 This year’s Annual Holiday Bash menu is set. The dishes have been taken down from the high shelves and washed, the silverware has been polished and is looking shiny and new, the linens have been pressed, the wine glasses have been washed and the invitations have been delivered. I have decorated the tree, strung some lights, and put a wreath on the door. Every year, I plan a menu with at least one new entrée or dessert for my guests to enjoy. This year the menu includes this Cranberry Panna Cotta for dessert, and I will be serving it with two Gallo Family Vineyards wines: a crisp Moscato and a tasty Pinot Grigio. The Cranberry Panna Cotta with the light bodied, refreshing Moscato and the citrus flavor of the Pinot Grigio are the perfect pairing for the big bash.
When it comes to the holidays, I know things can sometimes get hectic and crazy busy! Which makes me look forward to a night that is more than just a little special. My husband and I started our Annual Holiday Bash many years ago, when we were young, and just starting out, many miles from where we grew up. We always invite the same group of wonderful old friends, and as every year passes, we are blessed to be able to add more names to the guest list as it grows and grows. We eat rich food, drink great wine, tell stories on one another, and just enjoy the heck out of being together. This Cranberry Panna Cotta is not difficult to make, and it is an excellent dessert to serve when you need something that demands to be made ahead of time. When I made the following recipe, I used 10-ounce goblets, resulting in three desserts. I will be making smaller portions for my party, using glasses that are 4 ounces, giving me 7+ desserts per this recipe. I recommend making this recipe 24 hours before serving. The time is needed for the dessert to set up and the extra time really gives the flavors the chance to meld together, creating complete nirvana! This recipe is quick to make, and you really won’t need to bother with it again until right before it is time to serve. At that time, make your fresh whipped cream and use a pastry bag to add a dollop to each dessert. I like to use a pastry bag because it is much quicker and I think it presents a finished product that is prettier than spooning it on. Garnish each dessert with a couple cranberries and serve with a glass of Gallo Family Vineyards Moscato or Pinot Grigio.
Compensation was provided by Gallo Family Vineyards via Sunday Supper, LLC. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author, and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Gallo Family Vineyards.
Cranberry Panna Cotta
 (printable recipe)
2 cups Fresh Cranberries
1/2 cup Sugar
4 tablespoons Water
1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon Unflavored Gelatin
2 tablespoons Cold Water
1 3/4 cup Heavy Whipping Cream
1 3/4 cup Whole Milk
2/3 cup Sugar
1 teaspoon Vanilla
 Bring fresh cranberries, sugar and water to a boil in a small pot.
 Cook, stirring occasionally over medium heat until the cranberries soften a little, about 5-10 minutes. As the berries soften, push them against the side of the pot, mashing them, and creating a sauce. They will start popping open, so be careful not to get burned. Once the sauce has been created, place it in a bowl and refrigerate for 20 minutes. In a separate small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over the cold water.
Heat the heavy whipping cream, milk, sugar and vanilla to a simmer. Stir until the sugar is dissolved. Take the pan from the heat and whisk in the gelatin, mixing until it is dissolved. Add the cranberries, and stir together. 
Pour mix into serving glasses. Refrigerate until solid. These should be made the day before you plan to serve them.Â
Dress up your Cranberry Panna Cotta with a dollop of fresh whipped cream, and a couple fresh cranberries.
Serve to family and friends accompanied by a glass of Gallo Moscato or Pinot Grigio. The light bodied crispness of the Moscato and Pinot Grigio is bursting with the delightful flavor of light citrus, making it the perfect accompaniment for the Cranberry Panna Cotta. Read the Gallo Family Vineyards Blog for more information on how to pair your favorite dish with a wonderful Gallo wine!
Have you heard about the Gallo Family Vineyards annual Every Cork Counts Program? The Gallo family is committed to helping Meals on Wheels America to improve the health and quality of life for the seniors they serve. For the sixth year in a row, Gallo Family Vineyards invites Americans to help end senior hunger and isolation with their annual Every Cork Counts program. They are donating $1 for every cork submitted through our website or snail mail. All Gallo Family fans have to do is snap a picture, or send their corks!
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Plus don’t miss the Seasonal Wine Pairing Tips by Sunday Supper Movement.
Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Gallo Family Vineyards via Sunday Supper, LLC. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author, and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Gallo Family Vineyards.