A few simple elements
make up this classy yet
guilt-free dessert
Ok so you've checked out my last post on cinnamon and you're starting to believe the hype.. let's put it to the test with this dead easy Valentine's Day Parfait and see what cinnamon can do for you ;)
Inspired by my love for a good granola, this recipe elaborates on the original Simple Granola (scroll down 5 posts ago to check it out!) by using pumpkin seeds and toasted, fresh coconut. But first, let's look at the different ways granola can be enjoyed:
1. Most simply, with a little milk.
This allows for the full flavour of the granola to be tasted, unobstructed by flavours and textures from additional ingredients. Points for efficiency.
2. With yogurt! Yogurt can provide an optimal and complementive paring with granola, and depending on the type of yogurt you choose say, greek for example, will be another source of awesome nutrition.
3. With fruit, of course! Fresh (or thawed frozen) fruit can be added by itself or with any of the first options as well. Again, this is an optimal pairing for not only taste but also as an easy way to add more bulk and nutrition.
Simply by changing what you add to granola, and in this case the vessel too, you can end up with either a healthy, filling breakfast, or a healthy, sexy dessert!
Pre-Method
Making this for your special someone? Prep the granola ahead of time and assemble in a glass with a fairly wide mouth. Avoid assembling entirely and letting it sit for long periods of time or the yogurt with soak the granola, a half hour beforehand at most (for best results). Also, if choosing to use fresh coconut, toast to a light brown before adding to the other ingredients and baking. The ratio of coconut and seeds is really up to you, the recipe serves as a guideline. Just mix the ingredients together and see if you want to add more!
 |
| Forget the dried fruit this time |
- 3 cups whole oats
- 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds
- 3/4 cup lightly toasted or dry coconut flakes
- 4 tbsp packed brown sugar
- 3 tsp cinnamon
- 1 to 2 tsp salt (taste before adding more)
- 1/3 cup oil
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- A couple handfuls of your favourite berries (hint- red for Valentine's Day)
- A container of your favourite yogurt (minimum 250ml)
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips or shaved dark chocolate (aphrodisiac, very necessary)
Method
1.Preheat oven to 300F. In a large mixing bowl add oats, pumpkin seeds, coconut flakes, sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Mix well.
2. In another small bowl add oil, honey, and vanilla extract. Whisk together and add to your first bowl. Mix together well until everything is coated evenly.
3. In a rimmed baking sheet lay down a sheet of parchment paper, this makes stirring the granola and clean up super easy. Pour out granola onto baking sheet and spread evenly.
4. Place baking sheet in oven and bake for 15 minutes. Then take out, stir mixture, and spread evenly once again. Bake 5-15 minutes more until golden and smelling incredible. Less is more here.
5. Remove from oven and let cool to room temperature before eating or packaging. As the granola cools it become crisp and crunchy, don't be fooled if it is still somewhat moist after coming from the oven. Store in an airtight container up to 2 weeks.
6. Assembly. Start by summoning your inner Michelangelo. Select an appropriate clear glass cup. Start the layers with a spoonful of yogurt in the bottom, being careful not to smear yogurt on the side of the glass. Then layer in a few spoonfuls of granola. Next comes the berries and chocolate. Depending on the size of glass you will need to do this 2 or 3 times, ending with berries and chocolate!
Done! Serve Immediately!
*Bonus Marks
- top with a dash of cinnamon & a touch of shaved chocolate. Classy. As. HELL.
**As always!
Let me know how it turns out for you! Feel free to post your questions, comments, and stories below :)
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