Panna cotta: A thing that makes you go "Mmmm"

I haven't posted in some time since I haven't really had many goodies lately. AND I have been busy spending time with my wonderful new fiance, Karl! But a week ago I spotted a citrus colored truck parked in the hood and I knew there had to

be some dessert in there somewhere.

The Schnitzel and Things truck primarily peddles schnitzel (no surprise there). But the creamy panna cotta dessert falls under the category of "Things" on the truck's menu.

Up until last week, I honestly never really knew what panna cotta really was. I heard the word but never really investigated

what it truly meant. Once I finally tried it myself, I began to encounter the sweet stuff everywhere from cookbooks to a cafe in the Lower East Side. It reminded me of when I first learned the definition for the word "immigration" in my Weekly Reader in first grade. It seemed that I have never heard the term before. But once I learned it's meaning, I heard it used left and right.

It turns out that panna cotta is an Italian dessert which can literally be translated as "cooked cream". This dish consists of sugar, cream and milk which is boiled and placed in a mold then cooled to create a mini cylinder of sweetness.

When I took a first glimpse at my dessert-to-be at the truck, I saw the gelatinous pool of cream glaring at me, like a giant cyclops eye void of any pupil. I tried to look beyond the fact that it was set in a mini metal pie tin, similar to those they would serve pot pies in during school lunches in junior high. Despite its stark appearance, I was ready to take it on. It was a bit too chilly to enjoy at the counter there in the presence of the gruff truck attendant grumbling in his Brooklyn accent. So I headed home to enjoy it in a cozy spot.

I dove in with my plastic spoon to find a deliciously unique flavor of (natural tasting) vanilla. It must be natural, I thought, since I could see the black bits of vanilla bean. The texture was a bit gelatinous but still yogurt-like. I suppose to would liken panna cotta to an Italian version of flan. Although, it can come in many flavors (such as blueberry or caramel), this one was Tahitian vanilla. Add to that, the fact that it was sold from a truck specializing in an Austrian dish. I felt as though I was partaking in a UN of yumminess.

It was a refreshing treat but a bit too rich for me to finish solo. As always, I believe goodies can excel from good to great when they are shared with a loved one. So I handed the remaining contents to my curious cat. From the way she licked the shimmering tin clean, I could tell she mightily approved.

Panna cotta might not one of those things C & C Music Factory intended to make you go "Mmm". But it certainly does have that effect (on people and felines alike).

Jump on the schnitzel wagon and see when it will be in your nabe! http://schnitzelandthings.com/