Eggnog Panna Cotta with Boozy Cranberry Sauce is a delightful festive treat that whispers of holiday cheer with every silky spoonful. This stunning dessert combines the creamy, spiced essence of eggnog with the vibrant tartness of fresh cranberry sauce, creating a perfect balance of flavours. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or simply indulging yourself, this panna cotta is sure to impress. Sprinkled with fresh cranberries and garnished with sprigs of rosemary, it not only tastes divine but also looks absolutely enchanting on any table.
Gather Your Eggnog Panna Cotta Ingredients
To create this festive delight, you’ll need the following:
- 2 tablespoons cold water
- 2 1/4 teaspoons powdered gelatin
- 2 cups commercially prepared eggnog
- 170 grams (6 oz.) fresh cranberries
- 100 grams (1/2 cup) granulated sugar
- Zest of one orange
- 60 ml (1/4 cup) orange juice
- 30 ml (2 tablespoons) orange liqueur (or to taste)
- 6 fresh or sugared cranberries (for garnish)
- 6 fresh rosemary sprigs (for garnish)
How to Make Eggnog Panna Cotta
- Start by placing the cold water in a small condiment cup. Sprinkle the powdered gelatin evenly over the water and let it stand for a few minutes until it absorbs the water.
- In a small saucepan, heat the eggnog over medium heat until it’s hot but not boiling. Remove it from the heat.
- Add the softened gelatin to the hot eggnog. Stir gently until the gelatin is completely dissolved.
- Place six 120-ml (4 oz.) dessert glasses on a baking sheet. Pour 1/3 cup of the eggnog mixture into each glass.
- Carefully transfer the baking sheet with the filled glasses to the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours or until the panna cotta is firm.
- For the spiked cranberry sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine the fresh cranberries, granulated sugar, orange zest, and orange juice.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. When the cranberries start popping, reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Using the back of a spatula, mash the cranberries against the bottom of the pan. Continue cooking until the berries break down and the mixture reaches a jam-like consistency.
- Remove from heat and stir in the orange liqueur. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little water, one tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is achieved.
- Let the cranberry sauce cool, then refrigerate until you’re ready to use it.
- Once the panna cotta has set, spoon the spiked cranberry sauce generously on top. Garnish with fresh cranberries and rosemary.
The Best Way to Serve It
Serving Eggnog Panna Cotta with Boozy Cranberry Sauce should be an experience. For an elegant presentation, carefully spoon the boozy cranberry sauce over the set panna cotta. The vibrant red of the sauce against the creamy, pale background will be striking! To elevate the visual appeal, add two or three fresh cranberries and a sprig of rosemary to each glass. Serve these chilled as a refreshing end to a festive meal, or even as a delightful treat any time of the year.
Expert Tips for Eggnog Panna Cotta
- Ensure that the eggnog is heated gently; boiling can cause it to curdle, affecting the smooth texture.
- If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought cranberry sauce infused with orange juice and zest to save on prep.
- For an extra festive flair, consider adding a sprinkle of nutmeg or cinnamon to the panna cotta mixture before chilling.
Eggnog Panna Cotta FAQs
Can I use homemade eggnog for this recipe?
Yes, homemade eggnog can add a lovely personal touch to your panna cotta. Just make sure it has a similar consistency to shop-bought versions.
How far in advance can I make this dessert?
You can prepare the panna cotta up to 2 days in advance. Just keep it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
What can I substitute for orange liqueur?
If you prefer not to use alcohol, you can omit the liqueur or substitute it with a splash of orange extract for a similar flavour.
This festive Eggnog Panna Cotta with Boozy Cranberry Sauce is the perfect finish to any festive meal. With its creamy texture and bold flavours, you won’t want to miss out on trying this sweet treat. Enjoy every delightful spoonful!