Nobody Doesn't Like Parfait!

Spring is springing here in Verona,  I know this because today, I had to don mittens and remove a rather terrified female cardinal that flew into Cafe Willow.  Spring means it's time to talk about one of my favourite warm weather treats: the parfait.  Coming from French, the word parfait literally means perfect.  And it is.  Perfect for breakfast, a light lunch, a snack, dessert, or those late nights I spend watching Star Trek reruns.  Parfait is anything you make of it.  But what is it?

    Parfait is something different to different people.  In France, parfait is a frozen dessert made from sugar syrup, cream, and eggs.  My go to parfait is simpler, and healthier than that.  Low Fat Greek yogurt, a little bit of honey, fresh fruit, and granola or nuts (or both for you crunchy types).  It takes almost no time to make and children think it is ice cream.  I have never seen a child so excited to eat a healthy meal as when I announced that parfait would be served after the meal.  They ate vegetables willingly(green vegetables!), just to get to that delicious fruit and yogurt.  So how can you inspire such wonder in your diners?  I'll tell you.

You Will Need:
1 quart Low Fat Greek Yogurt
                                                         1 1/2 cups of your favourite crunchy granola, nuts, or even cereal
                                                         3 cups blueberries, strawberries, banana slices, or your preferred fruit
                                                         honey to taste

Mix honey into the yogurt until it reaches your desired sweetness, I prefer to use about 2 tablespoons to a pint.  Begin layering the yogurt, fruit and granola in individually sized bowls or parfait dishes (about 8 ounces each).  You can use as much or little of each ingredient as your preferences dictate.  Are you crunchy, fruity or creamy?  Garnish as you see fit and serve.      (makes about 8, 8oz servings)

Bon Appetite!