Valentine Dinner

Panna Cotta with strawberries:
3 1/2 cups heavy cream
1 cup sugar
1/2 vanilla bean
1 T orange zest
1 T unlfavored gelatin
1 cup whole milk


In a sauce pan heat heavy cream, sugar vanilla and orange zest. If using vanilla bean split the bean and scrap the seeds out place seeds and bean in cream) Vanilla extract can be substituted, use 1 1/2 T. Heat to scalding, and remove from heat. allow to infuse for 30 minutes. In a smaller sauce pan away from the heat add milk and sprinkle the gelatin over the milk. Allow to soften. After gelatin is soft heat the milk to completely dissolve the gelatin. Slowing add milk mixture to the cream mixture and return to the heat. Heat to scalding again. Pour into ramekins and allow to sit over night to set.

2 lbs strawberries, diced
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup water
1 T oragne zest

In a sauce pot combine sugar, water and zest. Bring to a boil then cover the diced starwberries. Toss and cool till service.
Top each ramekin with some strawberries and enjoy!