Panna Cotta

This has become a favorite dessert around our house lately.  I made it several months ago when a dear friend came for dinner.  I've had the recipe for several years and finally got around to making it.  It is easy and a good make ahead dessert. I was curious about this dessert because it has balsamic vinegar and black pepper in it.  Unusual! but very delicious.  You'll have to try it.

1/2 packet (1 teaspoon) unflavored gelatin powder
1 1/2 Tablespoon cold water
1 1/2 cups heavy cream, divided
1 cup plain yogurt
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 vanilla bean, split and seeds scraped
1/3 cup sugar plus 1 tablespoon
In a small bowl sprinkle gelatin onto the cold water, stir and let stand 10 minutes.
In a medium bowl whisk 3/4 cup of cream, yogurt, vanilla extract and vanilla bean seeds.  Take the remaining cream and sugar and heat it bringing it to a simmer over low heat.  Off the heat add the gelatin to the hot cream mixture and stir well until combined.  Then add the hot mixture to the yogurt and vanilla mixture and stir until well combined.  Now pour into 4  (6-8 ounce) ramekins and refrigerate uncovered until cold.  Cover with plastic wrap if it sits over night.
Run a knife around the inside edge of the ramekin and dip the bottom of the ramekin into hot water to loosen the panna cotta. Then invert the panna cotta onto a dessert dish and cover with strawberries.

2 pints strawberries (4 cups) sliced
2 1/2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1 teaspoon freshly grated lemon zest
Combine the above ingredients and mix well.  Let this stand for at least 30 minutes to an hour before serving.