastic; chill until set, about 4 hours. DO AHEAD: Can be made 2 days ahead. Keep chilled.
• Stir almonds and 1 tablespoon sugar in small nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until nuts are toasted and sugar melts and coats nuts, stirring constantly, about 2 minutes. Transfer candied almonds to plate to cool, stirring occasionally.
• Place cherries, almond liqueur (if using), and remaining 4 tablespoons sugar in medium bowl; toss to coat. Let stand until sugar dissolves and juices form, stirring occasionally, about 20 minutes. Divide cherries with juices among glasses. Sprinkle candied almonds over and serve.

ALMOND PANNA COTTA WITH CHERRY COMPOTE

Steps:

• For the panna cotta: In a mixing bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over 1/2 cup of the almond milk. Allow the gelatin to soften, about 10 minutes. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan over medium heat, combine the remaining almond milk, heavy cream, blanched almonds and sugar. Whisk the mixture to dissolve the sugar while bringing it to a simmer. Remove from the heat, cover with a lid and allow to steep for 15 minutes. Strain out the almonds and return the mixture to the saucepan. Return the saucepan to the stove and bring to a simmer. Whisk in the gelatin mixture, remove from the heat and divide among six 6-ounce ramekins. Refrigerate until set, at least 5 hours.
• For the cherry compote: While the panna cotta sets, combine the cherries, cherry preserves, sugar, balsamic vinegar and 1/2 cup water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat, and then reduce to medium-high heat and continue to boil until the mixture becomes syrupy, about 18 minutes. Remove from the heat and cool (it will continue to thicken as it cools). Cover and chill until ready to serve. If desired, unmold the panna cotta. Serve with the cherry compote either on top or alongside.