Bone Marrow Panna Cotta

Steps

1. 1Heat the oven to 425°F, and place a rack in the center position.
2. 2Place the bones, cut-side down, on a half sheet pan. Cover with a generous layer of aluminum foil, then use your hands to mold the foil around the bones and sides of the pan. Place a second half sheet pan on top of the foil, then flip the whole apparatus over. Remove the sheet pan that is now on top to reveal the bones, cut-side up and nestled in foil.
3. 3Bake until the marrow has just softened, 10 to 15 minutes. Remove and rest until cool enough to handle, 5 to 10 minutes.
4. 4Scoop the marrow out of the bones and into a 2-quart saucepan. Place over medium-low heat and cook, breaking up large pieces of marrow with a wooden spoon, until all of the marrow has rendered, 10 to 15 minutes. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve set over a heat-proof jar or liquid measuring cup. Measure out 1/2 cup of the rendered marrow, reserving the remainder for another use, such as roasting potatoes. Clean the saucepan; you’ll need it again.
5. 5In a small bowl, stir together the gelatin and water and set aside to bloom for 5 minutes.
6. 6Meanwhile, add the half and half, sugar, and kosher salt to the saucepan and place over medium-low heat until the mixture reaches between 160 to 170°F, 3 to 5 minutes. Transfer to a blender and add the gelatin. Blend on low speed until the gelatin is dissolved, about 30 seconds.
7. 7Add 6 tablespoons of the reserved rendered marrow to the blender, saving the remaining 2 tablespoons for the topping. Blend on medium speed for 1 minute, then strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a large measuring cup or bowl.
8. 8Divide the mixture between six 4-ounce silicone molds, small bowls, 4-ounce glass jars, or teacups. Cover and refrigerate until the panna cottas are set, at least 5 hours, or up to overnight.
9. 9For the topping: Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons marrow in a skillet over medium heat. When the marrow is shimmering, add the cornflakes and cook, stirring frequently, until they turn golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the smoked salt. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and cool.
10. 10Transfer the cornflakes to a gallon-sized zip-top bag and seal. Use a rolling pin to crush the flakes to form small flakes. Set aside for serving.
11. 11When ready to serve, remove the panna cottas from the fridge and uncover. Top with the crushed cornflakes and a cherry. If you’d like to turn the panna cotta out onto a plate, top with a small plate, flip over, then gently push on the bottom of the mold to dislodge. Top and serve.