Greek Yogurt Panna Cotta with Blueberry Sauce

May 28, 2014

Greek Yogurt Panna Cotta with Blueberry Sauce


What part of the newspaper do you read first?
Not surprisingly, I read the sports section first.
I enjoy sports. I love doing sports. Probably I have an unhealthy passion for sports.
Football, tennis, athletics, soccer, basketball - not to mention triathlon - I pretty much want to know all about ut. Who’s doing good. Who’s doing O.K. Who’s doing bad.
After the sport section I usually go to the comics. The comics always amuse and relax me.
Which is a good state of mind to have before getting into the heavy stuff like World news, business, op-ed and all that kind of Jazz.
Let's talk about comics for a minute. I love - more like worship - Calvin and Hobbes.
It’s been my fave comic since I was 10 (i.e., since I was able to read and understand wittiness and humor!)

Greek Yogurt Panna Cotta with Blueberry Sauce


Calvin and Hobbes hasn’t been written since 1995, so I think I’ve read it all three (maybe four) times already.
I still read it. It still makes me smile, laugh, even cry sometimes.
Like when Calvin thought Hobbes had been robbed from his home, or when they found a dead bird, and thought they would understand the world better when they grew up.
I probably have every last Calvin & Hobbes book. Some date back nearly two decades and were purchased from yard sales or elementary-school book fairs.
Yet, every day I flip through the pages of the Times looking for Calvin & Hobbes comic strip.
If you have kids, I think you should let them read the Calvin and Hobbes — and if you’ve never read Calvin and Hobbes in the first place...it’s time to catch up my friends!

Greek Yogurt Panna Cotta with Blueberry Sauce


Calvin’s innocent wit and Hobbes’ matter-of-fact reactions to Cal’s absurd notions are kind of unique. Kids (and adults) can only benefit from it.
In addition, Calvin’s advanced command of English language had me running to the dictionary every couple of comics. There's nothing better than a six-year-old kid who ruminates on life using pentasyllabic words, to master the English language properly.
Calvin’s view of his surroundings is also remarkable. He will argue with his teacher about the education system (even if it is just to get out of doing his homework).
Still, Calvin stands up for his beliefs and will make his case against his educators, parents, anyone who crosses him.
I’ll ever found myself in a room with Bill Watterson (i.e., the author of Calvin & Hobbes), I would probably start shrieking or sob uncontrollably or wrap the man.
He would then call security and I’ll likely end up with a restraining order. So worth it though.

Greek Yogurt Panna Cotta with Blueberry Sauce


And you know what’s one the best thing ever? Reading Calvin & Hobbes while enjoying a delicious Greek Yogurt Panna Cotta with Blueberry Sauce — knowing that Calvin would probably give you a hard time for serving a panna cotta made sans panna (i.e., heavy cream).
But that’s the point of this blog, right? Make the stuff we love with a healthy twist.
So bring it on Calvin, I'm ready for you.

Greek Yogurt Panna Cotta with Blueberry Sauce


Regular panna cotta is made with (a lot) of heavy cream and sugar. It’s delicious and - unfortunately — not forgiving to your waistline.
This one right here, is made with Greek yogurt, milk, honey and gelatin.
Still very delicious, and waaaaay healthier.
Now, I know many of you are scared to use gelatin. Don’t be.
Making this panna cotta is easier than making Jello shots, for real.
It literally takes 10 minutes.
A totally foolproof procedure for a super delish, not to mention paleo-friendly panna cotta.
I added blueberry sauce on top (also in the bottom of each glass for that matters) because I thought it was a nice add-on. Feel free to play around though. Caramel sauce, hot fudge sauce, everything works with this uh-mazing Greek yogurt panna cotta. If there is a "one-size fits dessert", this is it.
You can prepare this ahead of time; it will keep in the refrigerator up to a couple of days.
It’s light, refreshing and totally awesome.
Serve it at a BBQ, brunch, beach side picnic or as a sophisticated dessert at a romantic dinner for two, you can't go wrong with this Greek Yogurt Panna Cotta with Blueberry Sauce...it’s Calvin & Hobbes approved!

