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Home » Desserts » Panna Cotta with Berries and Paleo Italian Cooking Review

Panna Cotta with Berries and Paleo Italian Cooking Review

16 September, 2015 by Tara 50 Comments

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Paleo Italian Cooking: Authentic Italian Gluten-Free Family Recipes, written by Cindy Barbieri, includes 100 recipes for those who follow Paleo or Gluten-Free diets and still want to enjoy delicious Italian food. The book is set to be released on October 6th, 2015. Following the review, I will be sharing her recipe for Panna Cotta with Berries.

Disclosure: I was given a copy of Paleo Italian Cooking by Tuttle Publishing in exchange for my review. I do not personally follow Paleo or Gluten-Free diets. All opinions and comments stated here are my own. This post contains Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase something through the link, I may receive a small commission at no extra charge to you.

Panna Cotta with Berries (1 of 3)

Cindy Barbieri

Cindy Barbieri was born in Massachusetts to an Italian-American family and currently live in Connecticut with her husband and Jack Russell Terrier. She developed her love of cooking from her Nana’s kitchen. She visits Italy for two weeks every year with a focus on the Tuscan region. Cindy is also the author of Cindy’s Table (not Paleo).

Paleo Italian Cooking

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Recipes are divided based on course: Basic Recipes; Sauces and Condiments; Appetizers and Salads; Brunch; Tuscan Favorites; Soups, Stews and Chili; Meat and Poultry Main Courses; Seafood Main Courses; For Pasta Lovers (Squash and Cauliflower); Side Dishes; and Desserts.

In the first few pages, Barbieri offers a basic guide for visiting Tuscany, with names of her favorite attractions, activities, hotels, and restaurants. She states the book is not a primer on the paleo lifestyle. Those with no background whatsoever the the paleo diet will need to look elsewhere to find out what it is all about. She does include lists of the basic ingredients to stock the Paleo Italian pantry and kitchen tools and gadgets. She even goes as far as to explain the various knives used in cooking and also includes charts for metric conversions, quantity equivalents, and desired temperature for meats.

Color photography is provided by Nicole Alekson. Most of the recipes  (over 90) include a 1/4 to full page photo. Some are also step-by-step.

Every recipe includes a headnote with cooking tips and anecdotes, such as ways to avoid staining your fingers when working with beets, how to get a nice sear on chicken, roasting red peppers, and how to cut thin slices of beef.

This book is a great choice for those looking for Italian recipes that fit into a paleo or gluten-free diet. It is also perfectly geared for the novice cook. Barbieri offers step by step instructions on various cooking methods such as chopping onions and garlic, cooking tips, and other basics that are helpful for those new to cooking. While the recipes are gluten and refined sugar free, they are heavier on meats and animal products so probably not the best choice for vegetarians and vegans. Coconut products are also abundant, so keep that in mind if you have a coconut allergy.

Panna Cotta with Berries

Panna Cotta with Berries (2 of 3)

Panna Cotta is an Italian dessert that translates to cooked cream. Traditionally, gelatin is added to sweetened cream, heated, then refrigerated until set. Barbieri has made it Paleo-friendly by substituting coconut milk for the milk and honey/coconut sugar for the refined sugar. I really loved this version of Panna Cotta. Chad did too. I served them topped with fresh strawberries and blueberries, but your favorite berries or seasonal fruit will work well.

This was actually my first time purchasing/using coconut sugar. Coconut sugar is made from the sap of the coconut palm tree. While it is still mostly a sweetener, coconut sugar holds on to quite a few nutrients such as antioxidants, zinc, and iron. It also has a lower glycemic index. It is available in the baking section of many larger supermarkets or on Amazon: Coconut Sugar.

I used full fat canned coconut milk.

Don’t top with the berries (or seasonal fruit) until right before serving.

Looking for more gluten-free Italian recipes? Try Chocolate Nutella Semifreddo, Portobello Risotto, and Zabaione Freddo (Italian Cold Zabaglione).

Other Dishes

Paleo Italian Cooking

I also made Italian-Style Tomato Salad; Meaty Italian Frittata; Lemon, Spinach and Prawn Soup; and Chicken Scaloppine in Lemon-Caper Sauce.

I still have a ton of cucumbers and tomatoes in the garden, so I made the Italian-Style Tomato Salad for lunch one day. Sliced cucumber, tomatoes, and red onion are tossed in a red wine vinegar shallot oil dressing, then topped with capers and fresh basil. It was light and refreshing. I am definitely going to miss cucumbers and tomatoes when summer comes to a close.

Of all the recipes I made, the Meaty Italian Frittata was Chad’s favorite. He likened it to a meat lover’s pizza minus the dough. Eggs are combined with green onions, sausage, ground meat, mushrooms, bell peppers, and a bit of coconut milk for creaminess. It was quite the protein-packed/meat lover’s meal.

