Parfaits Gain Popularity
Parfaits are a delicious treat especially made with wholesome ingredients consisting of low calorie ingredients. Parfaits have a rich history dating back to France in the late 19th century. The word itself is “perfect” in French reflecting in the desserts harmonious layers of flavors of whipped cream, various fruits and other delectable ingredients. Originally parfaits were made by boiling cream, eggs, and sugar to create a custard similar to a meringue puree which is then frozen. The French style parfait is still enjoyed today as a dessert served after consuming a meal. Today low calorie parfaits are made with various ingredients while still remaining delicious. In the 20th century parfaits gained popularity in the United States were they evolved into a layered dessert usually served in clear tall glasses displaying the color and hues of the fruits.
The American version of the parfait typically includes layers of fruit, yogurt and granola topped with whip cream. Today parfaits can be developed in many variations from traditional French style’ or healthy low calorie versions using low fat yogurt, fresh fruits and Cool Whip no sugar low calorie whip topping. They remain a decadent treat for its smooth texture, wholesome ingredients and visually appealing layers. A parfait is a layered dessert that can be made in a wide variety of ways with frozen custard, ice cream or yogurt combined with any type of fruit and granola. Making a low calorie parfait is a breeze using sugar free options to enhance the flavor of any dish.
Smucker’s Sundae Syrup is a sugar free caramel flavored syrup used to top any dessert like a Chocolate Caramel Yogurt Cheesecake Parfait layering in Dannon Lite Fit Creme Brulee & Strawberry Cheesecake Greek Non Fat yogurt with One chocolate crumbled WonderSlim Protein Bar drizzled with Smucker’s Sundae Syrup. Create a Strawberry Parfait layering macerated strawberries sweetened with Splenda zero calorie sweeteners. Macerating fruit is similar to marinating as a process of simmering one cup of strawberries in a sauce pan with ½ teaspoon Splenda sugar free sweetener in a small saucepan over low heat until desired consistency is achieved creating a strawberry jam like appearance. Layer in Vanilla low fat yogurt dolloped with fresh and macerated strawberries, and Andes Secret Keto Granola nut mix with almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts with 3 grams net carbs, no sugar added, grain gluten free is simply delicious.
In the United States parfaits are often called variations of yogurt, granola, fruits and whipped cream sometimes called yogurt parfait or fruit parfait. Healthy parfaits can be a good option especially when it is made with low fat yogurt and fresh fruits layered to perfection. As a serving style the French parfaits are usually served as thick slices on a plate while the Americans typically serve any parfait in a clear glass or dessert cup allowing each layer to be visible. International adaptations in South Asia parfaits are often made in bowl containers rather than tall glass. In the UK parfait can refer to smooth meat paste made from liver. Variations of parfaits can be made using wholesome ingredients packed with low calorie options allowing you to have your parfait and eat it too.
Cheers!
Patricia Lynn
Images Courtesy of azurita at AdobeStock
