Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta

Ingredients

Cold water

1/4 cup

Unflavored gelatin

1 envelope (2 1/4 teaspoons)

Vanilla bean

1, split and scraped

Granulated sugar

1/2 cup

Heavy cream

2 cups

Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream and sugar. Scrape the seeds from the vanilla bean into the saucepan and add the split bean pod. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has fully dissolved and the mixture is warm (do not let it boil).
2. In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over the cold water and let it stand for 5 minutes to soften, forming a gel-like consistency.
3. Remove the cream mixture from the heat and stir in the softened gelatin until it has completely dissolved. Discard the vanilla bean pod at this point.
4. Pour the creamy mixture into four ramekins or dessert cups. Cover each with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until fully set.
5. To serve, run a knife around the edge of each panna cotta and carefully invert it onto a plate. Serve chilled, optionally garnished with fresh berries, a drizzle of chocolate sauce, or a sprinkle of crushed pistachios for added texture and flavor.