When it comes to Easter baskets, candy is always nice… especially if it’s See’s Candy.
But it’s the bunnies that make me smile the most.
First, the Beatrix Potter stuffed bunnies, early on.
(not quite so photogenic back then)
Then my real-life bunny for Easter in my Junior High years.
Yes, I had a rabbit for 4-H, and I named him Satin. But, when I filled out his showing papers I mistakenly put Satan. He was not a good bunny. It stuck.
(this is not Satin, but a close example… hey, back then we only had poloroids!)
And then, last year, right around Easter I got the best “bunny” of all.
I’m sure you’ve heard about Ocean’s 11 by now, my year old White Boxer named after Danny Ocean- my favorite Movie Character or all time (Sinatra and Clooney did him proud).
I picked up Ocean right around Easter, and after the vet visits and shots and crate and all those puppy things I had to buy, I didn’t have much left for toys.
So, I bought out the markdown Easter bins… and Little O (aka my Bunny) had enough stuffed bunnies to get him through 6 months of chewing and beyond.
Still can’t believe that last Easter, Ocean was so little that he measured from my wrist to the bend of my elbow. And I still can’t believe that in his early years, he was just about as mean as Satan (the bunny, just in case you’re scrolling).
(must have been the Hot Tamales)
But Ocean’s not so little any more, and has outgrown every mean bone in his body. Must be because some bunny loves him. And love him, I do!
(Ocean putting on his Easter “ham”… he always smiles at my jokes- now that is love)
So, what does all this have to do with Panna Cotta? Not much, except this dessert also evokes special memories, like the summers that I served it with sliced strawberries on top out on the deck with friends. Or several Christmas parties, that I added an amazing Cranberry Orange topping, and everyone wanted seconds.
A simple and perfect do-ahead dessert that never gets old and is here to stay, like stuffed bunnies, crazy adventures and Ocean’s 11 (movie and dog). And for this occasion, with some beautiful berries, and my favorite liquor, Grand Marnier.
This week, I’m so excited to be part of the #SundaySupper Easter and Passover recipes lineup. And in case you still aren’t sure what that is… it’s a group of food bloggers working together to share their special recipes in hopes of getting families and friends back around the dinner table.
And this week it’s hosted by Carla from Chocolate Moosey… thank you Carla!
So check out the recipes below, and join us in our Twitter chat tonight at 7pm EST too… it’s going to be a fun one!
Honey Panna Cotta with Grand Marnier Mixed Berries
(The Panna Cotta recipe is from Giada De Laurentiis- she is just awesome! and I modified it, adding a bit to the berries)
Ingredients
1 cup whole milk
1 tablespoon unflavored powdered gelatin
3 cups whipping cream
1/3 cup honey
1 tablespoon sugar
Pinch salt
2 cups assorted fresh berries
2 tablespoons apricot or peach jam
3 tablespoons Grand Marnier
Directions
Place the milk in a small bowl. Sprinkle the gelatin over. Let stand for 3 to 5 minutes to soften the gelatin. Pour milk mixture into a heavy saucepan and stir over medium heat just until the gelatin dissolves but the milk does not boil, about 5 minutes. Add the cream, honey, sugar, and salt. Stir until the sugar dissolves, 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from the heat. Pour into 6 wine glasses so that they are 1/2 full. Cool slightly. Refrigerate until set, at least 6 hours. When ready to serve, mix the jam, liquer and berries. Spoon over and serve.
Source: dianadarling.net (defunct blog)
