Strawberry Parfait with Almonds and Honey

After a deliciously decadent month of hot dogs, this Chef needs a light, creamy and fruity break, and a Strawberry Parfait with Almonds and Honey is just what the dietitian ordered.

Yogurt comes in many colors and flavors so I took the opportunity to mix a plain tart white Greek, and a fruity, sweet blueberry as the parfait base. To add some crunch I smashed up a handful of almonds (rinse and pat dry if they are salted). And honey really kicks up the flavor contrasts.

All these ingredients come cheap. Yogurt is always on sale. You can substitute peanuts for the almonds; and use any fruit that is in season, or from your local roadside farmers market, including: peaches, pears, apricots, and berries.

For the final hot days of summer try out The 99 Cent Chef's cool dessert that is a perfect finish to an outdoor BBQ. 

Ingredients (serves 2)
2 small containers of yogurt - pick contrasting flavors and colors.
1 handful of nuts - almonds, or any type on sale.
2 teaspoons of honey per parfait.
2 strawberries per parfait - sliced or halved. Okay to layer in as much as you like.

Directions
If nuts are salted, rinse off with water and pat dry. Put nuts in a plastic bag (or between sheets of wax paper) and crush with a hammer or the end of a wooden spoon. Slice fruit into bite sizes. Assemble by layering yogurt, honey and nuts. Repeat until cup or parfait glass is almost full. Top with sliced fruit (you can also layer in fruit) - I  had some garden mint that I used as a garnish.