Strawberry Almond Parfait

Strawberry Almond Parfait Recipe with Vanilla, Almond Extract, and Mint

| Servings: 6

Introduction

Strawberry Almond Parfait is a delicious and refreshing dessert that combines the sweetness of strawberries with the nutty flavor of almonds. This parfait is perfect for a light and satisfying treat after a meal or as a snack any time of day.

History

The origins of the Strawberry Almond Parfait are not well-documented, but parfaits have been enjoyed as a dessert for centuries. The combination of creamy pudding, fresh fruit, and crunchy cookies has been a popular choice for those looking for a sweet and satisfying treat.

Ingredients

1 package (3.4 oz (96 g)) instant vanilla pudding mix
2 cups nonfat milk
0.25 tsp almond extract (optional)
2 pt (946 ml) baskets California strawberries, stemmed and sliced
2 tbsp sugar (or to taste)
1.5 cups amaretti (almond cookie) crumbs
mint sprigs

How to prepare

In a bowl, prepare the pudding mix with milk as directed on the package, mixing in the almond extract.
Cover and refrigerate the pudding.
Sweeten the strawberries with sugar.
Spoon about 3 tbsp of the pudding into each of six 8-to-10 oz (283 g) stemmed glasses.
Layer each glass with 3 tbsp of cookie crumbs and 0.33 cup of pudding.
Top each glass with the remaining strawberries and crumbs, dividing them equally.
Garnish with mint sprigs.

Variations

Substitute the almond extract with vanilla extract for a different flavor profile.
Use different types of fruit, such as raspberries or blueberries, in place of strawberries.
Experiment with different types of cookies or granola for the crunchy layer.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to refrigerate the pudding before assembling the parfait to allow it to set properly.

- You can adjust the amount of sugar in the strawberries to suit your taste preferences.

- For a more intense almond flavor, you can add more almond extract to the pudding mixture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Strawberry Almond Parfait as a dessert after a meal or as a sweet snack. It can also be enjoyed as a light and satisfying breakfast option.

Cooking Techniques

The key cooking technique for this recipe is assembling the parfait in layers to create a visually appealing and delicious dessert.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use regular milk instead of nonfat milk in the pudding mixture.

- If you don't have amaretti cookies, you can use graham crackers or shortbread cookies as a substitute.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the pudding and sweeten the strawberries ahead of time and assemble the parfaits just before serving to save time.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Strawberry Almond Parfait in clear glass dishes to showcase the beautiful layers of pudding, strawberries, and cookie crumbs. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the Strawberry Almond Parfait with a glass of sparkling wine or champagne for a special occasion dessert. It also pairs well with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy treat.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover parfaits in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The cookie crumbs may soften over time, so it's best to enjoy the parfaits fresh. Do not freeze the parfaits as the texture may change.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Strawberry Almond Parfait contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Strawberry Almond Parfait contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Strawberry Almond Parfait contains approximately 3 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Strawberry Almond Parfait contains approximately 4 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Strawberries are a good source of vitamin C, manganese, and folate. Almonds provide vitamin E, magnesium, and fiber.

Alergens

This recipe contains milk and almonds, which are common allergens. Please be mindful of any allergies when preparing this dish.

Summary

Strawberry Almond Parfait is a light and refreshing dessert that is relatively low in fat and calories. It provides a good source of carbohydrates, protein, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Strawberry Almond Parfait is a delightful and easy-to-make dessert that combines the flavors of sweet strawberries and nutty almonds. This parfait is a perfect choice for a light and satisfying treat that can be enjoyed any time of day.

How did I get this recipe?

I have a clear memory of the first time I saw this recipe for Strawberry Almond Parfait. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Martha in her quaint little cottage by the lake. Martha was known for her delicious homemade desserts, and she had promised to teach me one of her favorite recipes that day.

As we sat in her cozy kitchen, Martha pulled out a faded recipe card from a well-worn recipe box. The card was stained with splatters of ingredients and had handwritten notes scribbled in the margins. "This," Martha said with a twinkle in her eye, "is my famous Strawberry Almond Parfait recipe. It's a family favorite, passed down from my grandmother to me."

I watched intently as Martha gathered the ingredients: fresh strawberries, sliced almonds, whipped cream, and a hint of almond extract. She explained each step of the recipe with care, sharing tips and tricks she had learned over the years. As she mixed and layered the ingredients in tall parfait glasses, the sweet aroma of strawberries and almonds filled the air.

The finished parfaits were a work of art, with layers of juicy strawberries, crunchy almonds, and fluffy whipped cream. Martha topped each parfait with a sprinkle of sliced almonds for a beautiful presentation. I couldn't wait to taste the final result.

As I took my first bite of the Strawberry Almond Parfait, I was transported to a world of sweetness and nostalgia. The flavors of the ripe strawberries and toasty almonds danced on my taste buds, while the creamy whipped cream added a lightness to the dessert. It was a perfect balance of flavors and textures, a true masterpiece of a dessert.

From that day on, the recipe for Strawberry Almond Parfait became a staple in my own kitchen. I would often make it for family gatherings and special occasions, always receiving rave reviews from my loved ones. I cherished the memories of that day with Martha, learning the recipe that would become a beloved tradition in my own family.

Over the years, I have made a few tweaks to the original recipe, adding my own personal touch to make it truly my own. I sometimes substitute the almonds for pecans or hazelnuts, or add a drizzle of honey for extra sweetness. Each time I make the parfaits, I remember Martha and her warm kitchen, and I am grateful for the friendship and the delicious recipe she shared with me.

As I sit in my own kitchen now, preparing a batch of Strawberry Almond Parfaits for a family dinner, I can't help but smile at the memories that flood back to me. The simple joy of cooking and sharing delicious food with loved ones is a tradition that I hold dear, passed down through generations. And as I take a bite of the sweet and crunchy parfait, I am reminded of the love and friendship that brought this recipe into my life.