A parfait is a dessert that can refer to two different types of dishes. In France, where the dish originated, parfait is made by boiling cream, egg, sugar, and syrup to create a custard-like or meringue-like puree which is then frozen. The French version of parfait contains enough fat, sugar, alcohol, and air to allow it to be made by stirring infrequently while freezing, making it possible to create in a home kitchen without specialist equipment. The American version of parfait consists of layers differentiated by the inclusion of such ingredients as granola, nuts, yogurt, and liqueurs, topped off with fruits or whipped cream.
In general, a parfait is a layered treat that can be made with a variety of ingredients. The creamy layer can be ice cream, yogurt, or pudding, while other layers consist of fruit, nuts, granola, and syrup. Yogurt parfaits are often served as a healthy breakfast or snack, while pudding or ice cream parfaits are served as a dessert. Chicken liver parfait is a smooth meat paste or pâté that is also referred to as a parfait.
