- Pure dark chocolate chips for garnish (optional)
- Fresh berries for garnish (optional)
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Steps
## Chocolate and Cardamom Panna Cotta: A Seductive Dessert Recipe
**Ingredients:**
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon unflavored gelatin (2 envelopes)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom seeds
- 8 ounces high-quality dark chocolate, chopped
**Equipment:**
- 6 ramekins or small glasses
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Blender (optional)
- Refrigerator
### Step-by-Step Guide:
1. **Prepare the Gelatin:**
- In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over 2 tablespoons of cold water to soften it. Let it sit for about 5 minutes or until it becomes translucent.
2. **Combine Milk and Cream:**
- Place the heavy cream and milk in a medium saucepan. Add the sugar and heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar has dissolved completely.
3. **Infuse with Cardamom:**
- Once the mixture is warm but not boiling, add the ground cardamom seeds and stir well to combine.
4. **Add Gelatin:**
- Sprinkle the softened gelatin into the mixture and whisk it in thoroughly until fully dissolved. If you prefer a smoother texture, blend the mixture briefly using a hand blender or transfer to a blender.
5. **Cool Mixture:**
- Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly but ensure it doesn’t cool completely. You want it to be warm enough to easily pour into the ramekins.
6. **Melt Chocolate:**
- While the milk mixture is cooling, melt the chopped chocolate in a microwave or double boiler. Ensure it’s smooth and well combined before proceeding.
7. **Combine Ingredients:**
- Gently stir the melted chocolate into the cooled milk mixture until fully incorporated.
8. **Pour Mixture:**
- Pour the mixture evenly into each ramekin, filling them about 3/4 full to allow for expansion during setting.
9. **Set Panna Cotta:**
- Place a baking tray filled with hot water on the bottom rack of your oven and carefully place the ramekins in an upper rack. Cover with aluminum foil or a lid.
10. **Bain Marie Method:**
- Bake for 35-45 minutes, ensuring that the water in the baking tray stays at a simmer to create a bain-marie (water bath). This will gently cook and set the panna cotta without overcooking.
11. **Cool and Refrigerate:**
- Turn off the oven but leave the ramekins inside with the hot water until they have cooled sufficiently, about 20-30 minutes.
12. **Chill Fully:**
- Once cool, refrigerate the panna cotta for at least 4 hours or overnight to fully set.
13. **Serve:**
- Just before serving, run a small knife around each ramekin to loosen the edges. Invert onto a plate and garnish with fresh berries or a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant touch.
### Tips:
- For a stronger cardamom flavor, use more seeds.
- Use high-quality chocolate to enhance the dessert's richness.
- Ensure the gelatin is fully hydrated before using to avoid lumps.
Enjoy your creamy, flavorful chocolate and cardamom panna cotta as a delightful after-dinner treat! Perfect for holiday gatherings or any special occasion where you want to impress with sophisticated desserts.