The Lemon, Spinach and Prawn soup was a healthy and delicious weeknight starter or meal. This creamy soup uses coconut milk, white wine, chicken broth, leek, and garlic as the base. The immersion or stand blender smooths out the texture before the addition of sautéed prawns. My picky son even ate it!

The Chicken Scaloppine was another great weeknight meal. Thinly sliced and pounded chicken breasts (scallopine) are seared in a hot skillet, then combined with a lemon white wine caper sauce. Instead of the usual flour coating, the chicken is simply seasoned with salt and pepper. With the flavorful sauce and cooking style of the chicken, the flour coating wasn’t missed.

Panna Cotta with Berries (3 of 3)

Panna Cotta with Berries Recipe

Adapted from Paleo Italian Cooking

Print Pin

Panna Cotta with Berries

A recipe for Panna Cotta with Berries from Paleo Italian Cooking.
Course Dessert
Cuisine Italian
Keyword coconut milk, dessert, Italian, Italy, paleo, panna cotta
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Resting Time: 3 hours
Servings 6 Servings

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups (375 ml) full fat coconut milk room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon unflavored powdered gelatin
  • 2 1/2 cups (625 ml) heavy cream
  • 1/3 cup (80 ml) raw honey
  • 1 tablespoon coconut sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
  • 2 cups (250 grams) fresh berries

Instructions

  • In a medium saucepan, pour in coconut milk. Sprinkle with the gelatin and allow to sit for 5 minutes.
  • Place the saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the gelatin has thoroughly dissolved and the coconut milk is hot, without boiling, about 5 minutes.
  • While continuously whisking, pour in the heavy cream, honey, coconut sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Continue to whisk until the sugar and honey has dissolved, another 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
  • Divide the mixture among 6 serving glasses or ramekins. Refrigerate until thoroughly chilled and set, 3 hours to overnight.
  • Serve chilled and topped with berries.
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Related

Filed Under: Desserts Tagged With: berry, cookbook, dessert, europe, European, gluten free, gluten-free, Italian, Italy, paleo, panna cotta, review

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Elizabeth Simek

    16 September, 2015 at 11:12 am

    I love all Italian food, but my favorite Italian dish bar none is lasagna. It’s been my favorite since I was a teeny-bopper! Because of health concerns, I have recently started the Paleo diet, so there is no explanation to how excited I am at seeing an Italian Paleo cookbook!!!

    Reply
    • Tara

      16 September, 2015 at 4:12 pm

      The cookbook has a Butternut Squash “Lasagna” 🙂 Strips of butternut squash replace the noodles.

      Reply
      • Elizabeth Simek

        16 September, 2015 at 5:03 pm

        That’s awesome because I love butternut squash! If I don’t win this giveaway, I have a feeling I’ll be buying the book anyway… 🙂

        Reply
  2. Elizabeth Simek

    16 September, 2015 at 11:13 am

    (1) I am already subscribed to your mailing list.

    Reply
  3. Elizabeth Simek

    16 September, 2015 at 11:17 am

    (2) I followed on Facebook.

    Reply
  4. Elizabeth Simek

    16 September, 2015 at 11:18 am

    (4) I visited Tuttle publishing.

    Reply
  5. Elizabeth Simek

    16 September, 2015 at 11:18 am

    (5) I am already following on Twitter.

    Reply
  6. Elizabeth Simek

    16 September, 2015 at 11:19 am

    (6) I retweeted on Twitter. (@ImagineCastora)

    Reply
  7. Elizabeth Simek

    16 September, 2015 at 11:20 am

    (7) I followed Tuttle publishing on Twitter.

    Reply
  8. Elizabeth Simek

    16 September, 2015 at 11:21 am

    (8) I am already following Tara’s MCT on Pinterest.

    Reply
  9. Blake Eatman

    16 September, 2015 at 1:37 pm

    What is your favorite Italian or Italian-style dish? – Ravioli

    (I have completed all of the bonus entries 1-9 as well)

    Reply
  10. Alethea Sallinger

    16 September, 2015 at 5:28 pm

    I love all Italian food – cheese ravioli & lasagna are my favorite, with eggplant parm second!

    Reply
  11. Susan Broughton

    20 September, 2015 at 10:22 am

    I like about any kind of Italian recipes I guess Alfredo has always been at the top but I cant eat it that often because of health.

