This is a deceptively simple and sublimely elegant dessert that whips together in minutes, baring the waiting time. It is a dessert that grows on you, it's a delicious and smooth pudding that elicits small moans of "Mmm," and "Wow!" from those who try it. It's just sweet enough, super creamy, with a sunny tang that teases you to keep taking bite after bite until, lo and behold, you've eaten the whole bowl.
Served plain, it is a perfect end to a hot & spicy meal to cool the palate. With some fresh raspberries or a strawberry that is fanned out on top, it adds a special flair. Don't be tempted to bury this under jam, jelly or a mashed fruit; all that extra flavour will completely mask the delicate undertones of the buttermilk. This is especially pretty, served in tiny parfait glasses with a layer of fresh berries between each level of pudding.
Allow cream to come to room temperature. I have successfully held the pan over a bowl filled with cold ice water, stirring constantly, to reduce the temperature faster.
04Once the cream has cooled to room temperature, add the buttermilk and stir well until thoroughly combined. Strain through a fine mesh sieve into a pourable container that can hold 4 cups, to catch any bits of undissolved gelatin.
05Pour the mixture into ramekins, about 1/2 cup per ramekin (the pudding is very rich). Cover the ramekins with plastic wrap and chill to set for at least three hours. At the 1st hour, this is still liquid; at the 2nd hour, it begins to set and by the 3rd hour, it's sheer perfection.
06Serve as is for a refreshing and light dessert, with a few fresh berries on top, or layered in a parfait glass with berries.