Panna Cotta

Ingredients:

1. Unflavored gelatin- 1 envelop (10 gm)
2. Water- 2 tbsp
3. Half and half- 1 cup
4. Heavy cream- 1/2 cup
5. Vanilla extract- 1 tsp
6. Lemon zest- 1/2 tsp
7. Granulated sugar- 2 tbsp

For the Strawberry Sauce:
1. Strawberry- 1 cup
2. Sugar- 1 Tbsp
3. Lemon juice- 1 tsp
4. 1/2 tsp Corn Starch mixed with 1 tbsp of water  

Method:

• Place the water in a small bowl and sprinkle over the gelatin, set aside to soften.
• In a small saucepan, add the heavy cream, half and half, lemon zest and sugar, bring to a simmer over medium heat. Turn the heat off and add the gelatin mixture, whisk for a couple minutes or until the gelatin melts.

• Strain this mixture and add the vanilla extract to the strained mixture.

• Divide the mixture between three large ramekins or four small ones. Cover and refrigerate 4 hours or overnight. 

To make the sauce:

• Place the strawberries, sugar and lemon juice in a blender and puree it. Strain it through a fine sieve and place the puree in a small saucepan. 

• Bring the puree to a simmer and add the cornstarch mixture and cook stirring constantly until the mixture thickens. Remove from the heat and pour it in a small container and let it cool completely. 

• To serve, unmold the panna cotta on to a serving plate. Spoon some cooled sauce around it and enjoy

Recipe courtesy: Laura Vitale

Palada

Palada isn't something that we make at home. The first time i ever had it is when i went to Vanitha Utsav Kochi. They had a payasam stall over there. My husband bought it for me and i fell in love with it at the very first sip. 

Last onam, my cousin was visiting and we decided to make palada. Immediately I rang up my mom and enquired as to how to make it. We made it and send a whole dish of payasam with my husband for his friends. It was really nice.

Palada isnt something that you can drink a lot. But there is something about it that makes you want more of it. Anyway, here it goes...

Ingredients

1. Ada- 1 cup (store bought or home made)

2. Milk- 3 litres (fresh whole milk)

3. Sugar- 2 cups

4. Cardamom powder- 2 tsp

5. Sweetened Condensed Milk- As needed

Method

• In the pressure cooker add all the ingredients except the condensed milk. Mix well.
• Cook it on high till the first whistle. Then lower the flame and cook for another 15 minutes.
• Switch off the stove and let it rest for 30 minutes
• After this open the pressure cooker and cook it on medium flame till you get a creamy consistency. 
• To test it for the right consistency, dip a spoon in the payasam and it should coat the back of the spoon and when you draw a line through the back of the spoon, it shouldnt join immediately
• Add the sweetened condensed milk to adjust the sweetness.
• Let it rest for 30 minutes to 1 hour so that the flavour increases.
• Serve it warm.