Egg-shaped panna cotta

The dessert with panna cotta and white chocolate is a delicacy that delights not only with its elegant appearance but also with the perfect blend of flavors. The fine and velvety panna cotta, filled with a tangy orange jelly, is wrapped in a crispy layer of white chocolate. This recipe is ideal for special occasions or simply for indulging yourself. Let's discover together how to prepare this refined dessert!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 0 minutes
Cooling time: 6-8 hours (ideally overnight)
Number of servings: 6

Ingredients:

For the white chocolate hemispheres:
- 100 g white chocolate (we recommend Nestlé for a fine texture and delicious taste)

For the orange jelly:
- Juice from 2 fresh oranges
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- 1 sheet of gelatin (or 1.5 g gelatin granules)

For the panna cotta:
- 250 ml milk
- 250 ml liquid cream
- 1 teaspoon orange blossom water
- 4 tablespoons of sugar
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- 3 sheets of gelatin (or 4.5 g gelatin granules)

Brief history

Panna cotta is a classic Italian dessert, meaning "cooked cream". Its origins are said to date back to northern Italy, where it was made with fresh cream and sweetened with sugar. Over the years, it has evolved and been adapted into various versions, but its essence remains the same: a fine, creamy dessert that melts in your mouth. The combination with white chocolate and orange jelly adds a touch of innovation, transforming this dessert into an explosion of flavors.

Step-by-step instructions

Step 1: Preparing the white chocolate hemispheres

1. Melting the chocolate:
- Break the white chocolate into small pieces and melt it in a bain-marie or in the microwave. If you choose the microwave, set it to 900W and check after 1 minute and 20 seconds. Stir well until you obtain a uniform mixture.

2. Forming the hemispheres:
- Use a silicone brush to apply an even layer of melted chocolate on the inside of the silicone molds. Make sure the layer is well distributed to achieve a crispy crust.

3. Cooling:
- Place the molds in the refrigerator for 2 hours, until they set well. After they have set, carefully remove them and keep them in the refrigerator.

Step 2: Preparing the orange jelly

1. Soaking the gelatin:
- Place the sheet of gelatin in a bowl of cold water and let it soak for 15-20 minutes.

2. Boiling the juice:
- Squeeze the orange juice and put it in a saucepan along with the sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil.

3. Adding the gelatin:
- When the juice starts to boil, remove it from the heat and add the soaked gelatin. Stir well to ensure the gelatin is completely dissolved.

4. Cooling:
- Let the mixture cool, stirring occasionally, then pour it into the silicone molds for candies. Place them in the refrigerator for a few hours until they set.

Step 3: Preparing the panna cotta

1. Soaking the gelatin:
- Repeat the gelatin soaking process, using 3 sheets.

2. Boiling the ingredients:
- In a saucepan, combine the milk, liquid cream, sugar, orange blossom water, and vanilla sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly.

3. Adding the gelatin:
- When the mixture starts to boil, remove it from the heat and add the soaked gelatin. Stir until the gelatin is completely dissolved.

4. Cooling:
- Let the mixture cool, stirring occasionally, then fill the chocolate hemispheres with panna cotta. Chill them for 4-5 hours, but ideally leave them overnight.

Step 4: Assembling and serving

1. Assembling the dessert:
- On a serving plate, place the chocolate hemisphere. Carefully invert the panna cotta and place it inside the chocolate hemisphere.

2. Adding the jelly:
- Use a teaspoon to remove the orange jelly and place it in the center of the panna cotta.

3. Serving:
- The dessert is ready to be served! Make sure it is well chilled before presenting it to your guests.

Practical tips

- Choose quality ingredients: The quality of the white chocolate and liquid cream significantly influences the final taste. Opt for products with a high cocoa content and fresh cream.

- Silicone molds: Using silicone molds is essential to achieve perfect hemispheres. They release easily without risking damaging the dessert.

- Variations: You can experiment with different flavors for the panna cotta by adding vanilla extract, coffee, or even spices like cardamom. You can also replace the orange juice with other fruit juices, such as mango or pineapple.

Frequently asked questions

1. How long can this dessert be stored?
- Panna cotta is best served fresh, but it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

2. Can I use vegetable gelatin?
- Yes, you can use agar-agar as an alternative to animal gelatin. Check the usage instructions, as it requires a different preparation process.

3. What other desserts can I try?
- If you like panna cotta, we recommend trying chocolate mousse or tiramisu for another delicious experience.

Nutritional benefits

Panna cotta, despite being a dessert, can offer some nutritional benefits. Milk and cream provide calcium and protein, while orange juice is rich in vitamin C. However, it is advisable to consume this dessert in moderation, given its sugar and fat content.

Now that you know all the necessary details, I encourage you to try this delicious recipe for panna cotta with white chocolate and orange jelly. It will bring you not only culinary satisfaction but also the admiration of your loved ones! Enjoy!