SEBASTOPOL – For those looking to add more nutritional punch to their yogurt with add ins and toppings, DIYY (do–it-yourself-yogurt) parfaits are the way to go, according to Tamara Duker Freuman, a New York City-based registered dietitian who specializes in digestive disorders and food intolerances and is a gluten-free blogger for US NEWS & WORLD REPORT’s eat + run health page. To help make parfait make-overs easy, Redwood Hill Farm & Creamery has developed a dozen deliciously different perfect parfaits which will be on display in Booth 2993 throughout the Natural Products Expo West trade show in Anaheim March 7-9, inspired by Freuman’s article, Extreme Makeover: Parfait Edition.
“In my work as a nutritionist and dietitian, I encounter a variety of snacks that are ‘super healthy’… in theory. The problem is, they tend to get junked up in the translation. To the list of such foods—like granola, smoothies and popcorn—I’d add yogurt parfaits as well,” said Freuman. “The parfait is long overdue for a makeover of the extreme variety, but rest assured: taking it to a healthier place need not make it boring. With so many flavorful, nutritious superfoods available to dress up a wholesome yogurt base, there are dozens of healthy parfait combinations that can inspire your palate and breathe new life into breakfast, lunch or snack time.”
The key, according to Freuman, is to start with a low sugar plain or vanilla yogurt base. For example, Green Valley Organics Vanilla Yogurt has 10g less sugar than another leading brand of low-fat organic vanilla yogurt per 6oz serving. That’s two and a half teaspoons less, or an 80 percent difference. And, because it’s the only organic, single source, Certified Humane®, real, lactose-free dairy line available nationwide, those intolerant to lactose can still enjoy the health benefits of real dairy without experiencing tummy trouble.
Next, Freuman recommends flavoring the yogurt with unsweetened superfoods packed with flavor and nutrients rather than sugar. Pumpkin puree, dark cocoa powder, matcha green tea powder, powdered peanut butter and maca powder are just a few examples of flavorful enhancements that will elevate any yogurt parfait to gourmet grandeur. Then simply add some crunch and fruit of your choice and save a touch of natural sweetness for the top, where it will hit your tongue first and deliver maximum flavor impact with minimal calories, with raw cacao nibs or a drizzle of honey.
“Parfaits have long been a go-to breakfast, afternoon snack or after-dinner treat for our family, starting with our goat milk and lactose free yogurts and adding in-seasonal fresh fruit from our organic garden and orchards drizzled with local honey,” said Redwood Hill Farm Owner Jennifer Bice. “With so many new superfoods from around the world becoming more readily available here in the US, we thought it was high-time to makeover our traditional parfaits with some exciting new flavors and nutrients – from traditional stacked parfaits to frozen delights and complete savory meals.”
Get your goat in all new ways with Redwood Hill Farm “Super” Power Goat Yogurt Parfaits, like Hip, Hippie Hooray with dried fruits, hemp seeds and honey; Choco-Macana with cocoa powder, maca powder, stevia, cashews, cacao nibs and banana; and Asian Tuna Salad with chopped romaine, cilantro, tuna, cucumber, pickled ginger, brown rice, minced garlic, sesame seeds, lime juice and rice vinegar for a complete meal.
For a Matcha Made in Heaven, make your own green tea frozen yogurt by combining Green Valley Organics Lactose Free Vanilla Yogurt with matcha green tea powder, coconut milk, raspberries, sliced almonds, ground flaxseed and coconut palm sugar into ice cream maker and freeze according to manufacturer’s instructions. For a healthy buzz, the Bee Mine parfait combines Green Valley Organics Lactose Free Honey Yogurt with blueberries, lemon juice and zest, sunflower seeds and bee pollen; or for savory goodness, whip up a Curry Chicken Salad made with Green Valley Organics Plain Yogurt, cashews, raisins, diced apple, cooked quinoa, bell pepper, baby spinach, curry powder, honey, lemon juice and diced chicken breast. More delicious lactose free parfait recipes and photos are available at GreenValleyLactoseFree.com.
About Redwood Hill Farm & Creamery, Inc. – Sustainably Farmed & Family Owned Since 1968
Located among the picturesque redwoods of western Sonoma County, Calif., 60 miles north of San Francisco, Redwood Hill Farm & Creamery, Inc. is a different kind of dairy. A small, family farm, it has been producing delicious, award-winning goat milk dairy products since 1968. Excellence is a top priority and Redwood Hill Farm & Creamery takes pride in producing the best tasting, least processed goat milk yogurt, kefir, and artisan cheeses. Its products are free of sugar, artificial coloring or preservatives, or powdered milk. Dedicated to protecting the environment and green open spaces, Redwood Hill Farm & Creamery is a proud supporter of Ceres Community Project, Climate Protection Campaign, Sonoma Land Trust, Daily Acts and LandPaths. Visit RedwoodHill.com for more recipes and to learn more about the company’s wholesome products, award-winning goat herd and earth-friendly business practices, including the installation of a solar energy system at the farm and creamery where Redwood Hill Farm® and Green Valley Organics® products are made. Both Redwood Hill and Green Valley products are available at Whole Foods Markets, natural food stores and specialty grocers nationwide. To find a store near you, go to http://www.redwoodhill.com/store-locator/ and greenvalleylactosefree.com/stores.
Source: Redwood Hill Farm & Creamery, Inc.
