Panna cotta that is mint to be

Happy holidays!

I had a delightful holiday with both my fam and C’s. He and I took a 6ish mile hike yesterday with fam; the weather was just beautiful and it felt great to get outside.

I’m keeping it short and sweet today – I made this panna cotta tart for xmas dinner with the fave human’s family; it got rave reviews from both kids and adults, which totally makes it a win in my book!

It’s relatively simple to put together and keeps very well when made ahead – I made it 24 hours before serving, which was just perfect (the panna cotta needs to set up anyway, so that’s ideal).

I’m currently navigating the last few work days of the year in this weird no-space between Christmas and New Years (grudgingly, mind you), while I wait for a few more days off and some relaxation time. I’m already plotting my NYE dessert, of course.

I hope you’re happily relaxing with loved ones! I highly recommend to feed them panna cotta tart :)

Mint and Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta Tart on a Chocolate Crust

Mint and chocolate: a match made in heaven. Only lightly sweet but a big crowd pleaser (this one got rave reviews from both kids and adults!). Infuse the cream the day before you plan to make the tart. Keeps well wrapped in the fridge overnight; I made it 24 hours before serving. Gluten and grain free; refined sugar free. Yield: 1 9″ tart; serves several! A Wait are those Cookies original.

For the crust:

1.75 c almond flour
1/3 c unsweetened cacao powder
1/4 c unsweetened shredded coconut
heaping 1/4 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp pure maple syrup
4 tbsp coconut oil, melted
~1/4 c chopped dark chocolate

In a large bowl, stir together almond flour, cacao powder, coconut, sea salt, and baking soda. Add in vanilla, maple, and melted coconut oil and stir until completely combined. The dough will look crumbly, but you’ll be able to press it together with your fingers.

Preheat the oven to 350, and lightly grease a tart pan with coconut oil. Press the crust into the plate and up the sides with a spoon or your fingers, creating a smooth edge (or not, your call!). Poke the bottom with a fork a few times, and bake for 15 minutes.

Let cool for a few. Melt the dark chocolate and pour it into the bottom of the tart shell. Use a spoon or a brush to smooth it out. Let cool completely to set the chocolate.

Infused cream*:

1 c cream
1/4 loosely packed fresh mint leaves

Coarsely chop fresh mint with a very sharp knife, without crushing or bruising them. Stir them into cold cream, cover, and refrigerate 8 to 12 hours.

Strain the cream, pressing on the solids to extract as much cream as possible. Discard the leaves. If you’re not using the cream immediately, cover and refrigerate it until needed.

*the infused cream makes just shy of a cup; you’ll be adding more cream for the rest of the panna cotta (see below) – use all of the infused cream + another 3/4 c for a total of 1.75 c

For the panna cotta:

1 package unflavored powdered gelatin
1.75 cup mint-infused heavy cream, divided*
1.5 tbsp vanilla bean paste
1.5 tsp peppermint extract
1/4 cup maple
Scant 1/4 tsp sea salt
1/4 cup plain greek whole-milk yogurt
Pomegranate, coconut and mint for garnish

*See above note; I used 1 c infused cream + 3/4 non-infused cream

In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over 1/4 cup of the cream. Let stand without stirring until the gelatin is moistened, about 10 minutes.

Pour the remaining 1.5 cups of cream into a small saucepan. Add maple, and salt. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring consistently. Remove from the heat, whisk in peppermint extract and vanilla paste. Add the gelatin mixture and stir until completely dissolved, about 3 minutes. Cool until lukewarm, about 5 minutes. Whisk in the yogurt until well blended. Pour the panna cotta mixture into the cooled tart shell. Place in the refrigerator until set, approximately 4 hours.

Store in the fridge – keeps well overnight for breakfast the next morning :)