India and Fruit Juice Panna Cotta

"Why in hell does one wear collars at all?"
"We wear them to pass the Police."
"What's that?"
"If I'm biking in English dress-starch collar, hat with ditch-they take no notice.  When I wear a fez, they cry: 'your lamp's out!'" -Passage to India


I have decided to read "Passage to India" by E.M Forster again.  And then watch the movie.  The book and movie are set in the 1920's and the costuming is wonderful.  Including the hats.  This exchange really shows the division between the British community and the native Indians.  

It was during the time when Britain had colonized and controlled India.  Life was easier if you dressed like an Englishman, complete with hat with ditch.  I am assuming that is a brim that rolls up at the edge, like a bowler.


And the fez as lampshade?  Lampshades are sometimes worn as hats.  Usually the lampshade hat-wearer is inebriated.  

The hot climate of India calls for cool, creamy puddings.  Like a fruit juice panna cotta.  I originally made this recipe with Meyer lemons, which is refreshingly delicious, but my family has decided that the fruit flavors are even better.  Try any of your favorite juices, like blueberry or pomegranate.


Fruit Juice Panna Cotta


makes 7-8 ramekins



1 envelope unflavored gelatin
1 cup + 2 tbs. superfine sugar, I use organic cane sugar ground fine in a spice grinder.
1 cup whipping cream
1 1/2 cups fruit juice, reduced to 1 cup
Zest of 1 lemon
1 cup Greek style yogurt
 
Sprinkle gelatin over 1/2 cup cold water in a small bowl and let it soften for 5 minutes.  Set aside.  Combine sugar and 1/2 cup water in a saucepan, bring to a simmer and stir until sugar dissolves.  Turn off the heat and stir in the gelatin until it dissolves, add the cream, reduced fruit juice and zest.

Put the yogurt in a mixing bowl, I use one with a spout, and whisk the yogurt to loosen it up.  Add the cream mixture little by little while whisking gently to avoid creating air bubbles.  Fill the ramekins, and tap them on a surface to eliminate any air bubbles. Cover individually with cling film.  Chill for at least 6 hours, overnight is even better.  If you have blueberries or other fruits, serve over the panna cotta.

This version with yogurt is surprisingly light and creamy.  Perfect for summer weather and all the summer fruits...be creative!

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