PANNA COTTA WITH BLACKBERRY COMPOTE

Panna Cotta with Blackberry Compote image

Provided by Food Network

Categories dessert

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 15

4 cups heavy whipping cream
2 teaspoons unflavored gelatin
1/2 cup sugar
2 cinnamon sticks
1 vanilla bean, split in half lengthwise
2 teaspoons minced candied ginger
5 egg whites
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
2 cups blackberries, rinsed
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup blackberry or raspberry liqueur
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup heavy whipping cream, whipped, as an accompaniment
Mint sprigs, for garnish

Steps:

To prepare the panna cotta: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine 1 cup of the cream and the gelatin, sugar, cinnamon sticks, and vanilla bean. Heat the mixture, stirring constantly, until the gelatin has dissolved, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl, and whisk in the remaining 3 cups cream. Remove and discard the cinnamon sticks. Scrape the seeds from the center of the vanilla bean into the cream mixture, and then discard the bean. Add the candied ginger, and whisk well. Let cool until tepid.
In the bowl of a heavy-duty mixer, whip the egg whites at high speed until they hold soft peaks. Gently fold the egg whites into the cream mixture. Lightly butter eight 8-ounce ramekins. Divide the mixture among the ramekins. Chill, uncovered, for at least 4 hours, or up to 24 hours.
To prepare the compote: Heat the butter in a large saute pan over high heat until melted and bubbly. Add the berries and saute for 2 minutes. Add the sugar and liqueur and cook until the sugar dissolves, about 2 minutes. (Be careful: The liqueur may ignite. If it does, cool the berry mixture until the flames die down.) Add the ginger and cinnamon, mix well, and cook 2 to 3 minutes longer. Let cool for about 5 minutes.
To serve: Run a knife around the sides of the ramekins, and turn each one over onto a plate to release the panna cotta. Top with about 1/4 cup of the warm compote and a dollop of whipped cream. Garnish with a mint sprig.