The Art of Having Fun

Sips & Snacks: Citrus Panna Cotta

byTeam GM

7 years ago

If you’re itching to be swept away to Lake Como just like we are, then you’ve come to the right place! We may not be lounging on the banks of those pristine blue waters per se, but this dessert is taking us back in our minds, and that’s good enough for now. Since the release of new images from Lake Como, we’ve fallen in love with the region, and we thought enjoying a bite of Italian panna cotta would be the perfect way to spend our last few weeks of summer. All in favor?

This citrus panna cotta recipe is the perfect combination of light and sweet—just the way we like it. And we hope you’ll love it, too! Keep scrolling for the recipe and make sure to whip up a few of these individual desserts for your next summertime soirée… Let’s just say with these sweet treats in hand and a cocktail or two, you’ll have an unforgettable summer menu and a night worth celebrating. But no matter the occasion, this panna cotta recipe will have you swept away to Italy in no time. Do we have you convinced yet? Keep scrolling for the recipe, and let this sweet Italian treat speak for itself…

Citrus Panna Cotta Inspired by Lake Como - GRAY MALIN

Citrus Panna Cotta Inspired by Lake Como - GRAY MALIN

What You’ll Need:

  • Small trifle bowls or ramekins
  • Crème fraiche or whipped cream
  • 11 tablespoons 2% reduced-fat milk, divided
  • ½ cup half-and-half
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 ¾ teaspoons unflavored gelatin
  • 1 ½ cups reduced-fat buttermilk
  • 1 orange
  • 1 Meyer or regular lemon
  • 1 mandarin orange (for garnish)
  • Mint leaves (for garnish)

Citrus Panna Cotta Inspired by Lake Como - GRAY MALIN

Citrus Panna Cotta Inspired by Lake Como - GRAY MALIN

Directions:

  1. Start by taking a vegetable peeler, and slicing strips of fruit rind from the outside of your lemon and orange. Make sure to avoid getting the white substance (the pith) underneath the surface.

  2. In a small saucepan on the stove (over medium heat), add ½ cup milk, your half-and-half, sugar, and salt, and place your lemon and orange rinds into the mixture.

  3. Bring the mixture to a simmer, and stir occasionally for 4 to 5 minutes, or until your sugar and salt has dissolved. Then, remove from heat and let the mixture stand for about 20 minutes.

  4. In the meantime, add gelatin to ¼ cup milk in a small bowl. Mix until evenly combined, and set aside for 5-10 minutes. Note : The ingredients may be lumpy, so don’t worry about mixing until smooth.

Citrus Panna Cotta Inspired by Lake Como - GRAY MALIN

  1. Return your saucepan to the stove, and heat again for about 1 minute. Carefully add the gelatin mixture to the pan, and whisk for a minute or two until combined.

  2. Then, add buttermilk to the mixture, along with 2 tablespoons of fresh squeezed lemon juice, and 2 tablespoons of fresh squeezed orange juice.

  3. Carefully scoop out lemon and orange rinds from the mixture, and discard.

  4. Once all ingredients are combined and dissolved on the stove, pour mixture into 4-6 individual dessert cups. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours.

  5. After panna cotta has set and chilled, top with whipped cream, mandarin orange slices, mint leaves, and leftover lemon rind as garnish. Serve and enjoy!

Citrus Panna Cotta Inspired by Lake Como - GRAY MALIN

There you have it! Do you think you’ll try this Italian-inspired treat at home?

It was even more delicious than we anticipated, and perfectly refreshing for summer. This is definitely a dessert that will be making an appearance on our menus this season…

If you need something extra to take you away to Italy while you whip these up, don’t forget to take a peek at our collection of images from Lake Como right here.

Xx Team GM

Photos: Jessi Burrone for GrayMalin.com