It feels so overwhelming when you’re trying to feed a picky kiddo. Are they getting enough protein? Fiber? Too many chicken nuggets and not enough produce? We want to give them something that checks all the boxes but isn’t a hassle to make.
Homemade yogurt parfaits are quick to throw together and perfect for an easy grab-n-go breakfast, snack or dessert. This recipe is for those of us who really want to provide healthy meal options, but sometimes fall a little short on time. Yogurt parfaits are full of protein, calcium, probiotics, fiber, and whole grains. I like to use plain Greek yogurt and add a couple tablespoons of local honey which helps fight allergens native to your area. You can use regular yogurt, Greek yogurt, dairy-free yogurt… there are so many options these days at your grocery store! Simply top a bowl of the yogurt of your choice with fresh or frozen berries, crunchy granola, and drizzle with honey or 100% maple syrup. Stir and eat!
The best granola option is almost always homemade. I can quickly throw it together in about 15 minutes and then my house smells delicious while it bakes low and slow in the oven! You can customize it with the nuts and seeds your family likes best. If homemade is not always an option for you, Purely Elizabeth and Naked are really good store-bought granola brands that you can find at your local grocery store. They are made with quality ingredients and sweetened with unrefined sugar. Buying quality granola is more expensive than making your own, but a good option when you’re short on time.
HOMEMADE GRANOLA
Ingredients:
4 cups old fashioned oats
4 cups of your favorite nuts/seeds – I use 1 cup each walnuts, pecans, almonds and coconut
1 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
1/3 cup water
1 cup brown sugar/maple syrup combo
1/3 cup oil – I like walnut oil and avocado oil
3 tsp vanilla
Directions:
Mix dry ingredients. Chop any nuts that need chopping (save time buying pre-chopped nuts. Save money buying whole nuts).
Heat water over low-med heat. Add cup of sugar, stirring until sugar is dissolved and starting to boil. Turn off heat. Add oil and vanilla.
Mix syrup mixture with dry ingredients. Toss to coat. Spread onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake at 250 degrees for 2 hrs. Flip onto another baking sheet half way through.
This granola is great for yogurt parfaits, but you could also add it to cottage cheese, or with milk! My kids love to come grab warm handfuls when it comes out of the oven or sometimes eat it by itself as an afternoon snack!
