Caramel panna cotta with brandied apples

1 cup sugar plus 1/2 cup

1 3/4 cup cream

2 tbsp maple syrup

1 cinnamon stick

8 cardamom pods

4 whole cloves

1/2 vanilla bean

3/4 cup buttermilk

4 1/2 sheets gelatin

4 fuji apples medium dice

1 cup brandy

1/ 2 cup apple cider

Juice of 1/4 lemon

Pour sugar in medium sauce pan . Cook sugar until golden brown evenly, add cream, spices, vanilla bean and maple syrup. Cook until caramel has dissolved. Let sit for 10 minutes. Meanwhile put gelatin in water and soften. Add to mix then add buttermilk and whisk well until smooth.

Strain and pour into 4 ounce aluminum cups and chill until set about 1 hour.

Next saute apples in butter add sugar cook until dissolved. Then add brandy reduce by 1/2 then add apple cider and lemon. Set aside in bowl and chill.

Unmold panna cotta by dipping in hot water for 10 seconds.

Place in a bowl and spoon apples and liquid around and serve