Honey Lavender Panna Cotta (Printable Version)

Silky Italian treat scented with honey and lavender, topped with berries and edible flowers for a fragrant finish.

# What You'll Need:

→ 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, such as blueberries or raspberries
09 - Edible flowers or additional lavender buds

# How to Prepare:

01 - In a small saucepan, combine heavy cream, whole milk, and lavender buds. Warm gently over medium heat until the liquid is just steaming, taking care not to let it boil. Remove from heat, cover, and allow to steep for 10 minutes.
02 - Sprinkle gelatin over cold water in a mixing bowl. Allow to stand for 5 minutes, enabling full hydration.
03 - Strain the steeped dairy through a fine mesh sieve to eliminate lavender buds. Transfer liquid back to the saucepan, add honey and vanilla extract, and gently reheat just until honey is fully dissolved and mixture is hot. Avoid boiling.
04 - Remove the saucepan from heat. Add the bloomed gelatin and whisk until completely dissolved and uniform.
05 - Pour the finished mixture evenly into six ramekins or small glasses. Allow to cool to room temperature, cover, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until fully set.
06 - Unmold onto plates if desired, or serve directly in the glassware. Drizzle with additional honey and garnish with fresh berries and edible flowers.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It’s your excuse to fill the kitchen with a beautiful floral aroma that hints at something special.
  • The dessert feels impressively restaurant-quality but doesn’t require fancy skills.
02 -
  • Once, I let the lavender steep too long and ended up with a dessert that tasted like perfume—less is more.
  • Letting the gelatin fully dissolve matters; undissolved bits will ruin that elegant wobble.
03 -
  • Steep the lavender with the lid on and taste as you go—it’s easy to overdo the floral, especially with potent buds.
  • A warm spoon dipped in hot water helps unmold delicate panna cotta without tearing.
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