Greek Yogurt Panna Cotta with Blueberry Sauce
Greek Yogurt Panna Cotta with Blueberry Sauce                             Print this recipe! 
Adapted from The Private Chef of Beverly Hills

Ingredients
Serves 6

Panna Cotta

1 ¼ cups / 300 ml milk (your choice, I used almond), divided
1 scant tablespoon OR 1 envelope OR 3 ½ sheets unflavored gelatin (I used Great Lakes)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
⅓ cup / 4 oz / 113 gr raw organic honey (I used Eco Bee Farms)
2 cups / 15 oz / 425 gr plain Greek yogurt

Blueberry sauce

1 cup / 5 oz / 145 gr fresh blueberries
2 teaspoons raw organic honey (I used Eco Bee Farms)
½ teaspoon arrowroot powder*
2 tablespoons water

*arrowroot powder acts like cornstarch

Directions

In a small bowl pour ¼ cup of milk and sprinkle gelatin on top (if using gelatin sheets, put milk in a plate a lay sheets in it). Set aside for 10 minutes until gelatin becomes moist.
In a medium saucepan bring to a gentle simmer the remaining 1 cup milk. Add vanilla, honey and stir to combine.
Add the gelatin + milk mixture, and whisk vigorously until the gelatin is fully dissolved.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the Greek yogurt.
Divide Greek yogurt mixtures cotta into 6 glasses, bowls or ramekins or into a pudding mold.
Refrigerate for 3 to 4 hours, until firm.
The Greek yogurt panna cotta will keep for 2 to 3 days.
To make the blueberry sauce, in a small saucepan combine blueberries and honey over medium heat.
After about 5 minutes they will begin to soften and bubble.
In a small bowl mix arrowroot powder and water and then add to the blueberries.
Cook for further 5 minutes, stirring every so often, until sauce thickens.
Spoon over chilled Greek yogurt panna cotta, then have at it!

Nutrition facts

One serving without blueberry sauce yields 124 calories, 3 grams of fat, 19 grams of carbs, and 9 grams of protein.
One serving with blueberry sauce yields 143 calories, 3 grams of fat, 24 grams of carbs, and 9 grams of protein.

32 comments:

  1. Sports. Always. The box scores first. I have done that since I was a little kid. Love the panna cotta, Mike. Especially with the blueberries!

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  2. Looks amazing Mike, the pictures are gorgeous!

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  3. I have never tried panna cota and this version of yours with greek yogurt and blueberries is so delicious! I need this in my life now!

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  4. I've never tried my hands at gelatin...could this be it? Thanks for sharing!

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  5. Yum! Bookmarking this for when our blueberries are ripe for picking!!

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    1. I'm jealous that you get to pick your own blueberries!

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  6. I love, love, and love Calvin and Hobbes--just an hour ago I sent my friend this link, which I think about sums up my love for Watterson's simplicity: http://chutzpah.typepad.com/.a/6a00e55180ed5c8834013485d4039e970c-pi. I honestly used to eat my PB by scooping one half out from the side and then scraping out the bottom before even touching the smooth, shiny top! You might also enjoy this post I wrote when I made a C&H-themed display for our annual edible book festival: http://chutzpah.typepad.com/.a/6a00e55180ed5c8834013485d4039e970c-pi Thanks for sharing this awesome panna cotta recipe, too--it's a treasure!

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    1. Thanks for the links Ala, they're fantastic. I'm so happy to know you're just obsessed as me with C&H (maybe even more), we're like a community!

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  7. Crossword puzzles. That's what I go for. The sports section goes to my mom for her little dog's pee pad. Hehe, sorry. :) This looks sweet ass sweet, by the way. I'm off of dairy (except cheese) currently, but would definitely be all over this otherwise! :)

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    1. You're quite the intellectual Lauren, I do the crossword puzzle on Sunday but it's so hard I give up halfway. Too bad you're off dairy, I should try making panna cotta with coconut milk so you get to enjoy it!

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  8. just my tipe of dessert! just one silly question: 2 cups of 200 g of greek jogurt, or total 200 g? thanks!

