Honey Lavender Panna Cotta (Printable)

Creamy panna cotta infused with honey and lavender, an elegant Italian-inspired treat for any occasion.

# Ingredient List:

→ Dairy

01 - 2 cups heavy cream
02 - 1 cup whole milk

→ Sweeteners & Flavorings

03 - 1/4 cup honey, plus extra for drizzling
04 - 1 1/2 teaspoons dried culinary lavender buds
05 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

→ Gelatin

06 - 2 1/4 teaspoons unflavored powdered gelatin
07 - 3 tablespoons cold water

→ Garnish

08 - Fresh berries
09 - Edible flowers
10 - Additional lavender buds

# How-To Steps:

01 - Combine heavy cream, whole milk, and lavender buds in a small saucepan. Warm gently over medium heat until just steaming, but avoid bringing it to a boil. Remove from heat, cover, and allow to steep for 10 minutes.
02 - In a separate bowl, sprinkle unflavored powdered gelatin over cold water. Allow it to sit for 5 minutes to bloom.
03 - Strain the steeped cream mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove lavender buds. Return the liquid to the saucepan, add honey and vanilla extract, and gently heat until the honey is completely dissolved and the mixture is hot but not boiling.
04 - Remove the mixture from heat and add the bloomed gelatin. Whisk thoroughly until the gelatin is fully dissolved.
05 - Pour the mixture evenly into six ramekins or small glasses. Let cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, until fully set.
06 - To serve, optionally unmold onto plates or present in glasses. Drizzle with additional honey and garnish with fresh berries and edible flowers as desired.

# Expert Hints:

01 -
  • There's a hidden elegance to this panna cotta, but it takes less effort than you'd expect.
  • The subtle fragrance from lavender always makes guests pause and ask for the secret.
02 -
  • I once over-steeped the lavender, and the panna cotta ended up tasting sharp – ten minutes is ideal unless you want more intensity.
  • The moment I learned to dissolve the gelatin fully, the texture became perfectly smooth without unexpected lumps.
03 -
  • If unmolding, run a thin knife along the edge and briefly dip the ramekin base in warm water for easy release.
  • A tiny pinch of salt in the cream amplifies the floral and honey notes without making it salty.
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