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Rosewater Panna Cotta + Fresh Figs

February 10, 2023 by Salma Leave a Comment

Rosewater Panna Cotta + Fresh Figs | The Polka Dotter

I adore rosewater and cardamom. I imagine if you’ve found yourself here, you feel the same way. Rosewater and cardamom infused together in milky drinks and desserts conjure up so many comforting childhood memories.

Growing up, innumerable variations existed in my little world, each with their own nuances. Rosewater creations came in every form, from beverages slurped out of a glass, thick custard-like creations best served in bowls and eaten with a spoon, to my favourite kind, a milky kind of jelly with a good wobble. Almonds and pistachios featured heavily, whether ground, slivered, flaked, roasted or raw. And drinks and desserts like these were always served chilled, a refreshing reprieve from the Australian summer.

My palette has matured over time and embraced the many truly wonderful flavours on offer all around us. Yet I often find myself returning to this familiar combination in what I can only describe as a demonstration of the beauty of nostalgia.

This recipe is my version of the iconic Italian dessert I came to enjoy as an adult, infused with the fragrance and flavour of rose and cardamom that speaks of Indian heritage. A marriage of flavour and texture so simple and elegant, that is seems inconceivable it wasn’t always in existence. You can enjoy this lovely dessert alone, or garnished with another one of my loves, sweet slices of fresh fig.

Rosewater Panna Cotta + Fresh Figs | The Polka Dotter
Rosewater Panna Cotta + Fresh Figs | The Polka Dotter

Baking Notes
1) This recipe has been adapted from this perfect panna cotta recipe by Felicity Cloake, who did all the hard work in extensively recipe testing from all the right people.
2) I can’t overstate enough how unconventional this panna cotta recipe is, so if you’re after a true classic steeped in centuries of tradition, this isn’t it. In particular, I’ve added a touch of Greek yoghurt for lightness and a very subtle tang, but you can substitute for the same amount of milk or cream for a dessert that’s closer to the original.
3) Additionally, in my impatience to enjoy this dessert, I mused that gently warming the base of the mould in hot water would hasten the extraction process. It did. But it also melted the base of the dessert ever so slightly, yielding a surprisingly alluring smooth dome. The more conventional method would see you using a palatte knife or similar to help loosen the panna cottas, achieving a crisper edge. The smooth shiny melty top totally won me over though, and that’s what I’ve chosen to eat and include in these images. Feel free to do you and stick to tradition if you find the idea of melty milky rosewater horribly offensive if not downright blasphemous.

Rosewater Panna Cotta + Fresh Figs | The Polka Dotter
Rosewater Panna Cotta + Fresh Figs | The Polka Dotter
Rosewater Panna Cotta + Fresh Figs | The Polka Dotter
Print

Rosewater Panna Cotta + Fresh Figs

Rosewater Panna Cotta + Fresh Figs | The Polka Dotter
Print Recipe

This simple, creamy elegant dessert is infused with rosewater & cardamom, & served with sweet fresh fig slices, toasted almonds, pistachios & rose petals.

  • Author: Salma

Ingredients

Scale

Rosewater Panna Cotta

  • 300ml thick cream (35% fat)
  • 120g caster sugar, sifted
  • 10 cardamom pods, cracked
  • 5 cloves
  • 2 gelatine leaves (silver grade)
  • 100ml whole milk
  • 60g full fat Greek yoghurt
  • 1 tbsp rosewater
  • 1/8 tsp fine sea salt
  • Pink food colouring, optional

To Serve

  • 3 fresh figs, washed and cut into slices
  • 5–10g slivered almonds, lightly toasted
  • 5–10g slivered pistachios, lightly toasted
  • Dried rose petals, optional

Instructions

Rosewater Panna Cotta

  1. Prepare six standard panna cotta moulds by very lightly greasing them with a flavourless oil.
  2. Place cream, sugar, cardamom pods and cloves in a medium saucepan. Heat gently while stirring continuously until sugar is dissolved, and cream is hot and steamy, but do not boil. Refrigerate and allow to infuse overnight.
  3. Strain infused cream, discarding cardamom pods and cloves, then reheat again gently until hot but not boiling. Bloom gelatine leaves according to manufacturer’s recommendations, then stir through infused cream.
  4. Whisk in milk, yoghurt, rosewater, salt and pink food colouring if using. Strain as needed if any large flecks of yoghurt or undissolved gelatine remain.
  5. Ladle or pour into moulds, dividing equally, and refrigerate overnight to set.

