Buttermilk Panna Cotta

Ingredients

• 1 (1/4 ounce) envelope unflavored gelatin
• 1 cup half-and-half
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 2 vanilla beans, split and scraped
• 1 pinch kosher salt
• 2 cups buttermilk, at room temperature

Instructions

1. Sprinkle the gelatin over 2 TBS of water in a small bowl and let stand for 5 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, combine half and half, sugar, vanilla pods, vanilla seeds and pinch of salt.
3. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring frequently to dissolve the sugar and avoid scorching the milk.
4. Reduce the heat and add the gelatin and buttermilk.
5. Strain through a fine sieve, removing the vanilla pods and any milk solids.
6. Pour mixture into 8 small ramekins and let cool to room temperature, about 45 minutes.
7. Transfer to fridge and chill for 3 hours.
8. To serve, briefly dip the bottoms of the ramekins in warm water and invert onto dessert plates.