    Reply
  12. Susan Broughton

    20 September, 2015 at 10:24 am

    I am subscribed to your newsletter

    Reply
  13. Susan Broughton

    20 September, 2015 at 10:24 am

    I follow your facebook

    Reply
  14. Susan Broughton

    20 September, 2015 at 10:25 am

    I visited Tuttle publishing website

    Reply
  15. Susan Broughton

    20 September, 2015 at 10:26 am

    I liked Tuttle Publishing facebook

    Reply
  16. Susan Broughton

    20 September, 2015 at 10:27 am

    I follow Tara’s Multicultural Table on twitter via @susanbroughton8

    Reply
  17. Susan Broughton

    20 September, 2015 at 10:28 am

    I follow Tuttle Publishing on twitter via @susanbroughotn8

    Reply
  18. Susan Broughton

    20 September, 2015 at 10:29 am

    I follow Tara’s Multicultural Table on Pinterest via sbrought1

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  19. Susan Broughton

    20 September, 2015 at 10:29 am

    I follow Tara’s Multicultural Table on Instagram via sbroughton61

    Reply
  20. Kelley Ann Morgan

    20 September, 2015 at 7:20 pm

    My favorite Italian meal is stuffed shells. Yum!

    Reply
  21. Carolsue

    20 September, 2015 at 10:46 pm

    Cannoli is my favorite Italian goodie!

    Reply
  22. Carolsue

    20 September, 2015 at 10:48 pm

    1. Subscribe to Tara’s Multicultural Table via Email – Digicats {at} Sbcglobal {dot} Net

    Reply
  23. Carolsue

    20 September, 2015 at 10:48 pm

    2. Follow Tara’s Multicultural Table on Facebook – Carolsue Anderson

    Reply
  24. Carolsue

    20 September, 2015 at 10:49 pm

    3. Like Tuttle Publishing on Facebook – Carolsue Andeson

    Reply
  25. Carolsue

    20 September, 2015 at 10:49 pm

    4. Visit Tuttle Publishing’s Website – Did it

    Reply
  26. Carolsue

    20 September, 2015 at 10:50 pm

    5. Follow Tara’s Multicultural Table on Twitter – @Sillysiamese

    Reply
  27. Carolsue

    20 September, 2015 at 10:50 pm

    6. Follow Tuttle Publishing on Twitter – @Sillysiamese

    Reply
  28. Carolsue

    20 September, 2015 at 10:51 pm

    7. Follow Tara’s Multicultural Table on Pinterest – @Cezovski9

    Reply
  29. Carolsue

    20 September, 2015 at 10:51 pm

    8. Follow Tara’s Multicultural Table on Instagram – @Cezovski9

    Reply
  30. Denise M

    21 September, 2015 at 3:57 pm

    I love Baked Ziti or Chicken Parmesan

    Reply
  31. Sarai

    22 September, 2015 at 12:25 am

    My favorite Italian Dish is tiramisu.

    Reply
  32. Sarai

    22 September, 2015 at 12:26 am

    1. I already subscribe to Tara’s Multicultural Table via email.

    Reply
  33. Sarai

    22 September, 2015 at 12:26 am

    2. I already follow Tara’s Multicultural Table on Facebook.

    Reply
  34. Sarai

    22 September, 2015 at 12:27 am

    3. I liked Tuttle Publishing on Facebook.

    Reply
  35. Sarai

    22 September, 2015 at 12:27 am

    4. I visited Tuttle Publishing’s website.

    Reply
  36. Sarai

    22 September, 2015 at 12:27 am

    8. I already follow Tara’s Multicultural Table on Pinterest.

    Reply
  37. Sarai

    22 September, 2015 at 12:28 am

    9. I already follow Tara’s Multicultural Table on Instagram.

    Reply
  38. siegalpaula

    22 September, 2015 at 2:36 pm

    My favorite Italian dish is bruschetta

    Reply
  39. siegalpaula

    22 September, 2015 at 2:38 pm

    I followed Tara’s multicultural table on FB

    Reply
  40. siegalpaula

    22 September, 2015 at 2:39 pm

    I’ve liked Tuttle on FB

    Reply
  41. siegalpaula

    22 September, 2015 at 2:40 pm

    I visited tuttles website

    Reply
  42. siegalpaula

    22 September, 2015 at 2:40 pm

    I followers Tara’s multicultural table on Twitter

    Reply
  43. siegalpaula

    22 September, 2015 at 3:13 pm

    I followed Tuttle on Twitter

    Reply
  44. siegalpaula

    22 September, 2015 at 3:14 pm

    I followed Tara’s multicultural table on Pinterest

    Reply
  45. siegalpaula

    22 September, 2015 at 3:15 pm

    I followed Tara’s multi cultural table on Instagram

    Reply
  46. siegalpaula

    22 September, 2015 at 3:16 pm

    I retweeted

    Reply
  47. lk529

    29 September, 2015 at 11:29 pm

    Calling me out on the allergy notice? 😉
    Beautiful photos.

    Reply
    • Tara

      30 September, 2015 at 11:03 am

      Haha, I may have been thinking of you when I wrote that. There is just quite a bit of coconut in the recipes.

      Reply

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