Celebrate Father’s Day with Vanilla Bean Bourbon Panna Cotta and Blueberry Compote

Father’s Day is right around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than with a gorgeous dessert that perfectly balances rich, creamy flavors with a hint of bourbon? This Vanilla Bean Bourbon Panna Cotta with Blueberry Compote is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a refreshing way to end a special meal, especially on a hot summer day. It’s been a whopping 105-110 degrees here in El Paso this last week. So hot you almost don’t feel like eating, which makes a cold dessert even more appealing! This was my first time making panna cotta and I have to say it does not disappoint! I really didn’t get what all the hype was about until now! But let me tell you…

A. It’s the easiest dessert to make – it looks intimidating and sounds intimidating, but that couldn’t be further from the truth.

B. All of the time needed for this recipe is in waiting for it to set up in the fridge. It’s a dessert you can make quick and go about the rest of your day!

C. It’s so beautiful! It’s sure to impress your family and friends – especially in these darling Weck Tulip Jars!

D. Most importantly – it’s fricking delicious. I hate to admit I ate 3 of the 6 jars myself 🫣🤫.

Why Vanilla Bean Bourbon Panna Cotta with Blueberry Compote is Perfect for Father’s Day

Father’s Day is all about celebrating the father figures in our lives, and nothing says celebration quite like a homemade dessert. Adding bourbon to this panna cotta lends a sophisticated edge that dads will surely appreciate. Bourbon, with its caramel and vanilla notes, pairs beautifully with the natural sweetness of vanilla beans, creating a dessert that’s both elegant and indulgent. Its creamy texture is complemented by the fresh, tangy blueberry compote, providing a delightful contrast that’s sure to impress.

Having spent eleven years in TN, so close to Bourbon country, you can’t help but start to love it, even if you weren’t a Bourbon fan before. It pairs so well with the vanilla and blueberries in this compote – don’t be afraid of it! It’s a subtle flavor that adds some depth and interest!

For my fellow nerds out there… The History of Panna Cotta

In case you were curious, Panna cotta, which means “cooked cream” in Italian, is a traditional dessert from the Piedmont region of Italy. It dates back to the early 20th century and was originally made by simmering cream, milk, and sugar together before adding gelatin. The mixture was then set in molds and served with various accompaniments like caramel, fruit coulis, or chocolate sauce.

The simplicity and elegance of panna cotta have made it a popular dessert worldwide. Its versatility allows it to be flavored in countless ways, from classic vanilla to more adventurous combinations like coffee, lavender, or matcha. My version, with the addition of bourbon and a blueberry compote, adds a modern twist to this timeless classic!

Tips and Tricks for Making Vanilla Bean Bourbon Panna Cotta with Blueberry Compote:

As I said above, while panna cotta may seem intimidating, it’s actually quite simple to make. Here are some tips to ensure your panna cotta turns out perfectly every time:

1. Use Quality Ingredients: Since panna cotta has few ingredients, the quality of each one is crucial. Use fresh, high-quality cream, real vanilla beans, and good bourbon. One of my favorite brands is Four Roses!
2. Proper Blooming of Gelatin: Blooming gelatin means letting it soak in cold water until it’s fully hydrated. This step is essential for achieving the right texture.
3. Avoid Overheating the Cream: When heating the cream, ensure it doesn’t boil. Overheating can cause the mixture to curdle. Heat it just enough to dissolve the sugar and incorporate the gelatin.
4. Strain the Mixture: To achieve a smooth panna cotta, strain the mixture before pouring it into the jars. This removes any undissolved gelatin or vanilla bean pieces.
5. Chill Thoroughly: Allow enough time for the panna cotta to set in the fridge. It typically needs at least four hours, but overnight is best for a firm set.
6. Layering the Compote: Once the panna cotta has set, spoon the blueberry compote on top. Ensure the compote is cool to avoid melting the panna cotta layer.

