So it turns out rice pudding isn’t super photogenic, and I can’t even get some gorgeous purplish poached pears to make it look good!

Either that, or I also fail at plating and presentation. So instead, I get to show off my first attempt at panna cotta!

I decided to go with rosewater because it was a flavour that I had in mind. My main concern was getting the wobbliness just right and of course, making sure it set properly. In addition, I had to figure out what the best mould would be for it – so I went with a whisky glass that came with a bottle of Scotch that my flatmates had.

Luckily enough, I had some dried flower petals already, but I was unprepared for a sauce. I had an idea to plate with a red sauce, and I’ve previously done this with rosewater pomegranate in my Virtual Valentine, which I’d then garnish with mint as a hint of green. However, there being no pomegranates available, I do admit to cheating and buying some pomegranate molasses, and quince and rose jelly, melting those together and making a pseudo sauce – which managed to mimic the shiny bejewelled effect of pomegranate arils anyway!

Plus I think it worked out better that way as it made it soooo pretty. And it was the right amount of wobbly, but I’d definitely add a little less gelatin just to ensure the texture is smooth and creamy.

I’d almost make this a book cover called “Reine’s Kitchen” if it was that tiny bit even more perfect – there are little bits of slightly broken panna cotta side which I tried to hide, having never demoulded a panna cotta before (especially as I haven’t made one previously?). I am one dish closer to claiming I know how to cook!

I should attempt some even more challenging dishes, but I do have to look after my budget a bit so there may be a hiatus on my creative cooking. And yes, I know, I don’t need to break the bank to do epic dishes like these. This one was cheap as! (except for the bit where I cheated haha)