Coconut Panna Cotta with Blood Orange Granita
You're sure to impress with this ambrosia-inspired desert.
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Recipe Summary
Ambrosia belongs to the South. Most Southerners have distinct holiday memories attached to this special, quirky dish—when it is mentioned, many think of the holiday table and a serving dish filled to the brim with a fluffy, fruit-studded concoction. Recipes for the original version of ambrosia—which featured layers of fresh citrus, sugar, and coconut—began appearing in cookbooks in the late 19th century, but this holiday season, our Test Kitchen is bringing you eclectic, modern twists on ambrosia that deserve a spot on your sideboard.
If you're looking for a really special make-ahead holiday dessert that doesn't require any baking, this Coconut Panna Cotta with Blood Orange Granita is the answer to your prayers. In this ambrosia-inspired dessert, which comes together entirely on the stovetop and in the freezer, a tangy, icy citrus granita is perfectly balanced by the rich and creamy coconut custard.
Pro tip: When shopping, look for canned unsweetened coconut cream, not cream of coconut or coconut milk, which are not as thick.