Ingredients

  • 2 small sheets leaf gelatin
  • 1 1/4 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons buttermilk
  • 7 tablespoons superfine sugar
  • 1 vanilla pod, split in half lengthwise and seeds scraped out, or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 6 thin slices honeycomb
  • 1 ripe mango, peeled and cut into small slices, or 3/4 cup berries such as raspberries or blueberries (optional)

Method

  • Put the sheets of gelatin in a shallow dish, cover with cold water and leave to soak for 5 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, pour the cream and buttermilk into a pan.
  • Add the sugar and either the seeds of the vanilla pod or the vanilla extract.
  • Heat gently, stirring often, until the sugar dissolves.
  • Squeeze the water out of the gelatin and stir it into the warm cream mixture until it dissolves completely.
  • Pour the liquid into six 3 1/2-ounce molds (small coffee cups will do).
  • Leave to cool, then cover with plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour.
  • The panna cotta will set up completely as it chills.
  • To serve, run the tip of a knife around the top of each mold, then briefly dip the mold into a bowl of hot water and turn out onto a plate.
  • Serve with a slice of honeycomb on the side, along with mango or berries if you like.