National Chocolate Parfait Day

Did you know that May 1st is National Chocolate Parfait Day? In French, the word parfait means perfect. However, French and American people have different ideas about what a parfait really is. The traditional French parfait is made by boiling cream and adding egg, sugar, and syrup, which creates a custard-like puree that then is frozen. Americans, on the other hand, layer ingredients of differing varieties, such as yogurt, ice cream, granola, or fruit. Both the French and the Americans use a clear, tall glass when serving a parfait.

Parfaits can have many different ingredients, like crushed biscuits or cookies, nuts and seeds, honey or some sort of syrup, or whipped cream. Chocolate parfaits in particular typically include things like crushed cookies (like Oreos), chocolate pudding or mousse, whipped cream, and yogurt.

The chocolate parfait was created over 150 years ago. The oldest recipe for a parfait dates back to 1869 in a French cookbook. Originally a layered, coffee-flavored dessert with ice, parfaits developed over time, and the first chocolate parfait appeared in 1894.

Parfaits can be eaten with many different foods. Examples include grilled cheese or tuna melt sandwiches, other sweet things like cookies or cake, or more nutritious things like eggs or nuts.

In conclusion, chocolate parfaits are amazing, whether as a dessert or a breakfast food, so be sure to enjoy some on National Chocolate Parfait Day!😄