Lavender Honey Panna Cotta with Berry Compote

Lavender Honey Panna Cotta with Berry Compote

This elegant plated dessert features a silky smooth panna cotta subtly infused with fragrant culinary lavender and sweetened with rich honey. It's perfectly complemented by a vibrant, sweet-tart mixed berry compote, offering a sophisticated balance of flavors and textures. The delicate floral notes of lavender provide a unique sensory experience, making this dish ideal for a refined tasting menu or as a show-stopping finish to a special meal. The visual appeal, with its contrasting colors and smooth finish, elevates it beyond a simple dessert to a true culinary creation designed for individual presentation.

Preparation time
25 min
Cooking time
10 min
Total time
35 min
Servings
4

Instructions

Panna Cotta

  1. 1In a small bowl, sprinkle gelatin over cold water and let it bloom for 5-10 minutes until softened.
  2. 2In a saucepan, combine heavy cream, lavender buds, and honey. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until hot but not boiling. Do not boil. Remove from heat just as small bubbles begin to form around the edges.
  3. 3Remove the saucepan from the heat, add the bloomed gelatin, and stir until completely dissolved. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes to further infuse the lavender flavor.
  4. 4Strain the cream mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the lavender buds. Discard the buds.
  5. 5Divide the strained panna cotta mixture evenly among four small ramekins or serving glasses. Cover lightly with plastic wrap.
  6. 6Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, until thoroughly set.

Berry Compote

  1. 1In a small saucepan, combine mixed berries, sugar, and lemon juice.
  2. 2Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the berries soften and release their juices, and the sauce thickens slightly (about 5-7 minutes).
  3. 3Remove from heat and let cool completely. The compote will thicken further as it cools.

Assembly

  1. 1To serve, carefully invert each panna cotta onto a chilled dessert plate. If needed, briefly dip the bottom of the ramekin in warm water to help release it.
  2. 2Spoon a generous amount of the berry compote over and around each panna cotta.
  3. 3Garnish with fresh mint leaves or an extra lavender sprig, if desired, for an elegant finish.

Nutrition Information

Calories
351 kcal
Protein
3 g
Fat
26 g
Carbs
25 g
NutrientPer serving
Calories351 kcal
Protein3 g
Fat26 g
Carbs25 g

Tips

  • Ensure your culinary lavender is fresh and potent for the best flavor infusion; aged lavender can become bitter.

By Chef Michael Ilin