This Marshmallow Panna Cotta has a creamy marshmallow infused panna cotta sitting in a peppermint hot chocolate sauce.
How do you translate a hug into food?
That was my challenge of sorts.
For you see one of my favorite food bloggers and all around wonderful person Barb, of Winos and Foodies, thought it would be a good idea to see if there were in advances in chemotherapy.
You might know Barb from her efforts for getting the word out about cancer with her LiveStrong with a Taste of Yellow event that she has hosted for the last two years.
Unfortunately Barb is back to battling cancer.
Some of us fellow food bloggers (headed up by Bron and Ilva) thought it would be a good idea to send Barb a big cyberspace hug.
Letting her know we are sending her every good thought that we could possible muster up!
So I thought long and hard about what to make.
What would say comfort and love.
Hot chocolate.
Hot chocolate always makes me feel at peace.
And I want Barb to feel at peace.
I am one of those who can not have hot chocolate without marshmallows ( well, I suppose if I was forced I could).
Marshmallow panna cotta popped up in my head.
Only problem…no one had made that yet…well if they did it’s not in cyberspace.
So off to the experimenting I went.
It only took two tries and I thought it would take much longer.
The second time was a charm so to speak and let us hope that Barb’s second time’s a charm as well.
To compliment the Marshmallow Panna Cotta I made a Peppermint Hot Chocolate Sauce for it to swim in.
If you wondering if it taste like marshmallow.
Yes, like a big creamy, smooth one.
All the best Barb, we are thinking of you!
(((((((((HUGS, HUGS, HUGS, HUGS, HUGS, HUGS, HUGS, HUGS, HUGS, HUGS, HUGS, HUGS,HUGS, HUGS, HUGS, HUGS, HUGS, HUGS, HUGS, HUGS))))))
Marshmallow Panna Cotta with Peppermint Hot Chocolate Sauce
Marshmallow Panna Cotta with Peppermint Hot Chocolate Sauce
Ingredients
- For the Marshmallow Panna Cotta:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- ½ cup half and half (or you can use more heavy cream)
- ½ cup marshmallow fluff
- 1 package (¼ ounce) unflavored gelatin
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- For the Peppermint Hot Chocolate Sauce:
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup half and half
- 3 heaping TBSP powdered peppermint hot chocolate
- 2 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
- 2 ounces milk chocolate, chopped
Instructions
- For the Marshmallow Panna Cotta:
- Place ½ cup of cream in a small bowl and sprinkle gelatin over the cream.
- Let gelatin bloom for about 5 minutes.
- Put remaining cream and half and half into a medium saucepan on medium-low heat.
- Add marshmallow fluff and whisk into cream mixture.
- As the mixture heats up the marshmallow will start to melt into it, keep whisking to make sure it full incorporates.
- Turn heat to low and add in the bloomed gelatin, whisking again to make sure it fully incorporates.
- Add sugar and vanilla extract.
- Whisk until sugar has dissolved.
- Pour mixture into ramekins of your choice.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours but serve that day or the next for best texture and flavor.
- Unmold by dipping ramekins into hot water for a few seconds.
- Flip the panna cotta over into a shallow soup bowl or plate (that can hold sauce).
- For the Peppermint Hot Chocolate Sauce:
- Place milk in a medium saucepan and whisk in hot chocolate.
- Add half and half and bring to a boil.
- Remove from heat and add chopped chocolate.
- Let sit for about 3 minutes.Whisk to incorporate the chocolate until totally smooth.
- Let cool slightly as to not melt the panna cotta when served with it.
- Pour in chocolate sauce trying not to cover the panna cotta with it.
- Garnish with candy cane pieces and extra chocolate if you like.
Marshmallow Panna Cotta
2 cups heavy cream
½ cup half and half (or you can use more heavy cream)
½ cup marshmallow fluff
1 package (¼ ounce) unflavored gelatin
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
Place ½ cup of cream in a small bowl and sprinkle gelatin over the cream. Let gelatin bloom for about 5 minutes.
