Italian-Inspired Desserts, part 3

Unforunately, i don't have any mouth-watering pics of this yummy dessert.  It is a recipe that i tried loooong before i knew what a blog is!  This is a recipe from, as you know, one of my favourite recipe books: Marie-Claire Flavours, Donna Hay, Murdoch Books, 2000.  On page 121 of this gem of a recipe book, you will find a recipe for chocolate panna cotta. Beware, this is not for the faint-hearted!!  This Italian dessert is extremely delicious and just as rich!

Chocolate Panna Cotta
Serves 6
4 cups cream
3/4 cup icing sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
185 g milk or dark couverture chocolate, chopped
2 teaspoons gelatine
1/4 cup water

Place the cream, icing sugar and vanilla in a saucepan and allow to simmer slowly, stirring occasionally until the liquid has reduced by a third.  Be sure that the cream doesn't catch on the bottom of the pan.  Add the chocolate and stir until smooth.
Place the gelatine in a bowl and add the water.  Leave to swell for 5 minutes.  Place the gelatine mixture in a saucepan over low heat until the gelatine has dissolved.  Stir into the hot cream and chocolate mixture and simmer for 1 minute.  Pour into six 1/2-cup capacity moulds or ramekins and refrigerate for 4-6 hours until firm.