Keto Friendly Lemon, Coconut & Cream Cheese Panna Cotta

Panna Cotta is a molded chilled dessert 

of sweetened cream, thickened with 

gelatin, that is popular throughout Italy.

It is simple to make and can be prepared 

up to two days before serving.

Ingredients:

1 (8 ounce) block cream cheese 

3/4 cup hot water

1 envelope unflavored gelatin (3 teaspoons)

1/2 cup coconut milk (not canned)

1/4 - 1/3 Lakanto Classic sweetener

10 drops lemon or unflavored liquid monkfruit sweetener (optional)

4 teaspoons finely grated lemon peel

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1/2 teaspoon coconut extract

Garnishes:

sugar free whipped cream**

4 to 6 teaspoons toasted coconut***

Method:

Allow the cream cheese to soften at room temperature for 2 hours, or heat for one to two 20 second intervals to soften a bit.

Lightly butter individual 4 to 6 ramekins and line the bottoms with parchment paper. Set aside.

Pour the hot water into a deep bowl or in an 8 cup measuring cup. Whisk in the gelatin, until it is completely dissolved. Whisk in the coconut milk. Add the cream cheese, sweeteners, lemon peel, juice and extract. Blend with an immersion blender** until the mixture is smooth and lump free. Divide the blended mixture evenly between the 4 to 6 prepared ramekins. Refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight. Carefully slide a knife around the inside edge of each ramekin and carefully invert onto a serving dish. If desired, garnish with 2 tablespoons whipped cream and 1 teaspoon toasted coconut. Makes 4 to 6 servings. Keep well covered in the refrigerator.

**For perfect sugar free whipped cream, beat together 1 cup heavy whipping cream, 3 tablespoons Lakanto Classic sweetener and one envelope "Whip It".

Makes 2 cups. (1/4 cup = approximately 102 calories, 11 grams fat, 0.8 grams net carbs & 0.85 grams protein.)

***To make toasted coconut. Preheat oven to 350*. Sprinkle 1 cup of unsweetened flaked coconut on a cookie sheet. Bake for 4 to 7 minutes, stirring once or twice. Cool completely. Save in an air tight container, in the pantry. Use as a garnish for salads, main dishes, puddings and more. 

1 tablespoon equals approximately: 35 calories ~ 3.4 grams fat ~ .37 grams net carbs ~ .36 grams protein

Nutritional info per 1 of 4 servings (with garnishes), approximately:

272.6 calories ~ 11.4 grams fat ~ 4.3 grams net carbs ~ 5.4 grams protein

Nutritional info per 1 of 6 servings (without garnishes), approximately:

202.6 calories ~ 9.8 grams fat ~ 3 grams net carbs ~ 3.8 grams protein

Note: This panna cotta is made with cream cheese and coconut milk, so it differs from the traditional Italian dessert that is made with cream. Just like a traditional panna cotta, this one is light, smooth and delicious!