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    1. I know it's a tad unclear as it's written, I'm going to fix it right away.
      In a nutshell 2 US cups of Greek yogurt are equivalent to about 15 ounces OR 425 grams.

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  9. I love the Calvin and Hobbes obsession! I, too, have a whole library of Calvin and Hobbes books...in fact, they are sitting here in my office...about an arm's reach away. You've totally inspired me to pull them back out and learn more about life as seen through the eyes of a smart-alec 6-year old. Oh, and sports all the way, my friend. But I must ask...do you actually get the newspaper? That's what espn.com is for! Are you a pro or college guy? This panna cotta looks absolutely delicious, too. Solid work, as always!

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    1. Man, I'm telling you, it's official, we were separated at birth. C&H + food + sports, we're like the same person.
      Btw I get the newspaper (the NYTimes) and I'm logged on ESPN.com 24/7, and I'm pro football guy. Go Giants! :)

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  10. Love this simple dessert Mike, another great recipe.

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  11. It sure is nice to meet another Calvin and Hobbes addict/lover! I used to have a notebook with pasted cuttings of the newspaper comics when I was younger - before I started buying the comic books themselves - Calvin was indeed fascinating in every way! Bill Watterson did a poster and interview segment this year for/in "stripped" here's the link (to keep you from getting slapped with a restraining order) - http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/comic-riffs/wp/2014/02/26/bill-watterson-talks-for-documentary-cartoonist-offers-his-first-public-cartoon-since-ending-calvin-and-hobbes/ P.S. - Your welcome! I will accept payment in the form of this healthy yogurt panna cotta when I come to NYC! It looks totally delish - any dessert that doesn't need me to ruminate on healthier substitutions is a win win for me! :)

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    1. Thanks for the link Shashi, you've just made my day. You've just earned yourself a yogurt panna cotta when you come to NYC!

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  12. Mike, absolutely love the looks of this dessert! I was just explaining the funnies to my youngest while he was watching Garfield this morning. He had no clue what I was talking about.... but Garfield was always my favorite part in the funnies section! Hope you have a great weekend coming up, pinned this recipe for later!

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    1. I love Garfield as well but my heart is with C&H.
      Hope you have a great weekend as well!

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  13. I love Calvin & Hobbes - I actually cried as a kid when my mom told me it wasn't being written anymore! I've made panna cotta with coconut milk, but never with Greek yogurt - I think the creamy/tangy combo would be out of this world delicious! I'm definitely switching over to your recipe!

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  14. I've never seen Panna Cotta look so good before. Wow man this looks scrumptious and even though I've never had the pleasure of trying Panna Cotta, you just made me crave it big time. I need to find me some good Greek yogurt and make this. Oh, right... and I also have to wait for blueberries to be in season. Yikes. That's a long time to wait. My brains will be drowning in their own drool by the time I get to satisfy their needs. GAH!

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  15. I was about to hit my head to the wall for my panna cotta failed today. I poured the green yogurt in and stir while fire was still on. Totally failed. I shall try again tomrorow with high hopes that it doesn't fail again.

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  16. This was my first attempt at Panna Cotta. It was easy enough and pleasant tasting. My guests enjoyed it. Glad to use yoghurt instead of cream.

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  17. This is the best Panna Cotta recipe ever! I love the way you added all diferent kinds of gelatin and the exact amounts and conversions. So easy! It's perfect! No need to wait for blueberries to be in season, I used the frozen ones (doubled the amount) and it worked very well (sorry, but I was craving it so hard I couldn't wait). Thank you for sharing! And the presentation is adorable.

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  18. I did this for a dinner with friends and they all loved it! We ate it after a particularly heavy raclette meal, but it was so easy to digest that it was the perfect dessert. Also not too sweet. It's so easy to make, I just prepared a batch for the weekdays dessert for me and my partner. Next time I will try other fruits, for some diversity. :)

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  19. This looks amazing. I put some caramel sauce in the bottom of the dish, filled with panna cotta mixture and dropped another spoonful of caramel sauce on it. Topped with dark chocolate shavings and set in the fridge until later. Can't wait for dessert tonight! Thank you.

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