Cherry Chia parfait..plus all the goodness of Cherries..

Cherries are one of my most favourite fruits..the sweetness and slight tartness make them perfect little flavour bombs..

Childhood memories of waking up on Christmas morning and discovering stockings that were filled with numerous little treats to snack on, cherries and lychees featured heavily, cherries were my favourite part, munching on them whilst checking out our presents with cherry juice running down our chins and staining hands and pyjamas, keeping us busy before mum and dad roused from their slumber…

My preschooler absolutely loves cherries too. And she’s recently learned to eat around the pits, cherry juice running down her chin just like mine as a kid…its the simple pleasures..

Cherries are still in season, and this cherry chia parfait is such a perfect summertime dessert, that isn’t too filling or too sweet. 

The Goodness of Cherries;

~Cherries are full of nutrition, they contain the flavonoid compounds anthocyanidins and proanthocyanidins, the molecules that give cherries the rich deep red colour, and exert antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects(1).

~Cherries are abundant in Vitamin C and A, great for skin and immunity. And contain the minerals iron, magnesium, potassium and copper(1).

~They are useful in treating gout and other arthritic conditions as they help to breakdown uric acid(1).

~In Chinese medicine they can help to increase qi energy and improve the blood quality(2).

I’m so happy that one of my favourite fruits is so, so good for us..

Layers of chia pudding with stewed syrupy cherries and coconut yoghurt and almonds, so divine, so simple and nourishing too.

This recipe can be made ahead and then assembled before serving, its delicious as a dessert or even a breakfast.

Here’s the recipe below

Enjoy!

Disclaimer; The information in this blog post is for educational purposes only, it is not intended to diagnose, treat or influence any medical decisions.

References;

1. M. Murray & J. Pizzorno, ‘The Encylopedia of Healing Foods’ 2005, Piatkus, pp267-268
2. P. Pitchford, ‘Healing with wholefoods, Asian Traditions and Modern Nutrition’ 3rd Ed. 2002 p618

Cherry Chia Parfait

Layers of Chia pudding with Syrupy Cherries and Coconut yoghurt

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Servings 2

Ingredients

  

Chia pudding layer

• 3 tbsp Chia seeds
• 1 cup Almond milk
• 1 tsp cinnamon

Cherry layer

• 1 cup fresh pitted cherries plus extra for serving
• 2 tsp rice syrup
• 2 tbsp water

Coconut yoghurt layer

• 150g Coconut yoghurt
• 2 tbsp slithered almonds optional

Instructions

 

For the chia pudding

• In a medium bowl, add chia seeds, almond milk and cinnamon. Whisk to combine.
• Let sit for 10 minutes and stir again until milk and chia seeds are well combined
• Place in the fridge to set for 30 minutes or even overnight

For the Cherry layer

• Pit and chop fresh cherries, add to a small saucepan with water and rice syrup.

  On low to medium heat, let the cherries simmer until the water has become syrup-like and the cherries are soft. About 5 minutes or so.

  Remove from heat and set aside

To assemble the parfait

• In 2 small jars or bowls add 1/4 of the chia pudding mix, about 2 tbsps for each serving
• Add 1/4 of coconut yoghurt, add 1/4 of cooked cherries
• Repeat for both jars, so there is 2 layers of each chia pudding, coconut yoghurt, and cherries, finishing with the cherry layer on top.
• Add a few fresh cherries as a garnish and sprinkle with slithered almonds. Enjoy