panna cotta with balsamic strawberries

This recipe for panna cotta is so easy to prepare and absolutely divine to share as the perfect ending to your Seduction Meal. I found this recipe in the July issue of Oprah Magazine (2006). The balsamic strawberries can be served over plain yogurt, cottage cheese, sweetened ricotta cheese or your favorite pastry cups.

Panna Cotta
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1 envelope (1/4 ounce) unflavored gelatin
2 cups buttermilk

Balsamic Strawberries
1 pint ripe strawberries, hulled and quartered or sliced
3 tbsp packed light brown sugar
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar

To make panna cotta: In a medium saucepan, combine heavy cream and
brown sugar. Cook over medium heat until hot. Meanwhile, in a small
bowl, sprinkle gelatin over 2 tablespoons cold water; let stand 3
minutes or until soft. Add gelatin to hot cream and stir until gelatin
dissolves. Remove pan from heat; stir in buttermilk until well blended.
Pour mixture into each of 6 dessert cups or bowls. Cover and
refrigerate at least 4 hours, or overnight.

To make balsamic strawberries: Combine strawberries,
brown sugar and vinegar in a bowl; toss to coat berries. Cover and
refrigerate at least 1 hour, or overnight. To serve, spoon strawberries
and juices over panna cotta.