How To Make Panna Cotta
Today we are feasting with… Saint Helena.
The feast day of Saint Helena is August 18th. She is the patron of new discoveries. Saint Helena, pray for us!
Humble Beginnings
Helena, born around 250 A.D., rose from humble beginnings to marry Constantius Chlorus, a prominent Roman official. Together, they had a son, Constantine, who would later change the course of history. However, their life together was cut short when Constantius left Helena to marry Theodora, the daughter of Emperor Maximinianus Herculius. This political alliance may have elevated Constantius’ status, but it left Helena to navigate life on her own. Despite this betrayal, Helena’s unwavering strength and faith would later shape her legacy as a saint and the mother of the first Christian emperor.
In 308 A.D., Constantine ascended to the throne as Emperor, ushering in a new era for the Roman Empire. Deeply influenced by his mother’s faith, Constantine tasked Helena with uncovering relics central to Christianity. Years later, in 336 A.D., Helena embarked on a sacred pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Her journey led her to a site of profound significance—a temple dedicated to the Roman goddess Venus. This pagan structure had been constructed over the very ground where Jesus was crucified and buried, concealing the holiest site in Christian history. With faith and determination, Helena sought to uncover the truth buried beneath centuries of pagan worship.
The True Cross of Christ
Helena ordered the pagan temple to be demolished, clearing the way for an excavation of the sacred site. As the site was unearthed, three wooden crosses were discovered—buried relics that had remained hidden for centuries. To determine which cross was the True Cross of Christ, Helena arranged for a sick woman from the city to touch each one. When the woman touched the first two crosses, nothing happened. But as her fingers brushed the third, her strength was miraculously restored, and she was healed. Overwhelmed with joy, Helena proclaimed the third cross to be the True Cross. To honor this holy discovery, she commissioned the construction of the Chapel of the Holy Sepulcher, a place of worship that would stand as a testament to the faith and sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
During her pilgrimage, Helena unearthed additional sacred relics, including the nails and rope believed to have held Jesus to the cross. These holy artifacts, along with other items linked to the Passion, were carefully preserved and brought back to her palace in Constantinople. Helena’s devotion to uncovering and honoring these relics left an indelible mark on Christian history, fostering a deep veneration for the physical symbols of Christ’s sacrifice. She passed away near the end of the fourth century, leaving behind a legacy as both a devout mother of an emperor and a champion of the faith.
Download Panna Cotta Recipe
Celebrate the Feast of Saint Helena with an elegant dessert inspired by her timeless legacy! This Panna Cotta is a creamy, silky-smooth treat topped with luscious cherries or berries for a delightful finish. It’s easy to prepare yet impressive enough for any special occasion.
Perfectly sweetened and topped with a touch of fruit, this Italian classic will transport your taste buds to a world of simple, indulgent flavors. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a quiet feast day, this dessert is sure to leave everyone craving more.
Download the recipe now and add a touch of sweetness to your celebration!
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Ingredients:
- 1/2 Tablespoon Unflavored Powder Gelatin
- 2 Tablespoons Cold Water
- 2 cups Heavy Cream
- 1/3 cup Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
Topping:
- 1 cup Cherries or Berries, fresh/frozen (thawed)
- 1/4 cup Sugar
- 1 Tablespoons Cornstarch
Preparation Instructions:
- In a small bowl, add two tablespoons of cold water, add in gelatin, and let sit for roughly 10 minutes – do not stir.
- Combine heavy cream and 1/3 cup of sugar in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- Bring to a simmer, stirring to dissolve the sugar.
- Remove from heat.
- Add vanilla extract.
- Pour simmered cream mixture over gelatin, whisking until all the gelatin is dissolved.
- Pour mixture equally into six small ramekins and place in the refrigerator to set up– 2-3 hours to overnight.
- In a small pot, combine fruit, sugar, and cornstarch.
- Bring to a simmer.
- Allow to simmer, stirring occasionally until sugar dissolves and liquid thickens. Cool.
- Once the panna cotta have set up and are ready to be served, spoon cherries or berries over the top. Serve chilled.