Put remaining cream and half and half into a medium saucepan on medium-low heat. Add marshmallow fluff and whisk into cream mixture. As the mixture heats up the marshmallow will start to melt into it, keep whisking to make sure it full incorporates.
Turn heat to low and add in the bloomed gelatin, whisking again to make sure it fully incorporates.
Add sugar and vanilla extract. Whisk until sugar has dissolved.
Pour mixture into ramekins of your choice. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours but serve that day or the next for best texture and flavor.
Unmold by dipping ramekins into hot water for a few seconds. Flip the panna cotta over into a shallow soup bowl. Pour in chocolate soup. Garnish with candy cane pieces and extra chocolate if you like.
“Hot Chocolate” Soup
1 cup whole milk
1 cup half and half
3 heaping TBSP powdered peppermint hot chocolate
2 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
2 ounces milk chocolate, chopped
Place milk in a medium saucepan and whisk in hot chocolate. Add half and half and bring to a boil.
Remove from heat and add chopped chocolate. Let sit for about 3 minutes.
Whisk to incorporate the chocolate until totally smooth. Let cool slightly as to not melt the panna cotta when served with it.
valentina says
PEabody, what a lovely post. I am sure that it is sending tons of good vibes to Barb. The recipe is lovely and gentle. Panna Cotas are so delicious, creamy..comforting in my opinion.
Bron says
Wow, when you described this in your email earlier today Peabody, I knew it would be beautiful – however this is really stunning!
Thank you so much for sharing such an inspired and beautiful dessert hug for Barbara and us all to enjoy!
Rosa says
Such a beautiful dessert! I’m sure Barbara’s going to love it!
Cheers,
Rosa
barbara says
Wow Peabody this is fabulous. Panna cotta is one of the few things I have been able to eat this week. Marshmallow panna cotta sounds amazing and yours is so pretty. Thank you for the virtual hug and a sunny Australian hug back at you.
Julie says
I’ve never had a panna cotta…this makes me think I should do something about that soon. I’m sure your friend will enjoy it a lot. Cancer sucks!
Sarah says
mmmm, hot chocolate & Panna Cotta, the ultimate in comfort. You picked the perfect treat to send to a friend in need. It looks and sounds sooo good, I’ll definitely be serving this one at my next dinner party. I wish your friend Barbara the best.
VeggieGirl says
Definitely a great, delicious, “hug-worthy” dessert.
Erin says
This looks delicious! What a sweet way to honor your friend 🙂
ilva says
Thanks a lot for participating, I love this panna cotta, what a wonderful idea!
Joelen says
You are not only creative but very thoughtful! What a great dessert and an even better thought behind it. 🙂
Kristen says
You amaze me. That translates into lots and lots of hugs for sure. What a great “gift” for her!
I had no idea Barb was battling cancer again. That breaks my heart to hear.
courtney says
Peabody you are amazing! What a great post and wonderful creation.
MyKitchenInHalfCups says
Swimming in a pool of hot chocolate, marshmallow . . . genius of a hug!!
alexandra's kitchen says
I think you totally achieved “hug” with this marshmallow panna cotta. I can’t think of anything that would make me feel more at peace than this!
Kim says
On a much happier note:
http://www.seriouseats.com/2008/12/kelloggs-saves-mothers-cookies-acquires-recipes-trademarks.html
Jen Yu says
Leave it to Peabody to make upscale hot cocoa!! 🙂 What a delightful and beautiful *hug*. You rocked this one, chica! xxoo
Sarah says
Extra hugs to Barb from all of us, as well.
And seriously, Peabody, I love everything you post. I think you have such a gift. But this?? Probably my favorite thing I have ever seen in the blogging world. Really.
Cakespy says
What a wonderful sentiment…and dessert. Just like a warm hug. You’re so awesome, Peabody!
trisha says
This dessert looks delicious…..and your post is so sweet. The garnish is a great touch!
Mrs. L says
Marshmallow panna cotta? You rock!
And big hugs to your friend Barb.
Caitlin says
That’s absolutely beautiful, and I think a panna cotta is a perfect way to foodify a hug.
