Desserts

Christmas Panna Cotta

Panna cotta it is one of the easiest and the most delicious desserts, usually prepared with double cream and white sugar but I love to make a less heavy and vegan friendly version of this Italian pudding.

Packed with festive spices and raisins it still makes a lighter alternative to heavy Christmas desserts and can be prepared up to 2 days in advance. I usually add 1 tbsp of potato starch to my vegan panna cotta to make the texture softer (and more delicious) and serve it with berries, which are loaded with antioxidants.

(serves 6)

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 cans coconut milk (800 ml)

• 3 tbsp coconut sugar (or any other type of sugar)

• 2 Dr. Oetker Vege-Gel Sachet (2 x6.5g)

• 2 tsp ground cinnamon

• ½ tsp nutmeg

• 60 g raisins

• 1 tbsp potato starch

• The zest of 1 small orange

• 30 g mixed berries (blackberries, raspberries and/or blueberries), to serve

METHOD:

• Pour 700 ml coconut milk and coconut sugar into a large pot and bring to the boil. Whisk in the gelatine, cinnamon, nutmeg, and raisins.

• Whisk 100 ml of coconut milk with 1tbsp of potato starch and add it to the rest of the ingredients.

• Boil and whisk continuously for another 2 minutes and add half of the orange zest.

• Grease 6 small serving bowls lightly (it will help to remove the panna cotta from the dish) and divide the mixture between them.

• Set aside to cool completely, cover with cling film and chill in the fridge for a minimum of 2 hours.

• To serve, dip the bowls into hot water to loosen each panna cotta and turn out on a serving plate. Decorate with fresh berries and the remaining orange zest.

• Optionally, you can serve your panna cottas in the bowls and top with fresh berries.