Panna Cotta

Serves 5

2 cups milk
4 teaspoons powdered gelatin
1 cup heavy cream
zest of one lemon
½ vanilla bean, split
½ cup sugar
2 cups fresh berries or berry purée

1. Place ¼ cup of the milk in a small mixing bowl and sprinkle the gelatin on top. Stir to combine (it will not dissolve) and set aside.
2. Place the remaining milk, the cream, the lemon zest, and the vanilla bean in a saucepan and heat gently until steaming slightly. Stir in the sugar, then stir in the gelatin mixture and combine well to dissolve completely. Pour into ramekins and chill for at least 2 hours, until completely firm. Unmold by gently running a table knife around the edge of the custard and shaking onto a plate. Serve surrounded by berries and/or berry sauce.