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Panna Cotta with Poached Pears and Almond Toffee Crunch

August 30, 2014 by Maureen 54 Comments

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Did you miss the theatre showing of the movie Chef? I did too and I was berating myself because I’d looked forward to it for ages. I got the flu, family things were going on and I missed out.

Chef coming out on DVD on September 4thStudio Canal
Film © Sous Chef, LLC. All Rights
Reserved

So for me and for all of you who missed it on the big screen, it’s coming to DVD, Blu-Ray and Digital with UltraViolet on September 4th. If you’re a food lover who’s not been paying attention, here’s the scoop on the movie.

Chef was written by the American actor, comedian, director and screenwriter, John Favreau who also stars in the movie. His co-stars and other actors are some of my favourites – Dustin Hoffman, Scarlett Johansson, Robert Downey, Jr., Sofia Vergara, John Leguizamo, Bobby Cannavale, Emjay Anthony and Oliver Platt. Just looking at the cast and I nearly start laughing. I love a funny movie.

Carl Casper, a Miami-born chef is working in a restaurant in Los Angeles and a famous food critic and blogger is coming for dinner. Casper wants to showcase his talents and show how creative he is as a chef but the owner says no, he must serve ‘the classic favourites,’ which haven’t changed for years.

As Carl feared, the critic gives a less than satisfactory review and rather than suck it up and move on, he uses Twitter to berate the critic in a full meltdown. With his life a mess, the chef listens to his ex-wife who tells him to go back to Miami and get back to his roots where he loved to cook and feed people.

Panna Cotta with Poached Pears

He heads to Miami with his ex, Inez and gets to spend fun time reconnecting with his son and the ex-wife’s new husband Marvin offers Carl a broken down food truck to get back on his feet. I’m not going any further into the movie because nobody wants to know everything before they watch a movie. I watch a comedy movie to laugh and feel happy.

The best bit is that Chef is about food and blogging and social media – the things that consume my life and probably yours. Seriously, who doesn’t eat and want to talk about it?

Having the movie on DVD or Blu-Ray at home is really convenient — to the kitchen. I’ll have my copy of Chef on September 4th and after the movie is over, I’m going to serve this outstanding panna cotta with almond toffee crunch alongside Moscato and cinnamon poached pears.

Panna Cotta with poached pear

5.0 from 15 reviews
Panna Cotta with Poached Pears and Almond Toffee Crunch
 
Print
Prep time
20 mins
Cook time
1 hour
Total time
1 hour 20 mins
 
This dessert, while it has quite a few steps, is not difficult to make and can be done in stages.
Author: Maureen Shaw
Recipe type: Dessert
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 8
Ingredients
Poached Pears
  • 4 pears
  • 1 bottle Moscato wine
  • 1 cinnamon quill
Almond Toffee
  • 1 cup sugar
  • ¼ cup water
  • ½ cup sliced almonds
Panna Cotta
  • 330 ml Full cream milk
  • 470 ml Cream
  • 120 grams icing sugar
  • 3 sheets titanium gelatine
  • 2 vanilla beans
Instructions
Poached Pears
  1. Peel the pears, slice in half and scoop out the seed bits and bottom end with a melon baller or spoon. Keep the stems, they're pretty.
  2. Place them in a saucepan and pour over the wine and toss in the cinnamon quill. Cover with a piece of baking paper to keep the pears wet and cover.
  3. Simmer on medium heat for about 20 minutes or until you can pierce the pear with a knife and it feels soft.
  4. Remove pears to a plate and increase the heat and reduce the wine until it's syrupy. However thick you like.
  5. Pour syrup over the pears.
Almond Toffee Topping
  1. Place almonds on a baking tray and place in the oven at 180C for about 8 minutes or until the almonds take on just a little bit of color. Set aside.
  2. To a saucepan on medium heat, add the sugar and the water. Cook until the mixture reaches the hard crack stage 150C. Remove from heat and put the bottom of the pan in water to stop the cooking - you don't want burnt toffee.
  3. Toss in the almonds and pour out on a Silpat or baking paper and smooth out.
  4. Once cool, place in a plastic bag and bash with a rolling pin. Place in an air tight container and set aside. (This will keep for weeks, well covered)
Panna Cotta
  1. Brush a non-flavoured oil on 8 dariole moulds - it will help to remove the panna cotta.
  2. Put the 3 sheets of gelatine in a bowl of ice water to soften.
  3. Place milk in a saucepan and slice the vanilla beans lengthwise and scrape out the seeds with your knife and add to the milk. Toss the beans in as well. Bring the milk to nearly boiling but do not boil. You'll see little bubbles on the side of the pan, that's hot enough.
  4. Remove from the heat and let the beans steep for 30 minutes.
  5. Remove the beans and add the gelatine and mix well. Add the sugar and mix well.
  6. Add the cream and place the bowl over a bowl of ice water and stir until the mixture just begins to thicken. This will hold the vanilla seeds in suspension. If you don't mind the seeds falling to the bottom, this step is not necessary.
  7. Pour into dariole moulds and refrigerate until set. Mixture will still be wobbly.
  8. Dip moulds into hot water for a few seconds and invert on a plate.
  9. Assembly
  10. Plate the panna cotta and sprinkle the crushed toffee on the top.
  11. Slice the pear into strips and place alongside the panna cotta.
  12. Drizzle some syrup over the pear and around the panna cotta.
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This post was kindly sponsored by Universal Sony but honestly, I’m really looking forward to this movie release.

