Sprinkle powdered gelatin over water in a small glass bowl. Let it stand for about five minutes until the gelatin dissolves.
Place the small bowl in the microwave and cook for 7 seconds on high. Stop, take out the bowl and stir the water/gelatin mixture. Repeat this step until gelatin is dissolved and turns to liquid. (Note: Don’t over cook gelatin.) Set it aside to reach room temperature but don’t let it “set.”
Whip cream, sugar and vanilla with electric mixer on medium speed until cream begins to stiffen and you can trace a line in the cream.
Add two tablespoons cream to gelatin and gently mix. While whipping, slowly pour the gelatin/cream over cream in mixing bowl.
Increase mixer speed to high and beat until soft peaks form. Cover whipped cream and place in refrigerator, or top your dessert with cream and refrigerate until ready to serve.