Ingredients
Serves 4
Cranberry Compote
- 250 g fresh or frozen cranberries
- 3 tbsp honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste)
- Zest and juice of 1 orange
- 1 tsp finely grated ginger (optional)
- 2 tbsp water, if needed
- Yogurt–Kefir Base
- 300 g Irish Yogurts Clonakilty Greek-style yogurt
- 250 ml Irish Yogurts Clonakilty kefir
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Crunch Topping
- 3 tbsp chopped nuts (almonds, pistachios, or walnuts)
- 3 tbsp mixed seeds (pumpkin, sunflower, chia, flax)
- 1 tbsp toasted oats or granola (optional)
- To Finish
- Honey or maple syrup
- Extra orange zest or fresh cranberries
Method
Make the Cranberry Compote
- Place the cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, ginger, sweetener, and water (if using) into a small saucepan.
- Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the berries soften and the mixture thickens.
- Remove from the heat and cool completely. This can be made a day ahead.
- Prepare the Yoghurt–Kefir Base
- Whisk the yoghurt, kefir, and vanilla in a bowl.
- Adjust the consistency with a little more kefir if you prefer it looser.
Assemble the Parfaits
For each glass:
- Add 2–3 tablespoons of the yoghurt–kefir mixture.
- Spoon over 1–2 tablespoons of compote.
- Sprinkle with a portion of nuts and seeds.
- Repeat the layers.
- Finish with compote, a light drizzle of honey, and a little zest or a few fresh cranberries.
Serving Notes
- Serve immediately for maximum crunch, or chill for 20–30 minutes to let the flavours develop.
- Works well as a light dessert, breakfast option, or nourishing festive snack.
A Note on Gut Health Over Christmas
The festive season often brings rich food and irregular eating patterns, which can leave digestion feeling sluggish. Including fermented foods like kefir and live yoghurt helps support a diverse gut microbiome, while fibre from fruits, nuts, and seeds keeps digestion moving comfortably. Small additions like this parfait can provide balance without losing any festive enjoyment.
Chef's Tip
For extra flavour, lightly toast the nuts and seeds in a dry pan until fragrant. This enhances crunch and adds a warm, nutty depth to each layer.
