Panna Cotta with Berry Sauce

Step 1
In a small bowl, soften gelatin in cold water; set aside. Place cream, confectioners' sugar, and vanilla bean in a saucepan. Stir over medium heat until mixture comes to a simmer. Simmer gently for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and discard vanilla bean.

Step 2
Add gelatin and water to hot cream mixture. Stir until gelatin dissolves. Pour into 6 lightly oiled 1/2-cup dariole molds (or other small cylindrical molds) and refrigerate overnight or at least 8 hours.

Step 3
To make berry sauce, combine berries and sugar in a bowl. Crush berries slightly with the back of a spoon, and mix in brandy. Let stand for an hour until it has a syrupy consistency.

Step 4
Unmold panna cottas and serve with berry sauce.