Yogurt Parfaits

I am not a big breakfast eater. Well… I guess I would be a big breakfast eater if my body wouldn’t expand due to my poor breakfast choices. You see… I love pastries! I love French Toast with butter and pure maple syrup. I love Belgian waffles with strawberries. I love cinnamony breakfast breads and muffins (warm and smeared with butter, of course). I love bagels with cream cheese. Do you get my drift? If I could eat my choice for breakfast every morning, I would definitely be a big breakfast eater. But, since my body doesn’t seem to be as happy as my taste buds about these choices, I stick with a lean protein for breakfast with a little fresh fruit.

Now this doesn’t mean that I don’t occasionally partake of a little nibble of something warm and cinnamony (or drizzled with butter and syrup). But I only do this when I am having company or bringing a batch of something warm to church on Sunday morning. Guests are a great excuse for making a batch of warm muffins or a coffee cake topped with lots of yummy streusel for breakfast. I also like to make pretty yogurt parfaits. They are easy to make and work great for a crowd. If you need to bring breakfast to a Bible study or small group or a girls weekend, consider a coffee cake (like my Streusel Apple Coffee Cake), some fresh fruit, and Yogurt Parfaits. You can even prepare them in clear plastic cups to save on dirty dishes

Yogurt Parfaits is my first “recipe” that falls under the “If Carol Can Do It” category. While my friend Carol claims that she cantcookalick, I know for a fact that this is not true. However, she is not passionate about cooking like I am. Carol wants recipes that are not too time consuming and have just a few ingredients. Maybe your schedule is crazy or you simply don’t think cooking is fun (I can’t imagine but I’ve heard it happens). This category is for you, too and Yogurt Parfaits definitely fits the bill. I hope you enjoy!

Yogurt Parfaits

Ingredients:

• Yogurt (vanilla or any berry flavor – I like to use strawberry)
• Fresh berries
• Granola (homemade or a low-sugar variety from your local grocery store)

Find a pretty clear glass parfait dish, goblet, or other small serving dish. You can even get creative and use little canning jars or juice glasses. Really, use whatever looks pretty and/or interesting. And, like I said, these can also be made in clear plastic cups when preparing for a crowd.

In your serving glass, layer yogurt, berries and granola. Layer three times. Garnish the top with a few berries.

That’s it! If you want to make it even prettier (you know… when company comes a callin’) add a sprig of fresh mint leaves to the top. This really does look extra special with minimal effort. Just smile and say, “I made this special, just for you” because that’s exactly what you did.

OK – In addition to this quick and easy recipe, I also wanted to give a shout out to my friend Samantha and a precious store in Charlotte called Mud Pie. Samantha surprised me by having some kitchen towels embroidered with “She Cooks.” Isn’t that the coolest thing? She is so thoughty that way. (Yes, “thoughty” is a word… in my vocabulary anyway.) Aren’t these awesome?!

If you live in the Blakeney area of Charlotte and need something monogrammed, please visit my new friends at Mud Pie. The store is full of great gift ideas!

Sweetest Blessings,
LeAnn