Preparation

• Sprinkle the gelatin over 4 teaspoons water to soften. Set aside.Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, combine the heavy cream and 1/2 cup of the sugar. Bring to a simmer over medium heat but do not let boil, then turn off the heat and whisk in the softened goat cheese, whisking until the pieces of cheese are totally incorporated and the mixture is smooth. Add the vanilla and the softened gelatin and whisk again to dissolve the gelatin. Whisk in the buttermilk. Strain the hot mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into a pitcher with a pour spout.

  Lightly grease 6 large or 8 small ramekins. Pour the mixture into the ramekins and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight.

  Just before serving, caramelize the figs: Dip the cut sides of the figs into the remaining 1/4 cup sugar and caramelize them with a home-use blowtorch or by placing them under a broiler, cut side up, for 1 minute.

  When ready to serve, carefully dip the bottom of each ramekin into a baking pan of hot water for about 10 seconds. Wipe the bottom of the ramekins dry, then run a thin knife around the edge of the molds to loosen the panna cotta. Set a chilled dessert plate over the top of a ramekin, then flip the plate and ramekin over at the same time, inverting the mold onto the plate. Repeat with the remaining ramekins. Garnish with the caramelized figs and serve immediately. You can also serve the panna cotta in the ramekins, with the figs on the top or alongside.