Introduction to Sweet Delights

Every culture has its unique sweet treats, and in this article, we'll explore two delightful desserts: Panna Cotta and Red Bean Buns. These desserts bring a touch of luxury and a burst of flavor, perfect for any occasion or simply as a comforting snack. Let's dive into their recipes and learn about these sweet delights!

Panna Cotta

Come and explore the creamy and delicate world of Panna Cotta, a traditional Italian dessert that is as simple to make as it is indulgent. This creamy dessert is made with gelatin, cream, and saffron, giving it a rich flavor and a silky texture. Join me in making a batch and share your thoughts, or stay tuned for pictures when it's done.

Ingredients and Nutrition

2 tablespoons gelatin 1 tablespoon swerve sweetener 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, unsweetened 1/16 teaspoon saffron 2 cups heavy whipping cream, full-fat Water as needed 1 tablespoon chopped almonds, toasted

Preparation Steps

First, place the gelatin in a small bowl with a small amount of water, following the instructions on the pack or 1 tablespoon water for 1 teaspoon of gelatin. Set it aside until it blooms.

Meanwhile, in a saucepan, heat the remaining ingredients except for the almonds, stirring well. Bring the mixture to a light boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 3 minutes until it thickens.

Remove the pan from heat and stir in the gelatin until it dissolves completely. Divide the mixture evenly between six ramekins.

Cover the ramekins with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for 2 hours.

When ready to serve, top with toasted almonds and serve.

Nutritional Facts

Calories: 271 Total Carbs: 16g Total Fat: 29g Protein: 3g Fiber: 0g

Red Bean Buns (Dou Sha Bao)

Another delightful dessert is the classic Red Bean Buns, also known as Dou Sha Bao. These steamed wheat buns are filled with sweet and smooth red bean paste, making them a perfect fit for a dessert or snack. Follow the recipe below to see how easy it is to make these exquisite buns.

Ingredients and Preparation

Red Bean Paste

500g red beans 1500g clear water 250g vegetable oil 120g otter (dust) 250g sugar

Wheat Dough

250g medium-gluten flour 3g dry yeast 140g clear water 1 tablespoon sugar

Red Bean Paste Preparation

Wash the red beans and soak them in water for about an hour, or refrigerate them in the summer. Cook the red beans in a pot, then blend them to a smooth mixture. Mix the red bean paste with vegetable oil and otter. Add sugar and heat under medium heat, stirring with a spatula until the paste is smooth and doesn't stick to the scraper. Cool it and transfer it to a plate.

Wheat Dough Preparation

Mix water, sugar, and yeast in a bowl, setting it aside for a few minutes. Add flour to a large bowl, slowly pour the yeast water, mix with a spoon, and transfer the dough to a working surface. Knead until the surface is smooth, or use a bread machine for 10 minutes. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it ferment at room temperature for 2 hours. When it's doubled in size and lightly poked, it should neither retract nor collapse. Transfer the dough to the working surface and knead for 10 minutes until smooth.

Assembly and Steaming

Divide the dough into 12 to 14 grams, press it to a round disc, place about 1 tablespoon of red bean paste in the center, and seal the wrapper completely. Shape it as you like. Place the buns in a steamer and let them ferment for 20 minutes. Fill the steamer with water, bring it to a boil, and steam the buns for 10 minutes. Let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.

These delicious desserts are sure to bring joy to your kitchen and dining table. Whether you enjoy them as a treat or as a staple in your meal, Panna Cotta and Red Bean Buns are not only a joy to make but also a pleasure to taste.

If you want to see the pictures of my Candied Pumpkin when it's done, feel free to say so in the comments. Let's share these sweet treats with the world and spread the joy of desserts!