Eggnog Panna Cotta with Spiked Cranberry Sauce

๎ˆƒEggnog 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.๎ˆ„ ๎ˆƒThis elegant dessert captures the essence of the holiday season, making it a perfect choice for festive gatherings.๎ˆ„๎ˆ†

Why Youโ€™ll Love This Recipe

  • Festive Flavors: ๎ˆƒCombines the classic taste of eggnog with a zesty cranberry topping.๎ˆ„๎ˆ†
  • Elegant Presentation: ๎ˆƒServed in individual glasses, it adds a sophisticated touch to any holiday table.๎ˆ„๎ˆ†
  • Make-Ahead Convenience: ๎ˆƒBoth components can be prepared in advance, allowing for stress-free entertaining.๎ˆ„๎ˆ†

Ingredients

(Tip: Youโ€™ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Panna Cotta:

  • ๎ˆƒ2 cups commercially prepared eggnog๎ˆ„๎ˆ†
  • ๎ˆƒ2 tablespoons cold water๎ˆ„๎ˆ†
  • ๎ˆƒ2ยผ teaspoons (1 packet) powdered gelatin๎ˆ„๎ˆ†

For the Spiked Cranberry Sauce:

  • ๎ˆƒ6 ounces fresh cranberries๎ˆ„๎ˆ†
  • ๎ˆƒยฝ cup granulated sugar๎ˆ„๎ˆ†
  • ๎ˆƒZest of one orange๎ˆ„๎ˆ†
  • ๎ˆƒยผ cup orange juice๎ˆ„๎ˆ†
  • ๎ˆƒ2 tablespoons orange liqueur (optional)๎ˆ„๎ˆ†

Garnish:

  • ๎ˆƒ6 fresh or sugared cranberries๎ˆ„๎ˆ†
  • ๎ˆƒ6 fresh rosemary sprigs๎ˆ„๎ˆ†

Directions

  1. Prepare the Panna Cotta:
    • ๎ˆƒPlace the cold water in a small bowl and evenly sprinkle the gelatin over it. Let it stand until the gelatin is absorbed.๎ˆ„๎ˆ†
    • ๎ˆƒIn a saucepan, heat the eggnog until hot but not boiling. Remove from heat and stir in the gelatin until fully dissolved.๎ˆ„๎ˆ†
    • ๎ˆƒPour the mixture into six 4-ounce dessert glasses. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until set.๎ˆ„๎ˆ†
  2. Prepare the Spiked Cranberry Sauce:
    • ๎ˆƒIn a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, orange zest, and orange juice. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.๎ˆ„๎ˆ†
    • ๎ˆƒOnce 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.๎ˆ„๎ˆ†
    • ๎ˆƒRemove 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.๎ˆ„๎ˆ†
  3. Assemble the Dessert:
    • ๎ˆƒOnce the panna cotta is firm, spoon the cranberry sauce on top of each glass.๎ˆ„๎ˆ†
    • ๎ˆƒFor garnish, skewer each cranberry with a toothpick and thread a rosemary sprig through the hole. Place atop each dessert.๎ˆ„๎ˆ†
    • ๎ˆƒCover and refrigerate until ready to serve.๎ˆ„๎ˆ†

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: ๎ˆƒ6 individual desserts๎ˆ„๎ˆ†
  • Prep Time: ๎ˆƒ25 minutes๎ˆ„๎ˆ†
  • Cook Time: ๎ˆƒ10 minutes๎ˆ„๎ˆ†
  • Chill Time: ๎ˆƒ2 hours๎ˆ„๎ˆ†
  • Total Time: ๎ˆƒApproximately 2 hours and 35 minutes๎ˆ„๎ˆ†

Variations

  • Non-Alcoholic Version: ๎ˆƒOmit the orange liqueur in the cranberry sauce or replace it with ยฝ teaspoon of orange extract.๎ˆ„๎ˆ†
  • Alternative Garnishes: ๎ˆƒTop with sugared cranberries and rosemary sprigs for a festive touch.๎ˆ„๎ˆ†

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: ๎ˆƒCover and refrigerate the assembled desserts for up to 3 days.๎ˆ„๎ˆ†
  • Freezing: ๎ˆƒNot recommended, as panna cotta does not freeze well.๎ˆ„๎ˆ†

FAQs

What is panna cotta?

๎ˆƒPanna cotta is an Italian dessert made from sweetened cream thickened with gelatin, resulting in a smooth, creamy texture.๎ˆ„๎ˆ†

Can I use homemade eggnog for this recipe?

๎ˆƒYes, homemade eggnog can be used, but ensure it has a similar consistency to store-bought varieties for proper setting.๎ˆ„๎ˆ†

How far in advance can I make this dessert?

๎ˆƒYou can prepare the panna cotta up to 3 days in advance. Add the cranberry sauce and garnishes just before serving.๎ˆ„๎ˆ†

Can I substitute the gelatin with a vegetarian alternative?

๎ˆƒAgar-agar can be used as a vegetarian substitute for gelatin. Follow the package instructions for proper usage.๎ˆ„๎ˆ†

What if I donโ€™t have orange liqueur?

๎ˆƒYou can substitute with ยฝ teaspoon of orange extract or simply omit it for a non-alcoholic version.๎ˆ„๎ˆ†

How do I make sugared cranberries for garnish?

๎ˆƒCoat fresh cranberries in a simple syrup, then roll them in granulated sugar. Let them dry before using as garnish.๎ˆ„๎ˆ†

Can I use frozen cranberries for the sauce?

๎ˆƒYes, frozen cranberries can be used. They may require a slightly longer cooking time to achieve the desired consistency.๎ˆ„๎ˆ†

What type of orange liqueur is best for this recipe?

๎ˆƒCointreau or Grand Marnier are excellent choices, but any quality orange liqueur will work.๎ˆ„๎ˆ†

Is it necessary to strain the cranberry sauce?

๎ˆƒStraining is optional. Leaving the sauce unstrained adds texture, while straining results in a smoother topping.๎ˆ„๎ˆ†

Can I serve this dessert immediately after preparation?

๎ˆƒThe panna cotta requires at least 2 hours to set in the refrigerator. Itโ€™s best to prepare it in advance and add the toppings just before serving.๎ˆ„๎ˆ†

Conclusion

๎ˆƒEggnog Panna Cotta with Spiked Cranberry Sauce is a festive and elegant dessert that combines the creamy richness of eggnog with the tartness of cranberries.๎ˆ„ ๎ˆƒIts make-ahead convenience and sophisticated presentation make it an ideal choice for holiday entertaining.๎ˆ„

Print
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Eggnog Panna Cotta with Spiked Cranberry Sauce

Eggnog Panna Cotta with Spiked Cranberry Sauce

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  • Author: KimEasy
  • 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

Units Scale

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

  1. Prepare the Panna Cotta:
    1. In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over the cold water and let it bloom for 5 minutes.
    2. 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).
    3. Remove from heat and stir in the bloomed gelatin until fully dissolved.
    4. Pour the mixture into ramekins or dessert glasses. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until set.
  2. Make the Cranberry Sauce:
    1. 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).
    2. Remove from heat and stir in the spiced rum. Let the sauce cool to room temperature.
  3. 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.

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