Patriots’ Parfait

The layers in this parfait are made with strawberries, blue berries, and non-dairy banana-mango cream, then topped with sliced banana. The red, white, and blue colors make this the perfect dessert for Americans on the 4th of July. Though, any day is a good day to be reminded of our independence.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cashews, soaked 2 hours, drained
• 1  cup fresh mango, peeled, pitted and chopped, or frozen and thawed
• 1/2 banana, with extra to garnish
• 1 cup filtered water
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup fresh blue berries, or frozen and thawed
• 3/4 cup fresh strawberries, chopped, or frozen the thawed

Directions:

1. To make cashew cream, blend in a high powered blender all of the ingredients except for the berries, on low speed then high for 1 minute or until creamy smooth.
2. Place 1/4 of the strawberries in an Anchor Hocking Tulip Sunday Fountainware or other tall dessert glass, followed by 3 tablespoons of cashew cream, then 1/4 of blueberries, then 5 tablespoons of cashew cream. Repeat in the same way to fill a total of four dessert glasses, then top with the sliced banana.

Variations:

1. Berries are naturally sweet, but if you want to make this dessert even sweeter, place the strawberries and blueberries in separate bowls prior to layering, add to each 1 tablespoon of agave and gently toss to coat.
2. When it’s not Independence Day, make it a regular fruit parfait by exchanging the strawberries and blueberries with chopped fruit. You might try peaches, pineapple, or kiwi. Just remove the skins or rind and the pits or core, depending on the fruit, then chop into 1/2-inch pieces.
3. Replace the sliced banana on top with a sprinkle of sunflower seeds, or finely chopped walnuts, or Navitas Naturals Organic Cacao Nibs or other brand.
4. Replace the middle layer of cream with some Vegan Chocolate Sauce.

Yield:
Makes 4 servings

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