Earl Grey Panna Cotta with Black Sesame Brittle

Earl Grey Panna Cotta with Black Sesame Brittle

I’m tea-obsessed and there’s certainly a big pop of flavor to be had in any tin of Earl Grey tea, making it the perfect little flavor packet to take a cream-based dessert (panna cotta means “cooked cream” in Italian) to the next level. I like to let these set in small individual swing-top or lidded jars so I can make them in advance and not worry much about them being knocked over in the fridge. It’s also a very transportable dessert—great for a picnic or taking to a gathering.

Ingredients

Panna cotta:

2 cups heavy whipping cream
1 1/2 cups whole milk, divided
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 tbsp loose Earl Grey tea
1 packet unflavored gelatin

Sesame brittle:
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup orange blossom honey
1 cup black sesame seeds
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp unsalted butter

1/2 cup orange marmalade
1 tbsp water

Method

Add 1/2 cup of the whole milk to a medium mixing bowl and sprinkle the gelatin over the milk. Set aside and allow to sit for about 5 minutes.

Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, bring heavy cream, milk, sugar, and Earl Grey tea to a simmer over medium heat and stir often until sugar is completely dissolved. Remove from heat.

Pour the hot cream mixture through a fine mesh sieve (to catch the tea leaves) into the gelatin. Whisk until gelatin is dissolved.

Pour 3-4 ounces of liquid into 8 ramekins or small glass jars. Refrigerate for about 6 hours or until firm and set. *If you’re in a hurry, you may freeze them for about an hour, then transfer to the refrigerator for another 1-2 hours.

Black sesame brittle:

Heat the sugar and honey in a medium saucepan until a candy thermometer reads 300°F. Remove from heat and carefully stir in baking soda, followed by sesame seeds, salt, and butter. Stir well and immediately pour out onto a buttered silicone sheet, such as a Silpat, or baking sheet. Spread into a thin layer with a rubber spatula and allow to cool completely. *If you’re in a hurry, stick it in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes. Break brittle into small pieces. Store leftovers in an airtight container.

When ready to serve, heat the orange marmalade and water in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring well, until just heated through and thinned out..

Remove the panna cotta from the refrigerator and spoon about one tablespoon of orange marmalade on top, followed by several pieces of black sesame brittle. Serve immediately.