To Serve

  1. To release panna cottas from their moulds, run a palette knife along the edge. Gently warming the base of the mould in hot water can assist release but may also melt the dome ever so slightly (see Baking Notes).
  2. Garnish with slices of fresh fig and sprinkle with toasted slivered nuts and rose petals.

Enjoy!

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @thepolkadotter on Instagram and hashtag it #polkadotbakes

Rosewater Panna Cotta + Fresh Figs | The Polka Dotter

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Filed Under: Desserts Tagged With: Cardamom, Fig, Rosewater

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Welcome!

Salma Sabdia | Food Photography

Hi, I’m Salma, and I love creating beautiful images and sweet treats. If you’re looking for a little baking inspiration, you’ve come to the right place.

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Go placidly amidst the noise and haste, and rememb Go placidly amidst the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.
~ Max Ehrmann

Love this quiet scene at Pappa Sven. It was actually a test shot of the lighting, my first shot of the day. The lovely Libby had handed me a bud vase filled with a casual spray of flowers picked from one of Pappa Sven’s flower pots, and I had set out a few unfrosted coconut cupcakes on a her lovely cake stand, getting them ready to glam up with roasted strawberry icing.

I never usually care too much for my test shots, they are what they are, and I often prefer my last shots of a session, when the cakes are cut, the crumbs are scattered and the drizzles have dripped in their imperfectly perfect ways. And I’ve had a sneaky chance to indulge in whatever dessert I have prepared, all in the name of good photography and recipe testing.

But it’s true what they say, there’s a first time for everything, and this photo may actually be my favourite of the whole shoot, a genuine moment of calm in such a cosy space.

And if I had it my way - I’d share the full un-cropped version with you, that included the beautiful detail of the brick wall across the top of the window, but as Instagram would have it, we are obliged to a 4:5 ratio, so alas today this crop will suffice. 

Also I am absolutely elated and humbled that the tickets to this event are selling so quickly. Thank you to those of you who have already purchased a ticket, it truly means a lot to have you share this event with us 💕

And if you missed the event details - head to my last post or click the link in my profile 😊

#thinkpink #pinkribbon #afternoonteatime #pinkcupcakes #nordiclifestyle #pappasven #fundraiserevent #nbcfaus #foodphotographyandstyling #newcastleevents
Event Announcement! 💕 Join us for an intimate Event Announcement! 💕

Join us for an intimate and heartwarming Pink Ribbon Afternoon Tea, hosted by Salma Sabdia (@thepolkadotter) in the cosy surrounds of Pappa Sven’s Apartment (@pappasvens).

We’re raising funds for the National Breast Cancer Foundation (@nbcfaus), a cause that’s particularly close to our hearts, and we would love for you to share this special event with us.

Immerse yourself in our much loved ‘Pappa Sven’s Apartment’ and savour a selection of delectable pink-themed cakes, cookies and more, all specially crafted for this occasion. 

Event details:
Saturday 14th October at 2pm
Pappa Sven Apartment in Cooks Hill, NSW, Australia

Click the link in profile for more details and to book your ticket through the @pappasvens website.

We can’t wait to see you there!

#thinkpink #pinkribbon #afternoonteatime #pinkcupcakes #nordiclifestyle #pappasven #fundraiserevent #nbcfaus #foodphotographyandstyling #newcastleevents
Good spring morning 💕 aren’t these blooms abs Good spring morning 💕 aren’t these blooms absolutely stunning? 

Instagram usually has a strong dislike for my floral photography. I suspect they are too much of a departure from cakes and cookies, and it’s considered they may offend my dessert-loving audience 😂

What do you think? Do you like the occasional flower or two to start your day?

