In the world of desserts, the Strawberry Jelly and Panna Cotta Cake stand out as a delightful combination of flavors and textures. This article takes you through the steps of creating this delectable treat, from the vibrant strawberry jelly to the velvety panna cotta, all the way to the final, mouthwatering presentation.
Ingredients for This Tempting Recipe
For Strawberry Jelly:
- 1 pack of strawberries (250-300g)
- 6g Agar
- 50g Fine granulated sugar
- 200ml Water
- 1/2 lemon juice (optional)
For Panna Cotta:
- 200ml Fresh cream (48% milk fat)
- 100ml Milk
- 6g Agar
- 50g Fine granulated sugar
- A touch of Vanilla essence
For Decoration:
- 16-20 Strawberries
- A sprinkle of Chervil (or mint)
- A dash of Napage
- 1 Christmas pick
Tools Used:
- 15cm cake mold
- Rubber spatula
- Whipper
Crafting Strawberry Jelly - Step by Step
Step 1: Sweetening the Strawberry Jelly
- Combine fine granulated sugar and agar thoroughly in a bowl.
Step 2: Preparing the Strawberries
- Wash the strawberries, remove the stems, and gently wipe off any moisture. Cut the strawberries into small 2cm cubes. Using strawberries with a vibrant red interior will result in a more colorful jelly.
Step 3: Making the Jelly Base
- In a saucepan, pour water and slowly add the sugar and agar mixture from step 1, stirring continuously to ensure even distribution. Warm the mixture over medium heat. Make sure to dissolve and mix the ingredients before turning on the heat.
Step 4: Adding Strawberries and Lemon Juice
- Once the mixture reaches a boil, add the prepared strawberries and lemon juice. Let it simmer for 1 to 2 minutes. If you notice any foam on the surface, gently skim it off. Note that excessive lemon juice can affect the jelly's consistency, so adjust it according to your preference.
Step 5: Setting the Jelly
- Quickly dampen the cake mold with water and pour the jelly mixture from step 4 into it. If any bubbles form, remove them with a spoon. Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the jelly to cool and solidify in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
Crafting Panna Cotta
Step 1: Preparing the Panna Cotta Base
- Similar to the strawberry jelly, combine fine granulated sugar and agar in a separate bowl.
Step 2: Mixing the Cream and Milk
- In a saucepan, combine fresh cream and milk. Gradually add the sugar and agar mixture from step 1, ensuring it's well integrated. Heat the mixture over medium heat. Be cautious not to create bubbles during the melting and mixing process.
Step 3: Dissolving the Agar
- Maintain the temperature just before boiling and switch to a rubber spatula. Stir gently for 2 to 3 minutes to completely dissolve the agar.
Step 4: Adding Vanilla Essence
- Turn off the heat, incorporate a touch of vanilla essence into the mixture, and stir until fully blended. Pour the panna cotta over the strawberry jelly and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let it solidify.
Decorating the Masterpiece
Step 1: Prepping the Strawberries
- Remove the stems from the strawberries, thoroughly wash and dry them, and brush them lightly with napage for a shiny appearance.
Step 2: Unmolding the Cake
- Gently remove the strawberry jelly and panna cotta cake from the mold. To do this, tilt the mold diagonally, use your fingers to create space between the cake and the mold, and turn it upside down for a clean release.
Step 3: Final Presentation
- Place the cake in a serving dish and adorn it with the prepared strawberries, ensuring an attractive display. Add a touch of Chervil or mint leaves for a fresh accent and complete the look with a Christmas pick.
The result is not just a dessert but a work of art, combining the sweet essence of strawberries with the creamy indulgence of panna cotta. Whether you're crafting this masterpiece for a special occasion or a delightful treat, it's bound to impress both your taste buds and your guests. Enjoy your journey in creating this Strawberry Jelly and Panna Cotta Cake!