Submerge the gelatine leaves in a bowl of cold water to soften for around 5 minutes while you warm the coconut milk. Set aside close to the stove to have it at hand when needed
Place the coconut milk, sugar and vanilla in a medium saucepan and heat until small bubbles start to form around the edges (stirring occasionally)
Remove from the heat just before the coconut milk starts to boil, then work quickly and with your one hand, remove the gelatine from the bowl, squeezing out the extra liquid and add to the hot coconut milk, whisking immediately to help it dissolve
Pour the mixture into a jug for ease of pouring into your cups or ramekins
If you suspect there might be lumps, especially if you have used powdered gelatine, you can pour the mixture through a sieve into a jug
Pour into glasses or ramekins. I used brandy glasses since they have the most rounded shape. I suggest keeping the portions quite small for the snow globe effect, approx. ⅓ full
Let cool slightly then refrigerate for at least 2-4 hours, or until completely set
Just before serving, decorate with shredded coconut and anything else you want to create a snow globe effect
Notes
*I am terrible at using powdered gelatine. The leaves have always been fool proof for me so that is what I stick to. The general rule is two gelatine leaves are equivalent to one teaspoon of powdered gelatine. So if you prefer the powdered version, feel free to substitute.As I am not de-moulding the panna cottas but rather using glasses, I have decreased the gelatine slightly. My staple recipe when de-moulding uses 2½ gelatine leaves. If you are concerned about setting, feel free to use this amount. But not more or it will be rubbery.