Almond Parfait

Here is the recipe to make a delicious Almond Parfait. I will guide you step by step.

Ingredients

• 150 g of peeled almonds
• 4 egg yolks
• 100 g of sugar
• 200 ml of fresh cream
• 50 ml of milk
• 1 vanilla pod
• Toasted almonds for garnishing (optional)

Preparation

1. Start by finely chopping the almonds with a mixer or food processor.
2. In a saucepan, gently heat the milk with the split vanilla pod to release the seeds. Do not bring it to a boil, but just to a temperature that’s hot to the touch.
3. Meanwhile, in a bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the sugar until you have a foamy and light mixture.
4. Remove the vanilla pod from the milk and slowly pour the latter over the yolk and sugar mixture, stirring continuously to blend well.
5. Transfer the mixture to a small pot and heat over low heat, stirring constantly until it thickens slightly (be careful not to boil it to prevent curdling the eggs).
6. Take the mixture off the heat and let it cool completely, stirring occasionally.
7. Whip the cream in a bowl until it is firm and fluffy.
8. Gently fold the whipped cream and chopped almonds into the now cold yolk mixture.
9. Pour the mixture into a loaf tin lined with cling film or into individual parfait molds.
10. Place in the freezer for at least 4 hours, better if overnight.
11. Before serving, let the parfait sit at room temperature for a few minutes to ease removal from the mold.
12. Invert onto a serving plate and, if desired, garnish with toasted almonds.

As an Italian twist, you could add a splash of Amaretto di Saronno to give a stronger flavor to your parfait.

Almond Parfait is a cold and velvety dessert, perfect to be offered as the conclusion of a summer dinner. The sweetness of the almonds pairs perfectly with the creamy texture of the parfait. If you wish, you can accompany your dessert with a Vin Santo or another sweet wine to further enhance the flavors.