Honey Panna Cotta with Grand Marnier Mixed Berries and Easter Bunnies

 

When it comes to Easter baskets, candy is always nice... especially if it's See's Candy.

But it's the bunnies that make me smile the most.

First, the Beatrix Potter stuffed bunnies, early on.

(not quite so photogenic back then)

Then my real-life bunny for Easter in my Junior High years.

Yes, I had a rabbit for 4-H, and I named him Satin. But, when I filled out his showing papers I mistakenly put Satan.  He was not a good bunny. It stuck.

(this is not Satin, but a close example... hey, back then we only had polaroids!)

And then, last year, right around Easter I got the best "bunny" of all.

I'm sure you've heard about Ocean's 11 by now, my year-old White Boxer named after Danny Ocean- my favorite Movie Character or all time (Sinatra and Clooney did him proud).

  
I picked up Ocean right around Easter, and after the vet visits and shots and crate and all those puppy things I had to buy, I didn't have much left for toys.

So, I bought out the markdown Easter bins... and Little O (aka my Bunny) had enough stuffed bunnies to get him through 6 months of chewing and beyond.

Still can't believe that last Easter, Ocean was so little that he measured from my wrist to the bend of my elbow.  And I still can't believe that in his early years, he was just about as mean as Satan (the bunny, just in case you're scrolling).

(must have been the Hot Tamales)
But Ocean's not so little anymore and has outgrown every mean bone in his body.  Must be because some bunny loves him.  And love him, I do!

(Ocean putting on his Easter "ham"... he always smiles at my jokes- now that is love)

So, what does all this have to do with Panna Cotta?  Not much, except this dessert also evokes special memories, like the summers that I served it with sliced strawberries on top out on the deck with friends.  Or several Christmas parties, that I added an amazing Cranberry Orange topping, and everyone wanted seconds.

A simple and perfect do-ahead dessert that never gets old and is here to stay, like stuffed bunnies, crazy adventures and Ocean's 11 (movie and dog).  And for this occasion, with some beautiful berries, and my favorite liquor, Grand Marnier.



Honey Panna Cotta with Grand Marnier Mixed Berries
(The Panna Cotta recipe is from Giada De Laurentiis- she is just awesome! and I modified it, adding a bit to the berries)

Ingredients
1 cup whole milk
1 tablespoon unflavored powdered gelatin
3 cups whipping cream
1/3 cup honey
1 tablespoon sugar
Pinch salt
2 cups assorted fresh berries
2 tablespoons apricot or peach jam
3 tablespoons Grand Marnier

Directions
Place the milk in a small bowl. Sprinkle the gelatin over. Let stand for 3 to 5 minutes to soften the gelatin. Pour milk mixture into a heavy saucepan and stir over medium heat just until the gelatin dissolves but the milk does not boil, about 5 minutes. Add the cream, honey, sugar, and salt. Stir until the sugar dissolves, 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from the heat. Pour into 6 wine glasses so that they are 1/2 full. Cool slightly. Refrigerate until set, at least 6 hours.  When ready to serve, mix the jam, liqueur and berries.  Spoon over and serve.

Comments

  1. Your photos and stories of Beatrix Potter, your bunny rabbit (with the funny name) and your current Ocean doggie who grew up to be good boy are sooo fun and heart-touching =)

    And to top it all off, you have generously shared your lovely looking and sounding celebratory Honey Panna Cotta recipe!

    Thank you for bringing a smile to this Ninja Baker's heart, Diana.

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    1. Thank you so much Kim, you are so sweet. I do love that pup!!! Thanks for stopping by, really appreciate you!!! ;-)

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  2. This post reminds me of two things: I´ve been meaning to make panna cotta for a while now, and I want to have a dog again in my life! Your pics are great Di! Have a nice day.

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    1. Thank you Paula!!! And you should get a dog. I'm completely sold on Boxers- never had a dog that makes me laugh so much... totally worth the work and time, despite his grumpy puppyhood ;-)

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  3. Ahhhh, I love your story and Ocean is so cute! I just want to squeeze his nose! They get so big so fast! Your Panna Cotta looks amazing and refreshing!!

