Green Tea Panna Cotta

1 teaspoon unflavored gelatin
2 tablespoons sugar
1 cup half and half
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon matcha (I bought mine from MT supermarket, $6.49 for 1.05 oz., Hana market sells for <$5.xx, better deal!)


+Soften gelatin in 1 tablespoon cold water.
+In small bowl, whisk matcha with 2 tablespoons of half and half mixture until smooth. {Matcha powder is difficult to mix completely in. Warm up half-n-half prior for easier whisking, also pour liquid over powder, not vice versa. I also used a small frother to stir, very handy.)
+In small saucepan, heat sugar and 1 cup half-n-half until sugar dissolves, no need to boil.
+Turn off heat.
+Whisk in softened gelatin (from above) and vanilla extract.
+Mix in remaining half-n-half + matcha mixture; strain and divide among 3 small cups/ramekin.
+Cover + refrigerate for at least 2 hours prior to serving.

Note: If you want to serve panna cotta on a plate, line the cup with a thin layer of neutral oil (such as canola) before pouring the panna cotta mixture. Before serving, dip cup in hot water and turn cup upside down. The panna cotta will slide off perfectly.