The Conversation
We’ll admit a good ‘ol panna cotta is pretty delicious. Rich, creamy and surprisingly easy to make — what’s not to like? Well, we’re giving it a unique spin to celebrate that time-honored holiday, Animal Cracker Day. This recipe features a v. intriguing ingredient: animal cracker milk (stay with us here). Once you go animal, you won’t go back. If you’re super into animals, these would also be a good addition to an animal-inspired wedding (yeah, that’s a thing). Read on to get the full, scrumptious recipe.
Ingredients: (makes 4 servings)
— 2 boxes animal crackers
— 2 cups whole milk
— 3 teaspoons powdered gelatin (about 1 1/2 packets)
— 1/3 cup sugar
— 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
— 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
— salt
Instructions:
1. Crumble your animal crackers in a sealed plastic bag using a rolling pin. Set some crumbles aside for topping.
2. Pour the milk into a large bowl, then add the animal cracker crumbs. Let steep for about an hour.
3. Strain the milk and put it into a saucepan.
4. Lightly sprinkle the gelatin over the top. Let it bloom for 5 minutes, until the top of the milk is wrinkly.
5. Gently heat the milk, making sure NOT to boil. Lightly stir to make the gelatin dissolve.
6. After the gelatin dissolves, slowly stir in the sugar. Continue to heat until the sugar dissolves.
7. Remove from heat and add in cream, vanilla and a pinch of salt.
8. Chill in the fridge for 2-4 hours, or until the panna cotta is solid.
9. Crumble the rest of the animal crackers on top. We also added a bit of espresso on top to complement the creaminess of the panna cotta. It goes together perfectly!
When you’re crumbling the cookies, it doesn’t have to be too fine. Just enough to get that animal cracker flavor into the milk.
Mmmm…. Just like cereal milk!
Heating the milk is the most important part, so make sure to pay careful attention. Can’t let that milk boil!
Once the cream is in, add it to cups, ramekins or jars — whatever you plan to serve it in!
The hardest part is waiting ;)
Crumble the rest of the animal crackers on top. We also added a bit of espresso on top to complement the creaminess of the panna cotta. It goes together perfectly!
Ta-da! Scrumptious panna cotta with a playful twist.
Show us your animal cracker creations on Instagram using the hashtag #iamcreative!
Nanette is an all around food enthusiast who loves transforming basic everyday foods into something delicious, and of course, full of sprinkles. You can see more of her at www.nanettewong.com.
More From Dessert Recipes
It can be intimidating to step out on your own and build a business from the ground up. As part of our collaboration with Office Depot, we're talking with Selfmade alum and solopreneur Colette Lawrence, the faith-based motivator and relationship builder behind The M.E.E. Movement, about ways in which women in business can find success.
B + C: How did you know M.E.E. Movement was your business to start?
The M.E.E Movement represents motivation, empowerment, and encouragement for women. It is what represents me. I did not know at first that it was my business to start, but then the thought of monetizing what I loved came to me. It scared me, however. I registered the business in July 2020 and have been slowly building my wings since.
B + C: What's one strategy that's helped you start your business?
Thinking through and researching what the requirements are to start my business, and then asking questions of people who are in the business. Not all advice worked; however, it helped me to figure out what I needed to do and not to do.
B + C: Did you always know life coaching would be your entrepreneurial path?
(Smiles) No, I did not. I 'stumbled" on it. I knew that people were always coming to me for advice and I found that I loved having conversations with them, especially with women, young and old.
B + C: What was your most valuable takeaway from Selfmade?
My most valuable takeaway was the first day of training: Get out of your own way. There were a lot of great moments and important takeaways from every presenter. However, getting out of my own way, pushing past doubts, was for me my most valuable takeaway. Doing something that I had never done before took courage. If I do not focus on what is happening with me mentally then I cannot deliver to my clients successfully.
B + C: What's one piece of advice you would give to female entrepreneurs on the brink of starting?
Get out of your head. You have something to offer. You have what you need to succeed so go ahead and do it.
B + C: How do you stay motivated?
I stay motivated by listening to music and listening to motivational speakers, and sometimes someone will just reach out and talk about the impact that I made in their life. That adds the extra juice or sauce I need to pummel through the day.
B + C: What's your best organizational tip?
Keep a diary and journal. It's the best way for me to keep organized and it also provides a source motivation as I record not only my "losses" but my wins as well.
B + C: Who inspires you in the entrepreneurial space?
Shirley Toliver – She motivates and empowers and makes me always want to show up.
B + C: What has receiving the Office Depot scholarship to Selfmade done to help you start or grow your business?
The scholarship was a blessing in that all the areas that were covered offered valuable information that I needed, from social media to HR. As a new business owner, I needed to know this to increase my own personal awareness in what it takes to run a successful business. The candidness of the presenters made it easy to see myself in their shoes and helped me to realize that I can also get there.
Thanks Colette! You can follow The M.E.E. Movement on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Want to feel motivated to take the next step for your business? Let Office Depot OfficeMax give you the confidence you need with a suite of business services & solutions to help you put your best foot forward. Make a good first impression with business cards & build the business pitch of your dreams with custom presentations. With Office Depot OfficeMax you'll find the tools to reach new customers with confidence.
Head to Office Depot's Selfmade page to check out even more amazing business resources (and discounts!) to help you accomplish more on your entrepreneurial journey. These offers are available for a limited time only, so be sure to take advantage of all this goodness while supplies last. Want to join the next Selfmade cohort this summer? Check out all of the scholarship details right here.
Keep Reading
Show less