Milky Way Parfaits

When I was writing Diana and the Milky Way, I kept thinking about what it means to feel misunderstood—and how the quiet ones, the dreamers, the artists often carry the most extraordinary magic inside them.

Diana is a curious, creative girl with a gift for drawing maps. But her village expects her to follow the rules—rules that leave no space for imagination. One full-moon night, everything changes. The moon speaks to her (yes, the moon) and asks for help finding a lost spirit dog. What follows is an adventure under starlit skies, filled with courage, kindness, and one unforgettable race toward freedom.

This story is a retelling of a Cherokee tale that imagines how the stars of the Milky Way were born. And naturally, it got me thinking: what would the Milky Way taste like if it were a dessert?

The answer? Something soft, swirly, sparkly, and sweet.

This Milky Way Parfait is simple to make, fun for kids (and grown-ups), and perfect for a story-themed treat. You can make it with ingredients you probably already have at home, and there’s lots of room for creativity. Just like Diana would have wanted.

Milky Way Parfaits (Kid-Friendly Recipe)

Ingredients

1 cup chocolate pudding (store-bought or homemade)

1 cup whipped cream or vanilla yogurt

Crushed chocolate cookies or graham crackers (about 1/2 cup)

Mini marshmallows or star-shaped sprinkles

Optional: blueberries or blackberries for a "night sky" touch

Clear cups or jars for layering

Instructions

1. Start with a spoonful of chocolate pudding as your base "night sky."

2. Add a layer of whipped cream or yogurt—this is your swirling galaxy.

3. Sprinkle in a spoonful of crushed cookies for a little stardust crunch.

4. Repeat the layers until the cup is nearly full.

5. Top with mini marshmallows (or stars!), Oreo Cookies, extra whipped cream, or sparkly sprinkles. (Or all of the above!)

6. Optional: Add a few blueberries or blackberries on top for a deeper sky feel.

7. Serve with a spoon and a story.

This dessert is best enjoyed while curled up with a good book—perhaps under a blanket of stars, or at least a string of fairy lights.

Whether you’re reading Diana and the Milky Way for the first time or coming back to it like an old friend, I hope this little treat brings you a moment of joy and wonder. And I hope it reminds you that there’s a place for dreamers—especially the ones who draw stars where others only see empty sky.

Wishing you love (and spoons full of stardust)!