Serves 6
Ingredients
3 tablespoons cold water
1 1/2 teaspoons powdered gelatin
1 cup crème fraîche or buttermilk
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract or the seeds of two vanilla beans
2 1/4 cups heavy cream
Finely grated zest of 1 lime or orange
1/2 cup sugar
1 pint berries (blueberries, strawberries, whatever looks good), plus extra sugar
Squeeze lime juice
Directions
Place water in a small bowl and sprinkle the gelatin over it. Let stand for a few minutes until softened.
Whisk crème fraîche and vanilla in a bowl just enough to blend.
In a saucepan over medium heat, mix heavy cream, citrus zest and sugar and bring it just to a simmer. Remove from heat.
Add the water-gelatin mixture to warmed cream, stirring to dissolve gelatin. Stir the warm cream mixture into the crème fraîche-vanilla mixture.
For a silkier texture, strain it through a fine sieve.
Divide mixture among six 3/4-cup ramekins, cups or parfait glasses (about 1/2 cup each). Refrigerate uncovered until barely firm, then cover with plastic wrap to prevent them from developing a film and getting tough.
Allow to chill for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Garnish with berries tossed with sugar and a squeeze of lime juice.
