Sweet caramelized apples, crunchy granola and creamy yogurt. Serve up this amazing yogurt parfait for breakfast, snack time or even dessert!
Who ever said Facebook wasn't good for a couple of laughs? A couple of days ago, in the middle of the morning, I was drinking a cup of green tea, doing my best to ward off the pre-lunch munchies. Breakfast seemed as though it had passed hours before and I was getting the urge to rifle through the pantry. Instead, I reached out for suggestions on my Cookin' Canuck Facebook fan page. The question I posed was simply, "What are your tricks for keeping snacking under control?" I was expecting answers ranging from eating a container of low-fat yogurt to snacking on fresh fruit. That's not quite how things went. One of the first responses was helpful: a handful of almonds (or in the case of this particular person - four almonds...no more, no less). It all went downhill from there.
The next responses to my snacking question were as follows: "Cheetos", "Control? Yeah, right now I'm eating an almond-flavoured brownie and washing it down with a cappuccino. Sorry, no help here.", "Two kids under the age of five - I don't have time to snack even if I want to!", "I polish my nails. You don't want to risk smudges by sticking your hand in a box or bag. I'll also brush AND FLOSS!"...and my personal favorite, "Yeah, how do I keep snacking under control? By snacking!" Dang it, not a budding dietician in the bunch!
Besides surrounding myself with healthy snacking options and keeping myself hydrated, I know that one of the best ways to banish the "must have fat and sugar" urges is to eat a breakfast heavy on protein and fiber. This yogurt parfait, while not a completely pristine example of low-fat and low-sugar eating (though I did keep the butter and sugar content to a bare minimum), boasts a good dose of both protein and fiber. Creamy nonfat Greek yogurt is layered with crunchy granola and spice-kissed caramelized apples to make a breakfast that is quick enough for a busy weekday morning (the apples can be made ahead) and pretty enough to serve at a weekend brunch. Cheetos cravings begone!
How to make caramelized apple yogurt parfait:
Core and thinly slice Golden Delicious apples.
Heat a medium nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add butter and melt. Stir in apples and brown sugar and cook, stirring frequently, for 5 minutes.
Add ground cloves and cook about 5 more minutes, stirring frequently, until the apples are golden brown and soft. Watch closely so that the apples do not burn. Stir in apricot preserves and let melt into apples. Scrape apples into a bowl and cool slightly. The apples can be made a day in advance. Store, covered, in the refrigerator.
Using four 8-ounce glasses, layer Greek yogurt, apples, and granola in any way you desire, ending with apples on top. Garnish with a dollop of yogurt and granola.
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Caramelized Apple, Yogurt & Granola Parfait Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 large Golden Delicious apples cored and thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- 2 tablespoons apricot preserves
- 24 ounces nonfat plain Greek yogurt
- 1 â…“ cup granola your favorite kind
Instructions
- Heat a medium nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add butter and melt. Stir in apples and brown sugar and cook, stirring frequently, for 5 minutes.
- Add ground cloves and cook about 5 more minutes, stirring frequently, until the apples are golden brown and soft. Watch closely so that the apples do not burn. Stir in apricot preserves and let melt into apples. Scrape apples into a bowl and cool slightly. The apples can be made a day in advance. Store, covered, in the refrigerator.
- Using four 8-ounce glasses, layer Greek yogurt, apples, and granola in any way you desire, ending with apples on top. Garnish with a dollop of yogurt and granola.
Nutrition
The Food Hunter
What a yummy treat!
Sanjeeta kk
Oh, wow! never thought of having such a wonderful dessert for Lunch! Shall try it out. Glad to have come here from FB, following for more of such great recipes and lovely food ideas.
Cheers!!
lacey - a sweet pea chef
This looks delicious. I love the idea of caramelized apples in a parfait -- never seen that before! Thanks for the idea and great pics!
MyMansBelly
This looks gorgeous. And I'm thinking it would be the perfect breakfast!
Maris
Caramelized ANYTHING is good. These look like a treat.
Joanne
Well if you ever DO figure out how to curb those snack cravings...let me know. In the meantime, I think I need this for breakfast. Or lunch. Or dinner. Delicious!
Monet
I love breakfast parfaits, but I rarely take the extra steps to make my morning meal as special as this! I need to treat myself more often! I love how you cooked down the apples. Caramalized apples are the key to my heart! Thank you so much for sharing. May your Sunday burst forth with joy and love.
Medifast Coupon
Super healthy way to have an on the go breakfast! So much better than the alternative of stopping somewhere. Great idea.
my life be like
Mmmmm delish!!!! Wow, this is my kind of snack. I love every single ingredient you made this parfait with!
marla
Ha! Love those responses you got on FB. The nail polish one is hilarious! The four almonds no more or less - would not keep me satisfied for long at all.
This parfait looks great! Thanks for sharing my Cherry Applesauce parfait too.
My Maple Apple Pie Oat Bars make a nice sibling to this recipe. xxoo