Filed Under: Desserts, Recipes Tagged With: Chef the movie, panna cotta

« Sous Vide Cheeseburgers
A Guide to Fantastic Champagne and Food Pairings »

Comments

  1. Liz says

    August 30, 2014 at 10:46 am

    YES, I missed this movie!!! Great to know it will be out on DVD soon. And I’m loving your poached pears with panna cotta…besides looking ultra delicious, it’s gorgeous!!!

    Reply
  2. gloria says

    August 30, 2014 at 10:57 am

    Love this movie! And love your panacotta look absolutely georgeous and love with these poached pears;)

    Reply
  3. Judit + Corina @ Glamorous Bite says

    August 30, 2014 at 10:59 am

    Can you believe Maureen, we almost missed this movie, thanks to you we will have a fun time this weekend. As always your recipes are dangerously delicious..mmm a bottle of Moscato wine 🙂
    J+C

    Reply
  4. Taste of Beirut says

    August 30, 2014 at 1:55 pm

    I haven’t seen the movie, but your dessert looks absolutely DIVINE!!!

    Reply
    • Maureen says

      August 30, 2014 at 5:20 pm

      Thank you SO much!!

      Reply
  5. Laura (Tutti Dolci) says

    August 30, 2014 at 3:10 pm

    What an impressive dessert, I love the almond toffee crunch!

    Reply
  6. velva says

    August 31, 2014 at 1:02 am

    You are not the only one who missed this movie. I was hoping to catch it on “on Demand” and have not seen it on their play list. This is a movie I want to see as well as the 100 mile journey.
    Love food movies.

    Velva

    Reply
  7. Gourmet Getaways says

    August 31, 2014 at 1:57 am

    I don’t think I’ve seen the movie but it looks pretty interesting. Robert Downey!!! A great film to watch perhaps after dinner, while enjoying this great panna cotta dessert!

    Julie
    Gourmet Getaways

    Reply
  8. ChopinandMysaucepan says

    August 31, 2014 at 2:08 am

    Dear Maureen,

    I received an invite to watch the preview but totally forgot about it. Your panna cotta looks incredible with the toffee crunch.

    Reply
  9. Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen says

    August 31, 2014 at 3:21 am

    Haha this movie sounds fab and it is right up our aisle isn’t it? I love the whole cast and will be not so patiently waiting for Sept 4th to get here!! On the other hand, this recipe is gorgeous and sounds amazing. I will share it on FB 🙂

    Reply
  10. David Crichton says

    August 31, 2014 at 3:34 am

    It’s not often a panna cotta appeals to me, Maureen. This one has a tinge of yellow to it so it must super rich cream, plus the crunchy topping are hitting the yes buttons for me.

    Reply
    • Maureen says

      August 31, 2014 at 7:44 am

      The cream is from jersey cows so yes, it’s yellow 🙂 It is outstanding cream and only one dairy around here offers it. It’s not cheap but it’s SO worth it.

      Reply
  11. Melissa @ My Recent Favorite books says

    August 31, 2014 at 3:50 am

    Your dessert looks so DE-licious! =)

    I havent seen the Movie, but it sounds really interesting!

    Reply
  12. Helene D'Souza says

    August 31, 2014 at 4:21 am

    I have to think of Paninis now. haha!
    I saw the movie the other day and of course I was hungry after watching it. Inspiring and fun. =)
    ohhh panna cotta with almond toffee crunch and poached pears!! May I come for a bite? =D

    Reply
  13. Rachel (Rachel's Kitchen NZ) says

    August 31, 2014 at 4:48 am

    Nice review – Maureen. I did go and see this movie and really enjoyed – came home smiling and wanting to cook – have been dreaming about those Cuban sandwiches ever since:) Oh and this dessert – I just looooooooove panna cotta and this looks soooooo good.

    Reply
  14. A_Boleyn says

    August 31, 2014 at 4:54 am

    I’m going to check out the movie when it comes out on dvd since I’m a fan of ‘cooking’ movies. 🙂 As to your panna cotta, I love everything about it.