#springvibes #springflorals #ranunculus #ranunculusflower #flowerphotoshoot #bridgetbodenham #handmadeceramics #australianphotographer
SAVE THE DATE! OCTOBER 14 💕 We have a VERY sp SAVE THE DATE!

OCTOBER 14 💕

We have a VERY special event coming soon to one of Newcastle’s favourite spaces.

If a little sweet indulgence in a stylish Nordic setting is your idea of a good time, mark the afternoon of Saturday October 14th in your calendars, because you’ll be sharing it with us 😊 and best of all, you’ll be supporting a very worthy cause 💕

Tickets go on sale this week, and with a very intimate gathering planned, they will be limited. Keep an eye out on our socials do you don’t miss out 😊

#strawberrycupcakes #coconutcupcakes #nordiclifestyle #pappasven #pinkribbon #afternoonteatime #fundraiserevent #nbcfaus #foodphotographyandstyling
If you’re looking for the perfect dessert to get If you’re looking for the perfect dessert to get you through this summer weekend weather (at the start of spring!) this divine layered ice cream of strawberry, macadamias and mango will do just the trick 💕

Created last summer for @ausmacadamias | Recipe link in profile

#strawberryicecream #mangoicecream #macadamiaicecream #icecreamdessert #summerdessert #weekenddessert #foodphotographyandstyling #australianmacadamias #queenslandstrawberries #aussiemangoes
SAVE THE DATE! Hey Newcastle! We have been plann SAVE THE DATE! 

Hey Newcastle! We have been planning a VERY special event for you 💕

If a little sweet indulgence in a stylish Nordic setting is your idea of a good time, mark the afternoon of Saturday October 14th in your calendars, because you’ll be sharing it with us 😊 and best of all, you’ll be supporting a very worthy cause 💕

Stay tuned and keep an eye out on our socials, where we’ll be sharing all the details early next week!

#strawberrycupcakes #pappasven #pinkribbon #newcastleevents
Blood orange season has arrived, gently floating i Blood orange season has arrived, gently floating in with the soft spring breezes. It’s always one of my favourite times of the year.

Last year’s signature blood orange cake was this delicately striped Blood Orange + Earl Grey Bundt Cake, a crowd favourite that you can find on the blog.

(Along with the other twelve blood orange recipes. Yes, I just checked and would you believe there are no less than specifically THIRTEEN blood orange recipes. And I still think there’s room for number fourteen 😂). 

What’s your favourite flavour to pair with blood oranges? And are there any blood orange recipes you’d like to see this year?

#bloodorange #bloodorangecake #earlgreycake #bundtcake #teacake #springbaking #weekendbaking #foodphotographyandstyling #harrisfarm #redbellycitrus
The days are saying Spring has arrived. The sunshi The days are saying Spring has arrived. The sunshine is glorious and warms you all the way to the tips of your toes and deep inside your heart and mind.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
And the beautiful shades of magnolia pink and wattle yellow are already starting to retreat, giving way to tiny green shoots. 
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
But the nights seem to remind us that Winter will linger a little longer, and to enjoy the indulgence of cosy beverages paired with cosy knits while we still can 💕
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
What’s the weather like in your little corner of the world?

#changeofseasons #cosynights #cosyvibes #bridgetbodenham #marimekko #unikko #teaculture
The magnolias are in full bloom again. It’s alw The magnolias are in full bloom again.

It’s always such a glorious sight to witness. Last year I shared the special story behind our magnolia tree, and I can’t help but share it again after I’ve spent the better part of the last week admiring her brilliant beauty.

The first time she flowered a few years ago, we were completely in awe. We had moved into our home in the middle of a scorching summer drought, and always wondered about this sickly tree that commanded prime position in the front yard.

So imagine our surprise when nine months after living in our home, this bare thin tired tree gave rise to the most stunning, enormous magenta magnolias. 

Every year that has followed we eagerly await the first week of August to indulge in her beauty. Her fuzzy winter coats are shed and give way to the most brilliant shade of deep pink splashed against the fresh greenery of the garden.

Such a special way to welcome in the warmer weather 💕

#magnolias #magnoliaflowers #springblooms #springbaking #flowerphotoshoot
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