A Perfect Pairing for a Father’s Day Meal

To make the day truly special, consider pairing this Vanilla Bean Bourbon Panna Cotta with a well-rounded Father’s Day meal. Here are some ideas to inspire you:

Appetizers:

• Curried Butternut Squash Hummus with Rosemary Sourdough Flatbread The warm, spiced flavors of the hummus pair perfectly with the earthy rosemary flatbread, making for a unique and flavorful start to the meal.
• Spring Pea and Dill Dip This light and refreshing dip, served with crunchy vegetables or crackers, is the perfect start to a summer meal.

Main Course:

• Crispy Pork Chops with Cauliflower Mash and Arugula Apple Salad Juicy pork chops with a crispy coating, paired with creamy cauliflower mash and a fresh, tangy salad, offer a balanced and satisfying main course.
• Harissa Salmon and Radish Dill Salad The spicy kick of harissa on tender salmon fillets, complemented by a crisp and cooling radish dill salad, creates a dynamic and delicious plate.

Side Dishes:

• Sweet and Smokey Whole Roasted Cauliflower This roasted cauliflower, with its caramelized exterior and smoky flavor, is a hearty and flavorful side dish.
• Shrimp Avocado Salad Light, refreshing, and full of vibrant flavors, this salad is a great accompaniment to any meal.

Happy Father’s Day Weekend!

I hope you’re inspired to try this recipe and treat the dads in your life to a dessert that’s as special as they are. Vanilla Bean Bourbon Panna Cotta with Blueberry Compote is not only a delicious way to end a meal but also a celebration of flavors and textures that are sure to make everyone happy! Whether paired with a classic steak dinner or a barbecue feast, this dessert is sure to impress. Plus, with these tips and a bit of history, you’ll be well-prepared to make a panna cotta that’s perfect every time. Cheers to all the amazing fathers out there! Enjoy your weekend!

Print Recipe

Vanilla Bean Bourbon Panna Cotta with Blueberry Compote

Vanilla Bean Bourbon Panna Cotta with Blueberry Compote – an indulgent, easy-to-make dessert that’s quicker to prepare than to say!

Prep Time20 minutes mins

Chill Time4 hours hrs

Course: Dessert

Servings: 6 jars

Equipment

• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• 6 Weck Tulip Jars
• Medium sauce pan
• Whisk
• Small Bowl
• Rubber Spatula
• Zester

Ingredients

Vanilla Bean Bourbon Panna Cotta

• 2 cups heavy cream 480 g
• 1 cup whole milk 240 g
• 1 vanilla bean split and scraped
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar 100 g
• 1 tbsp Bourbon optional
• 2 1/2 teaspoons unflavored gelatin 7 g
• 3 tablespoons cold water 45 g

Blueberry Compote

• 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries 300 g
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar 50 g
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice 15 g
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon water 15 g
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon optional

Instructions

Vanilla Bean Bourbon Panna Cotta

• In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over the cold water and let it sit for 5-10 minutes to bloom.
• In a saucepan, combine the heavy cream, milk, sugar, scraped vanilla bean seeds along with the pod, and 1 tbsp of bourbon. Heat over medium heat until it starts to simmer and the sugar dissolves. Do not let it boil.
• Remove the saucepan from the heat and discard the vanilla bean pod. Stir in the bloomed gelatin until completely dissolved.
• Let the mixture cool slightly, then ladle it evenly into your six 7.4-liter tulip jars.
• Cover the jars with the lids and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until set.

Blueberry Compote

• Combine the blueberries, sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, water, and cinnamon in a saucepan.
• Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the blueberries have broken down and the mixture has thickened, about 10-15 minutes.
• Let the compote cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until ready to use.

Assembly:

• Once the panna cotta is set, top each jar with a generous spoonful of blueberry compote. You can serve immediately or keep them chilled until ready to enjoy.
• Top with shredded coconut or chopped pistachios!

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