    Reply
  15. cheri says

    August 31, 2014 at 6:57 am

    Oh I missed that movie too, love the trailer, just saw it for the first time. This panna cotta looks very elegant, love all the components.

    Reply
  16. @myhealthyeatinghabitsMireya says

    August 31, 2014 at 7:14 am

    Great to know about the movie. I hadn’t heard of it but it’s going to be at the top of my Netflix list. The panna cotta sounds wonderful!

    Reply
  17. Celia says

    August 31, 2014 at 7:24 am

    I missed this movie too! Will look out for the DVD, thanks for the headsup, love. Beeyootiful pannacotta!!

    Reply
  18. Lizzy (Good Things) says

    August 31, 2014 at 7:50 am

    Oh gosh, yes, we did miss this film…. was so looking forward to it! Love your recipe, Maureen… just beautiful… what a way to celebrate pears… will be on the look out for the DVD. Thanks for the reminder xo

    Reply
  19. Hotly Spiced says

    August 31, 2014 at 9:04 am

    I was invited to a preview of the movie and couldn’t get there. Really wish I had been able to see it as it sounds like great fun. I will now watch it on DVD. I love the cast! Robert Downey Jr and Dustin Hoffman are two of my faves. I love the look of your dessert, Maureen and what a stunning plate xx

    Reply
  20. John@Kitchen Riffs says

    August 31, 2014 at 9:32 am

    We haven’t seen the movie yet, but want to. Probably on Netflix — we almost never go out to an actual theater (too lazy, plus who doesn’t want to be close to their kitchen while watching a movie?) Sounds like a great film, and the panna cotta looks terrific. Thanks.

    Reply
  21. Brooks says

    August 31, 2014 at 9:34 am

    Maureen, I too missed the theatre release of Chef. I’m waiting for On Demand. And when Mrs. W and I settle down for movie night, I’m thinking this lovely panna cotta will make a splendid dessert. Lovely work!

    Reply
  22. Denise Browning says

    August 31, 2014 at 9:41 am

    I haven’t heard about this movie but after reading this post, I am looking forward to watching it. I only wish I could have your scrumptious panna cotta as well. 🙁 What a great way to both indulge and entertain yourself…

    Reply
  23. Joanne T Ferguson says

    August 31, 2014 at 12:19 pm

    G’day! First of all, your panna cotta looks delicious Maureen and want to come through the screen to try it now!
    I too missed this film and looks like will wait until it is on Foxtel!
    Great photo that caught my eye right away!! It’s breakfast….YUM is what I can say!
    Cheers! Joanne

    Reply
  24. rebecca says

    August 31, 2014 at 1:08 pm

    fun dessert and loved that movie

    Reply
  25. nancy@jamjnr says

    August 31, 2014 at 1:46 pm

    I saw the movie on the plane and it was great – and yes vey close to all our hearts when it comes to blogging and social media so you will love it. Your poached pears in 1 bottle of Moscato sounds divine – that will put you in a great mood to watch the movie 🙂

    Reply
  26. sherry mackay from sherryspickings says

    August 31, 2014 at 3:53 pm

    hi maureen
    we really enjoyed this movie! we saw it on the last day it was showing at the UQ cinema-the very last showing so it was lucky we made it at all. and we felt so old with all these gorgeous young things around:) enjoy it!

    Reply
  27. Choc Chip Uru says

    August 31, 2014 at 5:32 pm

    This is definitely on my list to watch, love seeing RDJ in a very different role 😀
    Maybe with your pannacotta on a late friday night? Sounds just about perfect! 😀 – Oh and JUST tried Moscato last night – WOW!

    Cheers
    Choc Chip Uru

    Reply
  28. Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella says

    August 31, 2014 at 5:46 pm

    Love the look of this panna cotta as I really like moscato and pears together! 😀

    Reply
  29. SallyBR says

    August 31, 2014 at 9:17 pm

    Haven’t seen the movie, which has not been in our movie theaters here (drawback of living in a small town), but will definitely watch it at some point – probably through Netflix when available

    your dessert made my heart miss a beat – love everything about it, it is a winner all the way!

    Reply
  30. Tara says

    September 1, 2014 at 1:17 am

    Oh, the movie is out, can’t wait to see it again!! Loved it. Your dessert has me drooling. I grew up with pears as our new home was built on an old pear orchard. This brings back great memories!!

    Reply
  31. Roberta says

    September 1, 2014 at 2:20 am

    Have not heard of this movie till now. Will look for it. Your Panna Cotta looks divine!

    Reply
  32. John says

    September 1, 2014 at 3:58 am

    The dessert looks heavenly. I bet it tastes wonderful too. Thank you for sharing your recipe. I am excited to make one and eat it while watching Chef. I agree, the cast is amazing. Jon Favreau is a cool guy.

