The bright side

When the flu recovery takes longer than anyone would ever expect, my weary mind tends to go on a quest for anything that could possibly speed up the healing process. Here's just a small glimpse at things and moments which helped me to remain cheerful during my extended stay in bed...

A bunch of yellow tulips my parents brought me on my Name Day...

"Effi Briest" by Theodor Fontane. The classic must-read for any hopeless romantic...

Summer-ish desserts in the middle of winter? Yes, please! Scroll down for the yummy Panna Cotta recipe!

Sequined t-shirt from Dorothy Perkins...just another reason to be madly in love with sales!

Panna Cotta with Spiced Cherry Sauce:

300ml heavy whipping cream
250ml cold milk
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 1/2 teaspoon powdered gelatin
1 vanilla pod (split, seeds scraped out)

Place all the ingredients into a pan and bring to a simmer. Stir until the gelatine has dissolved. Take the pan off the heat and remove the vanilla pod. Divide the mixture among four ramekins or cups and leave to cool. Place into the fridge for a couple of hours, or until set.

To serve, run a sharp knife around the edge of each Panna Cotta and unmold onto a serving plate. Drizzle with the cooled cherry sauce.

For the spiced cherry sauce:
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup water
a pinch of cinnamon
50ml cherry liquer
1 cup frozen cherries

Place the sugar, water and a pinch of cinnamon into a pan and bring to the boil. Reduce the heat and simmer until all the water evaporates and the sugar turns into a golden caramel (no need to stir at this point!). Add the frozen cherries and a splash of cherry liquer. Let it all simmer for a few more minutes, so that the sauce can slightly thicken.

P.S. Huge thanks for all the get-well comments to my previous post! I'm almost fine now, so there's a new outfit coming soon!