Desserts

Milk, salted almond, juniper

Milk, salted almond, juniper
A sophisticated dessert that balances the piney, gin-like aroma of juniper berries with the silky richness of whole milk. Topped with a savory-sweet salted almond crumble, this dish offers a perfect interplay of textures and unexpected botanical notes.

Prep

15m

Cook

10m

Serves

4


1 Ingredients

Qty Ingredient
1.5 cups 360 ml Whole Milk
0.5 cup 120 ml Heavy Cream
0.25 cup 50 g Granulated Sugar
1 tbsp 5 g Dried Juniper Berries
2 tsp 7 g Gelatin Powder
2 tbsp 30 ml Cold Water
0.5 cup 70 g Whole Raw Almonds
0.5 tsp 3 g Flaky Sea Salt
1 tbsp 20 g Honey

2 Method

1

Step 1. In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over the cold water and let it bloom for 5 minutes.

2

Step 2. Lightly crush the juniper berries using a mortar and pestle or the back of a spoon to release their aromatic oils.

3

Step 3. In a medium saucepan, combine the milk, heavy cream, and sugar. Add the crushed juniper berries.

4

Step 4. Heat the mixture over medium heat until it just begins to simmer, then immediately remove from heat. Cover and let it steep for 10 minutes.

5

Step 5. While the milk is steeping, toast the almonds in a dry pan over medium heat until fragrant. Roughly chop the toasted almonds and toss them with the honey and flaky sea salt to create a sticky crumble.

6

Step 6. Strain the milk mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl to remove the juniper berries.

7

Step 7. Whisk the bloomed gelatin into the warm milk mixture until completely dissolved and smooth.

8

Step 8. Pour the liquid into four ramekins or decorative glasses. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until the panna cotta is completely set.

9

Step 9. Before serving, top each panna cotta with a generous spoonful of the salted almond crumble.

💡 Chef's Tips

  • ·

    For an extra layer of flavor, lightly toast the juniper berries in the pan for 30 seconds before crushing.

  • ·

    Ensure the milk mixture is warm but not boiling when adding the gelatin; boiling can weaken the gelatin's setting properties.

  • ·

    To unmold the panna cotta, dip the bottom of the ramekin in warm water for 5 seconds and run a thin knife around the edge.

  • ·

    Use high-quality flaky sea salt like Maldon for the best texture and 'pop' of flavor in the almond topping.

? FAQ

Can I use almond milk instead of dairy milk?
Yes, you can substitute almond milk, but the result will be less creamy. We recommend using a full-fat version or mixing it with coconut cream for best results.
How long will this keep in the refrigerator?
The panna cotta can be stored for up to 3 days. However, keep the salted almond topping in an airtight container at room temperature and add it just before serving to maintain crunch.
What if I cannot find juniper berries?
You can substitute with a teaspoon of high-quality gin or a small sprig of fresh rosemary for a different but similarly herbal and woodsy profile.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Always double-check your gelatin and almond packaging to ensure no cross-contamination.

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