Wellness Recipe: Berry-Yogurt Parfaits
Here’s the recipe I made today on WLEX-18’s 12:30 show. You can also see the video (and past videos) of the recipe. Here is the link:
http://www.wlextv.com/Global/story.asp?S=7750471&nav=menu203_2_13
Although we’re far away from local berry season, it’s important to include berries in your diet year-round (I applaud anyone who had the foresight to freeze their local berries!). Red, blue and purple berries are some of the foods highest in antioxidants called anthocyanins, vitamins and fiber. Adding them to your diet can help your immune system and fight inflammation.
When shopping for berries, look for organic and domestic — rather than imported — berries whenever possible. Also, any foods you eat all the time are what you should be buying organic. Berries should be firm, not mushy when you buy them. Before eating them briefly rinse beneath cold running water and drain on a plate lined with paper towels.
Here is a simple recipe to make the most of fresh berries. We make this in our Cooking Wellness classes and most everyone is surprised at how good it is even for dessert. Enjoy!
Fresh Berry-Yogurt Parfaits
You can also serve this for dessert by substituting frozen yogurt or your favorite sorbet for the yogurt and using ginger cookie crumbs as a garnish. Make your parfait in a “go” cup and take to work for a healthy breakfast.
Makes 4 servings.
3 tablespoons pure maple syrup, or honey
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 1/3 cups fresh blueberries
1 1/3 cups fresh blackberries
1 1/3 cups fresh raspberries
2 cups plain whole milk yogurt, well stirred
1/2 cup of your favorite granola
Combine berries in a large bowl. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of the maple syrup and the lemon juice and gently toss to combine.
Stir remaining 2 tablespoons maple syrup into the yogurt.
Starting with the fruit, place 1/4 cup berries into the bottom of parfait glasses. Top with 1/4 cup of the yogurt mixture. Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of the granola. Repeat this layer then top with remaining berries.
