Panna Cotta

• 0.33 cup cold water
• 1.5 tsp. unflavored gelatin
• 0.67 cup milk
• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 0.125 tsp. salt
• 0.25 cup sugar
• 2.5 tsp. vanilla

Pour the cold water into a small cup and stir in the gelatin. Let stand for 5 minutes. It will become firm.

Combine the milk, cream, salt, and sugar in a small pan. Turn the heat to medium and stir it occasionally. Let the mixture heat until a small ring of bubbles appears around the inside edge of the pan. Do not leave the stove at this juncture, not even to answer the door. This only takes a couple of minutes, and sometimes you'll see a little steam rising from the milk. Do not let it boil.

Remove the pan from the heat.

Add the gelatin and vanilla, and stir until you are sure the gelatin has completely dissolved.

Pour the custard into little serving ramekins that hold a half a cup or so each.

Let the custard cool a little, then cover the ramekins with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve.