Strawberry Fluff

As I prepare for maternity leave I couldn't help myself but to find a way to thank my co-workers for all of their support during my pregnancy.  While it's been a fairly easy pregnancy; knowing that I get to go into an office twice a week with a team of people who have my health and safety and wellbeing in mind was so nice and reassuring.  Everyone was always asking how I was doing and if I needed anything to be more comfortable. ( I almost always said no.) To thank them, I thought a light and fluffy desert before my departure would be highly welcomed. I found this yummy looking No-Bake Strawberry Cream Pie recipe and decide to make just the filling and bring a few toppings for people to build their own 'parfait' with. I did make a few changes such as omitting the strawberry extract, and I used the Kite Hill Greek almond milk yogurt in place of the cows milk yogurt, and it turned out perfect!  I made a second batch with whipped coconut milk and it too was super delicious. It was a bit more dense and rich since you don't get same lightness with coconut milk as with heavy cream. 

If you don't like strawberries or are allergic, I'm sure you could try this with any freeze dried fruit such as blueberries or raspberries.  I used 1 bag of the Trader Joes brand freeze dried strawberries.

While this is technically a desert, the protein and fat in it make it perfectly suitable for a kids afternoon snack or even a breakfast. 

Ingredients
1.2-1.5oz freeze dried strawberries 
1 cup plain greek yogurt (or plain almond/coconut milk yogurt)
1/4 - 1/2 cup swerve or coconut sugar (depending how sweet you want it)
1/2 tsp vanilla
1 Tbs lemon juice
1 cup heavy cream, whipped to stiff peaks (or use canned coconut milk to make it 100% non-dairy)

Instructions
1. Pulse the strawberries in a coffee grinder or blender until most of it turns into a powder. Let it sit a few minutes to let the powder settle.
2. Combine the strawberries and the next 4 ingredients in a medium bowl.
3. Add 1/3 of the whipped cream to the strawberry mixture.
4. Fold in the remaining whipped cream with the strawberry mixture.
5. Serve immediately or refridgerate.

To serve, top with: toasted coconut, shaved chocolate, cocoa nibs, granola, chopped nuts, fresh/frozen berries. Or use as a dip for fresh sliced fruit (apples, banana, pear, strawberries...)

ENJOY!!!

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