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    1. Thank you!!! The Panna Cotta is very refreshing, hope you enjoy!! O says hi ;-)

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  4. What adorable photos! I'm giggling over your rabbit's name too. Lovely and beautiful panna cotta.

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    1. Thanks so much Renee... and yes, crazy rabbit ;-) Thanks for stopping by!

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  5. Your pup is adorable... very handsome! Your panna cotta sounds and looks wonderful. I love panna cotta and I imagine the berries make it so fresh and spring tasting. Yum!

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    1. Thanks Shannon! This version by Giada is my favorite I've ever tried! I love how versitile it is also. O says hi! ;-)

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  6. Thanks for sharing your recipe and story, Di!

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    1. Thank you for stopping by, Cindy! Hope you give it a try!

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  7. What a great recipe and story !
    The pup is so cute

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    1. Thanks, such a fun week with #SundaySupper!!! O says hi too ;-)

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  8. Your puppy is so cute. Love the idea of this dessert, it looks beautiful served in the beautiful glass served with fresh berries.

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    1. Thanks for stopping by Sherron! I've seen panna cotta presented in lots of different types of wine/martini glasses to add interest to the table as well... such a fun idea!

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  9. I love Ocean's sweet mug! And your panna cotta with the luscious berry topping is stunning!

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    1. Haha! Thanks Liz... he has the biggest underbite and tiny teeth- cracks me up! And thanks on the panna cotta too ;-)

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  10. Great memories and I think it is a very cute picture of you. I had a good laugh at your bunnies name on the application for the show.

    Your Panna Cotta with Grand Marnier and mixed berries looks simply amazing. Just gorgeous! ~ Bea @ The Not So Cheesy Kithen

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    1. Hi Bea! And thanks... I think the California sun was in my eyes for that pic, something I'm really missing now living in the South (and by the fire as I write...brrrr ;-) Thanks for stopping by, and appreciate your sweet comments!

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  11. I want this right now! I made my first panna cotta last Spring, and now it's one of my favorite light desserts...especially with these lovely fruits on top!

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    1. Thanks Wendy!!! It has become a favorite, and LOVE that I can do it the day ahead... so great for dinner parties ;-) Enjoy!

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  12. I love this post and I love all your pics... so cute and so special! I just recently tried Panna Cotta for the first time and immediately... was in LOVE! Can't wait to try this beautiful recipe!

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    1. Me too, Isabel! When I finally tried it, I couldn't belive how wonderful it was!!! Thanks for stopping by. What a FUN #SundaySupper, today. Thanks for all you do ;-)

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  13. I adore your puppies name, and he is just precious! I love baking with booze, especially orange liquor:-) Your panna cotta sounds gorgeous! Take care, Terra

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    1. Thank you Terra... O says hi! ;-) And yes, I seem to have a few boozy recipes on here lol! Thanks for stopping by!!!

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  14. What a lovely, warm post, Di! Love the pictures, the snippets & how you brought them all together seamlessly. The panna cotta is to die for!

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    1. Thank you so much Azlin!!! Appreciate you stopping by, and hope you try the dessert some time- it really is a fantastic recipe!

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  15. Wow, that panna cotta looks so beautiful! What a stunning photo! I can't believe I still haven't tried my hand at making panna cotta- as much as I love making desserts! I may have to try your recipe... ps- your pooch is adorable :)

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    1. Thanks Allie! It really is so simple (thanks to Giada!), and can't wait to try it again next months when strawberries come back in season! Oh, and Ocean says hi! ;-) Thanks for stopping by.

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  16. what a cute doggie! and a tasty looking recipe

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    1. Thank you Fiona!!! And hope you enjoy this awesome dessert! ;-)

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  17. LOVE this recipe and the stories that went with it!

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    1. Thanks Betsy! It was a fun one, and my favorite dessert!

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