    Reply
  33. Barbara | Creative Culinary says

    September 1, 2014 at 4:02 am

    I’ll bring the Cubanos to the party? 🙂

    Reply
    • Maureen says

      September 1, 2014 at 8:53 am

      Yes, please!!

      Reply
  34. Karen (Back Road Journal) says

    September 1, 2014 at 5:57 am

    Oh you know I’m going to be making this recipe. The pears in our orchard should be ready to pick towards the end of September or the first part of October.

    Reply
  35. Krissie - Pearls of Style says

    September 1, 2014 at 8:01 am

    Yes I had wanted to see this but with moving to the other side of the world I missed it! Will definitely get it on DVD. And you’ve inspired me for dessert ideas this week Maureen, the Panna Cotta looks to die for.

    Krissie x – http://pearlsofstyle.blogspot.com

    Reply
  36. Amanda (@lambsearshoney) says

    September 1, 2014 at 8:47 am

    I saw this movie with my daughter and loved it – such a feel-good film!
    Maureen, this panna cotta is absolutely stunning and looks perfect. I can’t wait to have a try at this myself, panna cotta has been on my list to make for ages.

    Reply
  37. Anne says

    September 1, 2014 at 1:14 pm

    Love panna cotta! This looks amazing!

    Reply
  38. Krista says

    September 1, 2014 at 3:48 pm

    Alas, I missed it too! But I will most definitely look for it on DVD. 🙂 Your dessert sounds amazing. 🙂

    Reply
  39. easyfoodsmith says

    September 1, 2014 at 5:35 pm

    Gorgeous dessert there! Lovely presentation too. Pannacottas are loved by my family and the pairing with pears sounds good. I have never tried poaching pears. I will try it once they hit the markets here.

    Reply
  40. Sandra - The Foodie Affair says

    September 2, 2014 at 1:26 am

    How did I miss this movie?!! I’ll be looking for it! Your Panna cotta is devine! Perfectly paired with the pears.

    Reply
  41. mjskit says

    September 2, 2014 at 1:55 am

    I’ve read some great review about this movie so thanks for yet another one. I’m now thinking about bypassing the wait for Comcast or Netflix and just buy the DVD. Now that’s one gorgeous panna cotta!! I’d be licking the plate after eating this.

    Reply
  42. Norma Chang says

    September 2, 2014 at 4:48 am

    I too missed the movie, looking out for the DVD. I am drooling over your panna cotta.

    Reply
  43. michael says

    September 2, 2014 at 5:38 am

    I missed this movie to Maureen but it sounds like a good movie 🙂 Your dessert looks wonderful! 🙂

    Reply
  44. Barbara @ Barbara Bakes says

    September 2, 2014 at 8:27 am

    What a gorgeous dessert! Come make this for me and we’ll watch Chef together 🙂

    Reply
  45. Raymund says

    September 2, 2014 at 7:34 pm

    Thats a seriously nice dessert!

    Reply
  46. Mary Frances says

    September 4, 2014 at 7:04 am

    Maureen this dish is just heavenly, I love your presentation! I’ll have to watch this movie, it sounds like a lot of fun.

    Reply
  47. Bam's Kitchen says

    September 4, 2014 at 11:24 pm

    Maureen, I saw your dessert on instagram and wow this looks delicious!
    Perfect for the fall weather that will be coming our way soon and for your saying goodbye to winter and hello spring in Australia. I rented this as a home movie on our NOW TV in HK and this movie is awesome. Loved it.

    Reply
  48. shashi @ runninsrilankan says

    September 5, 2014 at 4:23 am

    Maureen – I so wanna watch Chef now With this panna cotta to gorge on – yipeee its available for rental today!!! If only I could snap my fingers and presto – this appeared in front of me – just like that! I’ve never tried to make panna cotta – do you think Almond or coconut milk could be substituted for real milk/cream?

    Reply
  49. Jamie says

    September 6, 2014 at 2:37 am

    This is absolutely gorgeous!!! Why when I make panna cotta – which I love making and we love eating it – do I never dress it up like this. Beautiful autumn treat… pinned to my new panna cotta board!

    Reply
  50. The Ninja Baker says

    September 9, 2014 at 10:33 am

    Loved Chef! And what a great dessert to prove your first class gourmet skills with your movie friends =)

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Chocolate Chip and Almond Toffee Crunch Cookies says:
    December 15, 2014 at 8:57 pm

    […] my favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe.  You’ll find my recipe for almond toffee crunch with my panna cotta recipe. Chocolate Chip and Almond Toffee Crunch Cookies   Save Print […]

    Reply

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