It is not often that I am banned from the kitchen – ok, maybe not banned, but it sure feels that way – when I can’t use the stove or the oven, I might as well be banned. Not only is it hot in Seattle right now, it is humid as well – and without air conditioning, we go to drastic measures to ensure the house stays as cool as we can possibly make it. For the most part we play the “shade game” – for those of you who have not had the luxury of playing that game – it is awesome. You basically figure out which windows need to be closed with the shades drawn and which need to be open, at all times of the day, based upon where the sun is. Fortunately today at the end of the day the clouds came in, and I quickly ran around the house opening every shade and every window I could. When that hot breeze comes through the window ever so slightly – you actually feel like you have accomplished something. That’s when you get a point. What a fun game…too bad I have to go to the office tomorrow.
I saw this dessert in Cooking Light, and it almost passed the test to make today. Fortunately I had made it last weekend though, so there was no temptation for me. Seriously, I made a fancy lemonade for the girls today, as that was all my creativity could come up with. Yes, can you tell I am preoccupied with other things? So back to this dessert. Strawberry season is just wrapping up here, so I knew I didn’t have a lot of time to put this one off. Unfortunately I missed out on getting the real fresh strawberries from the stand, but I still found some at the market – and this dessert is so good, any strawberries will do.
I adapted the recipe so that it was completely dairy-free, and it was amazing. First of all, it is definitely impressive to look at – but the taste – it was like summer in a glass. Be patient with the layers, it took them a lot longer to set up than the recipe said – but they eventually solidified. My favorite layer was the coconut – but that strawberry layer on the bottom was incredible as well – real strawberry jello, now when do you ever make that? Ok, and the thyme on top – don’t skip that step, it really added a unique flavor.
Maybe there should be a bonus round for my shade game. If you can create a dessert that doesn’t use the oven or the stove, you get an extra 100 points. Well, actually – even better – you get dessert!
Ingredients
Strawberry gelatin:
- 1 teaspoon gelatin
- 1 tablespoon water
- 3/4 cup sliced strawberries
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- 3/4 cup coconut water
Panna cotta:
- 3/4 teaspoon gelatin
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
- 1/4 cup light coconut milk
- 2 1/2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
Strawberries:
- 2 cups sliced strawberries
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
Preparation
To prepare strawberry gelatin, sprinkle 1 teaspoon gelatin over 1 tablespoon water in a small bowl. Combine 3/4 cup strawberries, 3 tablespoons granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon juice in a small saucepan; let stand 5 minutes. Mash mixture with a fork or potato masher. Place pan over medium-high heat. Bring to a simmer; cook 2 minutes or until sugar dissolves. Add coconut water; return to a simmer. Remove pan from heat. Add gelatin mixture, stirring until gelatin dissolves. Strain mixture through a fine sieve into a measuring cup, pressing on solids to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard solids. Divide strawberry mixture evenly among 4 wineglasses. Chill 1 hour or until set.
To prepare panna cotta, sprinkle 3/4 teaspoon gelatin over 1 tablespoon water in a small bowl. Combine coconut milks, 2 1/2 tablespoons granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon juice in a saucepan; bring to a simmer. Remove pan from heat. Add gelatin mixture, stirring until gelatin dissolves. Cool to room temperature. Carefully pour one-fourth of coconut milk mixture on top of each strawberry gelatin. Chill 1 hour or until set.
To prepare strawberries, combine remaining ingredients in a bowl; toss gently. Let stand 5 minutes. Divide strawberry mixture evenly among glasses.
For a printer-friendly version of this recipe, please click here: Layered Strawberry-Coconut Panna Cotta
First Look, Then Cook 
I made this for bookclub about two months ago. Loved it! Zoe got a kick out of making real strawberry jello.
I have never played the shade game before! I love it! And the dessert game sounds like a great bonus round. :) This sounds and looks amazing. I can almost taste the strawberries! Delicious. Have a great week Dawn!
oh it sounds delicious!
Gorgeous little panna cotta and dairy free that sounds like a winner and so refreshing. I am sorry to hear that you do not have airconditioning. I remember that game when I was growing up as a child and now even with the aircon running it is so hot in Hong Kong that I still go around the house chasing the sun.