OLIVE OIL AND ORANGE PANNA COTTA

This elegant and creamy panna cotta, infused with olive oil and zesty orange, is a perfect way to bring a refreshing and sophisticated finish to your Christmas dinner.

Makes: 6-8 servings | Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients for Panna Cotta:

• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 1 1/2 cups whole milk
• 1/4 cup La Panza Olive Oil
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• Zest of 1 orange
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 tsp powdered gelatin
• 3 tbsp water

For the Orange Syrup (optional):

• 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp orange zest

Instructions:

Prepare the panna cotta:

1. In a saucepan, combine the cream, milk, olive oil, sugar, and orange zest. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is hot but not boiling. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
2. In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over the water and let it bloom for 5 minutes. After it has softened, add it to the hot cream mixture, stirring until the gelatin has dissolved completely.
3. Pour the mixture into individual serving glasses or ramekins. Let it cool slightly, then cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until set.

Make the orange syrup (optional):

1. In a small saucepan, combine the orange juice, honey, and orange zest. Simmer over low heat for 5-7 minutes until it thickens slightly. Let it cool.

Serve:

1. Once the panna cotta has set, drizzle with the optional orange syrup or serve plain with fresh orange segments or berries for extra holiday flair.