Frequently Asked Questions
QUESTION:
What is a parfait?
What is a parfait? I have read different recipes, but I cannot identify what a parfait actually is.
ANSWER:
These days the word parfait is a term used loosely to describe any layered dessert which is served in tall, narrow footed "parfait glasses" (or simply stemmed wine glasses). Traditionally a parfait (which means "perfect" in French) consist of alternate layers of frozen custard (French version) or ice cream ( U.S. version) and fresh fruit/sauce/syrup, which is topped with whipped cream. Today, the word "parfait" is used to describe a layered dessert served in a stemmed glass. It's not just a "frozen" dessert any more, anything you can layer can be used, such as pudding, mousse or gelatin.
For a really quick and easy parfait dessert, simply layer ready-made pudding with some crushed shortbread cookies, fresh fruit (like blueberries, strawberries, sliced bananas), whipped cream and top with more whipped cream...and you might even gild the lily with a maraschino cherry!
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