Bellini Valli says
Barbara does need a big hug from all of us to let her know we are praying and wishing her all the best:D
Angela says
What a beautiful dessert, Peabody. I’d say that this is the ‘perfect’ hug on a plate for Barb, and I’m thrilled for you that she likes it!
More hugs for Barb from me! *hug* *hug* *hug*
Kelsey says
What a wonderful friend you are, Peabody. I know this dish will bring Barb, and many others in her place, peace.
Melinda says
Gorgeous! That says ‘hugs’ to me!
And Barbara, although we haven’t written to each other on the blog, I am sending you cyber hugs too.
arfi says
YUM! Lovely post for the hug version on food, Peabody. Would love to scoop out some bit hehehe…
cindy says
this is genius! what a nice post for a friend…perfectly comforting.
snooky doodle says
pity I don t find marshmallow fluff here. This looks super nice and yummy 🙂
Chocolate Shavings says
Thank you Peabody for being a constant source of inspiration. That panna cotta looks absolutely amazing!
Kiersten says
How sweet of you to do that for your friend! Marshmallow panna cotta is such a creative idea (you never cease to impress me).
Amy says
What a touching thing to do for a friend. That’s a great looking dessert!
foodphotoblog.com says
Really nice food photography!
Kalyn says
Great virtual hug post, and beautiful photos too.
Paz says
Hot chocolate soup? That’s enough to make anyone feel better. 😉
Paz
brilynn says
I just made peppermint marshmallows a couple days ago and have been loving them in hot chocolate. It’s been all the flavours of your dessert, but not nearly as pretty looking!
Indigo says
This is inspired; I love it. It’s the sort of thing I’d order in a restaurant!
Deeba says
This is just quite the perfect hug!
Sara says
beautiful. sending a hug and best wishes to Barb.
joey says
This would definitely bring loads of comfort! What a fantastic version of hot coco with marshmallows! I’m loving all the virtual hugs 🙂 Wouldn’t it be nice if one day it wasn’t all virtual? 🙂
CookiePie says
What a wonderful sentiment, and a truly fabulous dessert to match! Yum!!!
Elle says
Excellent hug and creative panna cotta, too. Hot chocolate as soup made me smile 🙂
kellypea says
Ahhhh, the power of a cyberhug with a punch of pannacotta for Barbara. So amazing. I can feel the vibrations…nice.
Manggy says
I hope Barbara gets better soon, too.
I just effing love this dessert. Such a perfect execution in flavor (such a classic, too!) and imagination. It’s a good thing the panna cotta experiment worked!
Hannah says
Marshmallow panna cotta? That is absolutely brilliant! And it would be easy enough to veganize, too… Mm, I’m craving marshmallows now!
elly says
How incredibly thoughtful and, of course, delicious 🙂
megan says
This sounds too good to be true! I have been crushing up candy canes and melting them in my hot chocolate for the past week. This is the perfect dessert version of that!
Deborah says
I can’t think of a better hug than one swimming in chocolate!!
Kate says
I love how versatile panna cotta is!
Annie says
This looks soooo good! I definitely think it says ‘hug’ – hot chocolate with marshmallows done fancy enough for any restaurant!
Jaime says
wow you are so creative, peabody! i am sure that barb appreciates it 🙂
Patricia Scarpin says
Pea, what a lovely idea – so new and beautiful! I’m sure Barbara would enjoy this dessert very much.
Chez Us says
Peabody, this is a fantastic idea for a Panna Cotta and how very comforting. I am sure Barbara licked the spoon twice after finishing this!!! 😉
Suzana says
That’s a lovely and yummy hug for Barbara! Beautiful, too.
Darnold23 says
This was just awesome. Thanks for sharing.
Michelle Perry says
This is the 3rd Christmas that I’ve made this..and I get rave reviews every time.
Lynn Chen says
This is GENIUS.
Debbie says
How many servings/ramekins does this dessert make?
Peabody says
Debbie- depends on the size of ramekin you choose 4-6