Mahalabia (Mediterranean "Pudding" Dessert)

Happy Mother's Day to all the amazing Moms out there!! And I mean everyone one of us! If you are in any responsible for the survival and upbringing of a child - you're a "mom"! And you're amazing! 

MY Mom wanted me to figure out how to recreate a dessert we had at a Mediterranean restaurant in Montclair NJ. We had discussed what was in it with the waitress, and I did my best to recreate here! It's not at all traditional, but it nails the flavor, has a beautiful color and is damn delicious! 

Protein packed Greek yogurt gets flavored with real vanilla and rose water. Then is topped with bright berry compote, crunchy pistachios and sweet halvah (sesame candy). The yogurt actually helps your body regulate blood sugar and improves digestion because of the probiotics it contains. Berries of any kind are LOADED with body detoxifying antioxidants. And pistachios boost brain health AND weight loss (so you're smarter AND thinner!). This is definitely a dessert you can feel good about! Plus it's SO easy - anyone can whip this up for Mom!

Watch the video below and then give it a try! 

Happy Mother's Day & Buon Appetito!

Mahalabia
Serves 4

2 C. plain Greek yogurt
1/2 vanilla bean (or 2 tsp. vanilla extract)
2 tsp. rose water
1/4 C. berry compote or jam
1/4 C. pistachios, chopped
1/4 C. halvah

Scrape the seeds of the vanilla bean into the yogurt. Save the pod for another use. Add the rose water and mix.

Spoon the flavored yogurt evenly, into 4 glass jars. Top each jar with 1 Tbs. of compote, 1 Tbs. of pistachios and 1 Tbs. of halvah. Serve immediately.