BUTTERMILK “PANNA COTTA” WITH PEACHES, BLACKBERRIES AND FRESH BASIL

Serves 6; Recipe by Courtney McDonald

Ingredients:
-2 cups buttermilk
-2 cups heavy cream
-1 cup plus 2 Tbsp. sugar
-pinch salt
-1 Tbsp. powdered gelatin
-2 large ripe peaches, washed and sliced into thin wedges
-1 pint blackberries, washed and patted dry
-2 Tbsp. honey
-1/4 cup torn fresh basil leaves

In a medium mixing bowl, measure out the buttermilk. Evenly sprinkle the surface of the buttermilk with the gelatin powder. Allow to “bloom” for about 10 minutes. While gelatin is blooming, heat the cream to just below boiling over medium heat on the stove. Whisk the hot cream into the buttermilk and stir to melt the gelatin. Add the sugar and salt and stir to dissolve.

Lay out 6 6-ounce ramekins or small bowls on a baking sheet that will fit into your refrigerator. Pour the panna cotta mixture evenly into the ramekins and refrigerate until set, about 4 hours.

About 30 minutes before serving: In a medium mixing bowl, toss the peach slices, blackberries, honey and basil. Let sit, stirring occasionally, until a “sauce” forms from the fruit juices.

When ready to serve, remove the chilled panna cotta from the refrigerator. Top with the
marinated fruit and drizzle generously with the sweet fruit juices. Serve immediately.