The Featured Table: Our First Digital Cookbook

One of the great joys of August Table has always been sharing moments around the table with you. Through our linens, our tablescapes, and the recipes I share here on The Featured Table, the hope has always been the same: to inspire a life that feels a little slower, a little more beautiful, and filled with meaningful gatherings.

Over the past year, many of you have written to say how much you enjoy the recipes we share. That encouragement inspired something new.

Today I am so happy to introduce our very first digital cookbook:

The Featured Table: Breakfast

This small collection gathers some of my favorite morning recipes from the blog, along with a few new additions. Inside you will find vibrant smoothies, nourishing oats and granola, yogurt bowls and chia puddings, simple but beautiful toasts, and cozy baked treats like muffins and scones.

My goal with these recipes is simple. Mornings set the tone for the day, and when we nourish ourselves well, everything else becomes a little easier. Many of these dishes can be prepared ahead of time or assembled quickly with ingredients you likely already have on hand, making it easier to begin the day with healthy, satisfying food.

At August Table we often talk about slowing down and savoring life. Breakfast is one of the simplest opportunities to do just that. Whether it is a quiet smoothie after a morning walk, yogurt and granola at the kitchen counter, or a leisurely brunch with friends and family, these small rituals can become some of the most meaningful moments of the day.

This cookbook is also the first in what I hope will become a series of recipe collections drawn from The Featured Table. Throughout the year I will continue gathering recipes and sharing them in future collections that celebrate the seasons, encourage gathering, and bring a little beauty to everyday meals.

For our August Table community, this first cookbook is a gift.

You can click here to download your free copy of The Featured Table: Breakfast.

I truly cannot wait for you to see it and hope it inspires many joyful mornings around your table.

With warmth,
Carrie

The Featured Table: Chia Pudding Parfait with Cherry Blueberry Compote

February has arrived—how did that happen so quickly? As we step into a new month, it’s the perfect time to refocus on nourishing, feel-good foods that bring both comfort and energy.

As we embrace the new year and lean into lighter, nourishing meals, this week’s recipe is a true celebration of health and beauty. Say hello to our Chia Pudding Parfait with Cherry Blueberry Compote – a stunningly layered, nutrient-packed treat that’s perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even a light dessert.

Why Chia Pudding?

Chia seeds are a powerhouse of nutrition. Packed with omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, protein, and essential minerals, they provide sustained energy and support overall well-being. When combined with creamy homemade cashew milk and paired with the natural sweetness of our cherry blueberry compote, the result is a dish that’s both delicious and nourishing.

Let’s walk through the simple steps to create this gorgeous parfait:

Ingredients

For the Cashew Milk

  • 1 cup raw cashews, soaked for 1-3 hours
  • 3 cups water
  • 3 dates, pitted
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • Pinch of sea salt

For the Chia Pudding

  • 1/2 cup chia seeds

For the Cherry Blueberry Compote

  • 1/4 cup fresh blueberries
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cherries
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 2 teaspoons maple syrup
  • A few drops of vanilla extract

Additional Layers

  • 1/2 cup vanilla yogurt of choice (dairy or dairy-free)
  • Fresh cherries and blueberries for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Cashew Milk

In a high-speed blender (such as a Vitamix), combine the soaked cashews, water, dates, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of sea salt. Blend on high until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

Pour the cashew milk into a bowl and stir in the chia seeds until well blended. Cover and refrigerate overnight, allowing the seeds to expand and create a pudding-like texture.

Step 2: Prepare the Cherry Blueberry Compote

In a small saucepan, combine the blueberries, cherries, water, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the berries soften and release their juices, creating a vibrant, fruity compote. Remove from heat and let cool.

Step 3: Assemble the Parfaits

In your favorite jars, glasses or bowls, layer the chia pudding, vanilla yogurt, and cherry blueberry compote. Repeat the layers to create a beautiful visual effect. Finish with a topping of fresh cherries and blueberries for added color and texture.

A Feast for the Senses

This chia pudding parfait isn’t just a treat for your taste buds – it’s a feast for the eyes as well. The vibrant layers of creamy pudding, luscious compote, and fresh fruit come together in a way that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Best of all, it’s a dish that supports your health and invites you to slow down and savor the moment.

We hope this recipe inspires you to start your day with a little more joy and nourishment. Let us know how your parfaits turn out – and don’t forget to share your creations with us!