Desserts: Cold Desserts: Lemon Cherry Parfaits

Creamy delicious and colorful dessert!

Author: Fresh Finesse
Date: July 10, 2008

Serves: 4 person(s)

Preparation Time: 15 mins
Cooking Time: 10 mins
Extra Time: 1 hrs (for refrigeration)

Ingredients:

1 Tbsp custard powder
1 Tbsp sugar
1 cup low-fat milk
1/2 cup reduced-fat cream (or half-and-half)
2 egg yolks
1 tsp finely grated lemon rind (optional)
14 oz cherries, stemmed and pitted
1 small can sliced peaches, canned in own juice, drained
8 cherries (additional, for garnish)

Directions:

In a bowl, combine custard powder, sugar and 2 tablespoons milk. Mix to form a smooth paste with no lumps. Slowly mix in remaining milk.

Transfer custard mixture into a small saucepan. Heat slowly, constantly stirring until mixture starts to thicken. Pour cream into the custard in a thin stream, stirring constantly. When mixture becomes thick, remove from heat. Immediately stir in egg yolks until completely combined. If desired, add finely grated lemon rind.

Into four serving dishes (such as tall parfait glasses), alternate cherries, peaches and custard mixture, finishing with a layer of custard. Refrigerate for 1 hour. Garnish with fresh whole cherries.

Variations:

Alternatively, follow the directions on your custard powder packet or purchase pre-made vanilla custard (adjust nutritional data).

Although this dessert is best prepared with fresh cherries, frozen cherries can be substituted.