On A Hot Summer Day

It's 104º and this young red tailed hawk, who has been hanging around for a couple of days, decided to sit on the edge of the bird bath and dangle his feet in the water. (Photographed from the living room through a water-spotted window.)

Inside the artificially cooled house I was thinking about something light and cooling for supper. By nature, I think first of dessert – in this case, panna cotta to be served with blueberries. This is a very easy, delicious summer dessert.

Panna Cotta

1 1/2 teaspoons unflavored gelatin

1/4 to 1/3 cup sugar

1 cup 2% milk, whole milk or half and half 

2 cups buttermilk

1/2 teaspoon vanilla or lemon extract (optional)

1 teaspoon grated lemon rind (optional)

In a sauce pan combine the gelatin, sugar and milk. Heat gently until the gelatin and sugar have dissolved. Set aside to cool. Then add the buttermilk and flavoring, if used.

Pour into six custard cups and refrigerate until set. Serve with berries or sliced peaches.

There, isn't that a cool breeze on a hot summer day?