Woman in Real Life: Peachy Dessert Parfait (vegan, healthy, gluten-free option)

Sunday, January 31, 2016

Peachy Dessert Parfait (vegan, healthy, gluten-free option)

This dessert parfait features a base of cultured coconut (aka coconut yogurt) mixed with semi-sweet chocolate chips and a bit of maple syrup for sweetness. Layering this yogurt mixture with naturally sweet and healthy California cling peaches and crunchy granola makes for a satisfying taste sensation that will have you forgetting about rich, fatty desserts. #vegan #glutenfree #healthy

Perhaps you can start the new year off with a total commitment to eating healthy foods like salads, fruits, vegetables and legumes, without any chocolaty desserts or sweet candies. But I'll bet that come February most of us are about ready for a change of pace. That's where balance comes into the equation.

I have been doing well this January, focusing on smoothies, smoothie bowls like my Peach Pie Smoothie Bowl, juices and salads. But I have a long history of devotion to dessert and I know that denying myself any sweets won't work indefinitely. So recently I created this healthy dessert parfait to satisfy my cravings in a healthy way - a way that doesn't encourage overindulging.

This dessert parfait features a base of cultured coconut (aka coconut yogurt) mixed with semi-sweet chocolate chips and a bit of maple syrup for sweetness. Layering this yogurt mixture with naturally sweet and healthy California cling peaches and crunchy granola makes for a satisfying taste sensation that will have you forgetting about rich, fatty desserts.

Just to make sure you're completely satisfied, I recommend crumbling up a couple of vegan chocolate chip cookies for a topping. Just enough of the sweet stuff to make it dessert, but not too much to cause your sweet tooth to kick into overdrive. If you or a friend or family member is eating gluten-free, you can make this recipe work by sourcing gluten-free granola and cookies (or making them yourself).

I always keep some canned peaches in my pantry cupboard for a quick snack or to use in recipes. A Michigan State University study found that canned fruits and vegetables deliver the most nutrition for the cost. They are a great option year-round and particularly in winter when the cost of fresh fruits is higher, in part because fresh fruits must be imported from warmer climates. California cling peaches are grown and canned in the United States, on family farms. They have no preservatives and are often packed in their own juice.

So what do you think - will this quick-to-create, tasty combo of peaches, yogurt, maple syrup, granola and chocolate chip cookies be the dessert treat you need to keep you on track with your healthy living goals right through February?

What do you use canned peaches for? I’d love to hear your ideas for getting more of this healthy fruit into your sweet and savoury meals.

Peachy Dessert Parfait (vegan)

by Joann MacDonald

Keywords: no bake gluten-free vegan

Ingredients (1 large parfait)

1 cup unsweetened (plain) coconut yogurt (cultured coconut)
1 tsp maple syrup
1 Tbsp semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/3 cup granola (homemade or store-bought - look for gluten-free)
1/2 cup canned California cling peaches, drained and cut into small chunks
mini chocolate chip cookies for topping (look for store-bought gluten-free)
additional maple syrup for topping (optional)

Instructions

In a small bowl, stir together yogurt, maple syrup and chocolate chips.

In a serving bowl or parfait dish, layer yogurt mix, peaches and granola.

Drizzle with maple syrup if desired and crumble chocolate chip cookies on top.

Serve immediately. Enjoy!

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