Buttermilk Panna Cotta with Apricot and Candied Fennel Recipe

Name: Buttermilk Panna Cotta with Apricot and Candied Fennel
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 envelope unflavored powdered gelatin (about 2 1/2 teaspoons); 2 3/4 cups heavy cream, divided; 2/3 cup plus 3 tablespoons sugar; 3 cups buttermilk; 3/4 cup dried apricots, preferably Californian, finely chopped; 1 tablespoon fennel seeds

Ingredients

1 envelope unflavored powdered gelatin (about 2 1/2 teaspoons)
2 3/4 cups heavy cream, divided
2/3 cup plus 3 tablespoons sugar
3 cups buttermilk
3/4 cup dried apricots, preferably Californian, finely chopped
1 tablespoon fennel seeds

	PREP TIME 10m	COOK TIME 20m	TOTAL TIME 30m
YIELD 8 servings

Instructions

Place 1/4 cup cold water in a small bowl. Sprinkle gelatin over; let stand 10 minutes.
Heat 1/2 cup cream in a medium saucepan over medium heat until very warm (it will deactivate the gelatin if it gets too hot). Remove from heat, add gelatin and 2/3 cup sugar, and whisk until they are completely dissolved.
Gradually stir in remaining 2 1/4 cups cream, then buttermilk. Divide among eight small bowls or 6-ounce ramekins and chill until set, at least 4 hours.
Meanwhile, bring apricots, 2 tablespoons sugar, and 1 cup water to a boil in a small saucepan, reduce heat, and simmer, stirring occasionally, until thickened and jam-like, 20–25 minutes. Let compote cool completely.
Bring remaining 1 tablespoon sugar and 2 tablespoons water to a boil in a small saucepan over medium-high heat and cook, swirling often, until thick and syrupy (do not let it take on any color), about 4 minutes.
Add fennel seeds and reduce heat to medium.
Cook, stirring constantly, until sugar starts to become dry and crystallized, about 2 minutes.
Remove from heat and stir until sugar is completely dry and crystallized, about 1 minute longer.
Transfer seeds to a small bowl; set aside.
Serve panna cotta topped with compote and candied fennel seeds.
DO AHEAD: Panna cotta can be made 3 days ahead; cover and keep chilled.
Compote can be made 1 week ahead; cover and chill.