LEMON PANNA COTTA

Steps:

• Put cream, one cup milk, vanilla bean halves and seeds, and lemon zest in a medium saucepan. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring often. Remove from heat, and allow to steep for 20 to 30 minutes.
• Strain lemon mixture through a fine-mesh strainer, and return to saucepan. Add sugar. Bring just to a boil over medium heat. Lower heat, and cook 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until sugar dissolves.
• If using sheet gelatin, snap sheets in half, and place in a bowl of ice water for 5 minutes. Gently heat remaining 1/4 cup milk in a small pan. Squeeze moisture out of gelatin, and stir into warm milk one sheet at a time, until gelatin is thoroughly dissolved. If using granules, sprinkle on top of the 1/4 cup milk in a small skillet, and let stand for 2 minutes. Gently heat, stirring constantly for 2 minutes, until gelatin dissolves.
• Stir gelatin into hot lemon cream. Place saucepan in a bowl of ice water, and stir constantly for 5 minutes, to make sure gelatin is evenly distributed.
• Pour mixture into shallow bowls, ramekins or custard cups. Refrigerate, uncovered, until just firm, about 2 to 3 hours. Best served within 24 hours.