Introduction: Yogurt Granola Parfaits

For a healthier dessert which doesn't feel healthy, try a yogurt parfait.  With homemade granola and seasonal fresh fruit, it's a perfect way to finish off a wonderful summer meal.

If you want to take this on a picnic, simply take the components - granola, yogurt, berries, separately (yogurt and berries chilled) and build at your picnic for a wonderful dessert.

Step 1: Make Honey Maple Granola

Makes 5 cups

Ingredients
5 cups old-fashioned oats (not instant) - if you want nuts, add 1½ cups nuts and 4 cups oats
½ cup olive oil
½ cup honey
½ cup pure maple syrup
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon nutmeg

Method
Preheat oven to 325.  Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, mix together olive oil, honey, maple syrup, vanilla extract, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg.  Mix until all ingredients are evenly distributed.  Pour in oats (or oats and nuts) all at once and stir until all ingredients are combined and everything is well coated.  Pour oat mixture onto pan and spread evenly.  Place in oven and bake for 40 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes.  Granola will begin turning golden brown, but will not be crispy..  When it is golden brown, remove from oven and allow to cool on pan.  As the granola cools, it becomes crispy.

Eat plain by the handful or serve as cereal or as a topping for yogurt.

Step 2: Making Parfaits

To make 4 parfaits, you will need

Honey Maple Granola (you will have leftovers to eat for a while)
One 17.6 oz container Fage lowfat or nonfat Greek yogurt
2 cups berries - cut strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries - your pick
2 tablespoons honey

Add 1/2 cup of yogurt to the bottom of glass.  Add 1/2 cup of berries, 1/4 cup of granola, and a drizzle of honey on top.

Serve and enjoy immediately.

Dessert Contest

Participated in the
Dessert Contest