๎Eggnog Panna Cotta with Spiked Cranberry Sauce is a delightful fusion of creamy, spiced panna cotta and tangy cranberry sauce enhanced with a hint of orange liqueur.๎ ๎This elegant dessert captures the essence of the holiday season, making it a perfect choice for festive gatherings.๎๎
Why Youโll Love This Recipe
- Festive Flavors: ๎Combines the classic taste of eggnog with a zesty cranberry topping.๎๎
- Elegant Presentation: ๎Served in individual glasses, it adds a sophisticated touch to any holiday table.๎๎
- Make-Ahead Convenience: ๎Both components can be prepared in advance, allowing for stress-free entertaining.๎๎
Ingredients
(Tip: Youโll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Panna Cotta:
- ๎2 cups commercially prepared eggnog๎๎
- ๎2 tablespoons cold water๎๎
- ๎2ยผ teaspoons (1 packet) powdered gelatin๎๎
For the Spiked Cranberry Sauce:
- ๎6 ounces fresh cranberries๎๎
- ๎ยฝ cup granulated sugar๎๎
- ๎Zest of one orange๎๎
- ๎ยผ cup orange juice๎๎
- ๎2 tablespoons orange liqueur (optional)๎๎
Garnish:
- ๎6 fresh or sugared cranberries๎๎
- ๎6 fresh rosemary sprigs๎๎
Directions
- Prepare the Panna Cotta:
- ๎Place the cold water in a small bowl and evenly sprinkle the gelatin over it. Let it stand until the gelatin is absorbed.๎๎
- ๎In a saucepan, heat the eggnog until hot but not boiling. Remove from heat and stir in the gelatin until fully dissolved.๎๎
- ๎Pour the mixture into six 4-ounce dessert glasses. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until set.๎๎
- Prepare the Spiked Cranberry Sauce:
- ๎In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, orange zest, and orange juice. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.๎๎
- ๎Once the berries begin to pop, reduce heat to a simmer. Mash the berries with the back of a spatula and continue cooking until a jam-like consistency is achieved.๎๎
- ๎Remove from heat and stir in the orange liqueur. If the sauce is too thick, add water a tablespoon at a time until the desired consistency is reached. Let cool, then refrigerate until ready to use.๎๎
- Assemble the Dessert:
- ๎Once the panna cotta is firm, spoon the cranberry sauce on top of each glass.๎๎
- ๎For garnish, skewer each cranberry with a toothpick and thread a rosemary sprig through the hole. Place atop each dessert.๎๎
- ๎Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.๎๎
Servings and Timing
- Servings: ๎6 individual desserts๎๎
- Prep Time: ๎25 minutes๎๎
- Cook Time: ๎10 minutes๎๎
- Chill Time: ๎2 hours๎๎
- Total Time: ๎Approximately 2 hours and 35 minutes๎๎
Variations
- Non-Alcoholic Version: ๎Omit the orange liqueur in the cranberry sauce or replace it with ยฝ teaspoon of orange extract.๎๎
- Alternative Garnishes: ๎Top with sugared cranberries and rosemary sprigs for a festive touch.๎๎
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: ๎Cover and refrigerate the assembled desserts for up to 3 days.๎๎
- Freezing: ๎Not recommended, as panna cotta does not freeze well.๎๎
FAQs
What is panna cotta?
๎Panna cotta is an Italian dessert made from sweetened cream thickened with gelatin, resulting in a smooth, creamy texture.๎๎
Can I use homemade eggnog for this recipe?
๎Yes, homemade eggnog can be used, but ensure it has a similar consistency to store-bought varieties for proper setting.๎๎
How far in advance can I make this dessert?
๎You can prepare the panna cotta up to 3 days in advance. Add the cranberry sauce and garnishes just before serving.๎๎
Can I substitute the gelatin with a vegetarian alternative?
๎Agar-agar can be used as a vegetarian substitute for gelatin. Follow the package instructions for proper usage.๎๎
What if I donโt have orange liqueur?
๎You can substitute with ยฝ teaspoon of orange extract or simply omit it for a non-alcoholic version.๎๎
How do I make sugared cranberries for garnish?
๎Coat fresh cranberries in a simple syrup, then roll them in granulated sugar. Let them dry before using as garnish.๎๎
Can I use frozen cranberries for the sauce?
๎Yes, frozen cranberries can be used. They may require a slightly longer cooking time to achieve the desired consistency.๎๎
What type of orange liqueur is best for this recipe?
๎Cointreau or Grand Marnier are excellent choices, but any quality orange liqueur will work.๎๎
Is it necessary to strain the cranberry sauce?
๎Straining is optional. Leaving the sauce unstrained adds texture, while straining results in a smoother topping.๎๎
Can I serve this dessert immediately after preparation?
๎The panna cotta requires at least 2 hours to set in the refrigerator. Itโs best to prepare it in advance and add the toppings just before serving.๎๎
Conclusion
๎Eggnog Panna Cotta with Spiked Cranberry Sauce is a festive and elegant dessert that combines the creamy richness of eggnog with the tartness of cranberries.๎ ๎Its make-ahead convenience and sophisticated presentation make it an ideal choice for holiday entertaining.๎
PrintEggnog Panna Cotta with Spiked Cranberry Sauce
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Chilling
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive twist on a classic Italian dessert, this creamy Eggnog Panna Cotta is flavored with warm spices and paired with a tart and boozy cranberry sauce. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy winter evening treat.
Ingredients
Panna Cotta:
- 2 cups eggnog
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) unflavored gelatin
- 1/4 cup cold water
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional, for garnish)
Spiked Cranberry Sauce:
- 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tbsp orange juice
- 2 tbsp spiced rum (or bourbon, optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Panna Cotta:
- In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over the cold water and let it bloom for 5 minutes.
- In a saucepan, combine the eggnog, heavy cream, and sugar. Heat over medium-low heat until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is warm (do not boil).
- Remove from heat and stir in the bloomed gelatin until fully dissolved.
- Pour the mixture into ramekins or dessert glasses. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until set.
- Make the Cranberry Sauce:
- In a small saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, water, and orange juice. Cook over medium heat until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens (about 10 minutes).
- Remove from heat and stir in the spiced rum. Let the sauce cool to room temperature.
- Assemble and Serve:
- Spoon the cranberry sauce over the chilled panna cotta. Garnish with a sprinkle of ground nutmeg if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For a non-alcoholic version, replace the rum with an additional tablespoon of orange juice or water.
- Panna cotta can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
- The cranberry sauce can also be prepared ahead and stored in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *