Black Sesame Panna Cotta

Instructions

1. Prepare the gelatin
   In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over the cold water and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it blooms and becomes spongy.
2. Heat the cream mixture
   In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, milk, sugar, vanilla bean seeds, and vanilla bean pod. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it just begins to simmer. Do not boil. Remove from heat and discard the vanilla bean pod.
3. Add the sesame flavor
   Whisk the black sesame paste and toasted sesame seeds into the warm cream mixture until fully incorporated. Add the salt and mix well. The mixture should be a beautiful gray color with small specks of black sesame.
4. Incorporate the gelatin
   Add the bloomed gelatin to the warm sesame cream mixture and stir until completely dissolved, about 2 minutes.
5. Strain and portion
   Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a measuring cup with a pour spout to remove any lumps. Divide the mixture evenly among six ramekins, small glasses, or dessert cups.
6. Chill until set
   Cover each container with plastic wrap and refrigerate until completely set, at least 4 hours or preferably overnight.
7. Serve and garnish
   When ready to serve, garnish with a sprinkle of black sesame seeds and a drizzle of honey if desired. For a more elegant presentation, you can unmold the panna cotta onto serving plates by briefly dipping the ramekins in hot water and inverting them.