240 ml (1 cup) whipping cream 240 ml (1 cup) milk 50 grams (1/4 cup) sugar 2 grams (1 tsp) agar-agar (or 3 sheets gelatin, 6 to 7 grams; see note) 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract For the strawberry coulis: 250 grams (9 ounces) fresh strawberries, stemmed and quartered 1/3 50 grams (1/4 cup) sugar Optional, for decoration: 12 small fresh strawberries four butter cookies (such as Petits Beurres)
Instructions
1. Combine all the pannacotta ingredients (if using
gelatin, see instructions below) in a medium saucepan and bring to a simmer, stirring from time to time, without letting the mixture boil. Let cool for 5 minutes. 2. Rinse 4 half-cup ramequins or bowls quickly under cold water, and do not dry (this will help unmold them if you choose to). Divide the panna cotta mixture evenly among them. Refrigerate until set, at least 3 hours or overnight. 3. To make the strawberry coulis, combine the strawberries a small saucepan with the sugar and two tablespoons of water. Bring to a simmer and remove from the heat immediately. Using a blender or food processor, process until smooth. Cover, let cool to room temperature, and refrigerate until ready to serve. 4. Serve the panna cotta in their ramequins topped with a layer of coulis, or unmold carefully onto plates and drizzle with the coulis. Decorate each plate with three whole strawberries and a butter cookie.
Notes
If you are using gelatin instead of agar-agar, do not
combine the gelatin with the rest of the ingredients. Instead, soak the sheets in a bowl of cold water while you bring the other ingredients to a simmer, then squeeze with your hands to drain (they will be soft), and whisk into the (hot but not boiling) panna cotta mixture to dissolve completely before pouring into the ramekins.)