Chocolate Latte Cotto

In this elegant panna cotta (Italian for "cooked cream") a cocoa-flavoured custard is sweetened with chocolate and brown sugar. If you like, you can add a tablespoon of instant coffee powder to the cocoa for a caffe mocha flavour.

Ingredients for chocolate latte cotto

2 tablespoons cocoa
1 envelope gelatine
3 cups low-fat milk
1/2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
30 g semisweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
Grated nutmeg
Dark chocolate shavings (optional)

Preparation method for chocolate latte cotto

1. Combine the cocoa and 2 tablespoons water in a small bowl, stirring until the cocoa is moistened. Sprinkle the gelatine over 1 cup of cold milk in a separate bowl and stand for 5 minutes or until softened.

2. Meanwhile, combine the remaining milk, the brown sugar, chocolate and a good grating of nutmeg in a medium saucepan. Bring to a simmer and heat just until the chocolate has melted.

3. Remove from the heat and stir in the cocoa mixture. Stir in the gelatine, return to the heat, and cook for 3 minutes or just until the gelatine has dissolved.

4. Divide the mixture among six 3/4-cup custard cups or ramekins. Cool to room temperature and then chill for at least 4 hours. Decorate with shaved chocolate, if you like.

From: Eat Well, Stay Well