I was raised on sweets. My grandparents had a colossal candy cabinet and bowls of colorful sugary goodness all over the house. It's almost part of my DNA, the sweets. So even though I have shifted into a greater awareness of what I put into my body, there is no need to ignore my pal, Mr. Sweet Tooth. I have played around with many recipes and have finally Frankensteined the tastiest Banana Pudding Parfait (cue the lightning bolt). This recipe incorporates all natural, enzyme-rich ingredients that your body wants, including natural sugars, so take any guilt and kick it out the door.
For a detailed recipe with step-by-step instructions and photos visit: http://inspiredbyeverything.blogspot.com/2009/02/raw-style-banan... [3]
There are three main components to this recipe:
Crumble Topping, Vanilla Whipped Cream and Banana Pudding. The Vanilla Whipped Cream is optional, but super delicious if you are up for opening a young coconut, which is easier than it sounds.
What you need for: VANILLA WHIPPED CREAM (optional part of Parfait)
Meat from 1 young coconut
2 tbsp raw agave nectar
1/2 cup soaked raw cashews (soak for 2hrs)
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
3 tbsp raw coconut butter
(preferably coconut butter with flesh, substitute 2 tbsp raw coconut oil if no coconut butter)
Pinch of pink Himalayan sea salt (can use regular Sea Salt
instead)
4 tbsp of fresh young coconut water (psst...it is already inside your young coconut)
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What you need for: CRUMBLE TOPPING
I soaked and then dehydrated the walnuts and pecans ahead of time.
This is an extra step you can take (if you have a dehydrator) that will help your body optimally digest the nuts.
It
is NOT necessary, however.
1/2 cup raw pecans
1/2 cup raw walnuts
4 Medjool dates
3 tbsp ground golden flaxseed
1 tbsp raw agave
nectar
1 tsp pink Himalayan sea salt
Pinch of cinnamon
pinch of nutmeg
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What you need for: BANANA PUDDING
4 organic bananas (almost over-ripe)
1/2 cup of fresh young coconut water, filtered water or store-bought coconut water
1 tsp vanilla
extract
1 cup of soaked raw cashews
1 tbsp raw agave nectar (optional)
For WHIPPED CREAM:
1. Open up a young coconut and set water and meat aside. How do you open a young coconut? Check it out steps and pictures here:
http://inspiredbyeverything.blogspot.com/2009/02/raw-style-banan... [3]
2. Put meat and other WHIPPED CREAM ingredients into the blender and mix until creamy and set aside.
For CRUMBLE TOPPING:
1. Remove pits from dates
2. Add dates and all CRUMBLE TOPPING ingredients to the food processor and pulse until crumbly. Do not over process.
3. Set topping aside.
For BANANA PUDDING:
1. Place all ingredients minus one of the bananas into the blender and mix until creamy
2. Set aside.
Now it's time to ASSEMBLE your delicious masterpiece.
1. Find a nice wine glass or bowl (it's fun if it's clear so you can see the layers)
2. Spoon some CRUMBLE TOPPING into the bottom of your glass
3. Add a layer of
BANANA PUDDING
4. Slice the remaining banana and create a layer of the slices on top of the pudding
5. Add a layer of WHIPPED CREAM
6. Repeat process until you have filled your
glass
7. Top it off wih a banana slice and a pinch of CRUMBLE TOPPING
8. Grab a spoon and go to town.
NOTE: You can make about 8-10 bite sized servings if you use votive glasses.
