Homemade Granola, Yogurt and Fruit Parfait

Granola, Fruit and Yogurt Parfait 

It is 2010!  Can you believe it?  Why does it seem the older you get, the faster time flies?  I think it's the older the kids get, the faster time flies!  Five years is nothing to us, but they become entirely new people in that short time....almost unrecognizable.  

Meeting the new year is complicated, isn't it?  Sometimes,I feel so happy to be leaving the old year behind!  So long 2009... can't wait to see what the next year brings.  Other times, I feel a little wistful  I get sentimental looking at my children, seeing how fast they grow and change.  One thing that seems consistent in my life, year after year, is that despite how much I love Christmas (and I do love holidays) by January 1st I am ready to pack up all the decorations, clean the house, get organized and maybe even rearrange the furniture.  Fresh starts, brisk days, and new resolutions.  I will eat better, exercise more often, stay organized, have my daily quiet time, etc. I am discovering that any type of change starts with the small, daily decisions.  Those tiny little decisions that often seem insignificant can add up to make a huge impact in your life.  This year I have vowed to try to get the kids to eat healthier.  So in the Growing Gourmets blog, along with all those recipes for holiday treats, I will include recipes for healthy and delicious treats too!  First up...Homemade Granola, Yogurt and Fruit Parfait!  Happy and healthy eating in 2010!

Layer creamy vanilla yogurt, crunchy homemade granola and fresh fruit

 like strawberries, blueberries and pineapple in a clear glass 

for a delicious, healthy breakfast or afternoon snack.

Homemade Granola

4 cups old fashioned oats

2 cups sliced almonds

2 cups coconut

1/2 cup wheat germ

1 cup dried fruit (berries, cherries or apricots)

1 stick butter

1 cup honey

1/2 cup brown sugar

2 teaspoons vanilla

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 

1/2 teaspoon salt

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.  Toss the oats, coconut, almonds, wheat germ and dried fruit in a large bowl and set aside.  Place the butter, honey, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon and salt in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until heated and everything is melted.  Pour the sauce over the oats mixture and mix well.  

Pour the mixture on a sheet pan..  Bake, stirring occasionally with a spatula, until the mixture turns a nice golden brown (about 20-25 minutes).  Remove the granola from the oven and let cool completely before storing in an airtight container. Good as cereal, yogurt topper or snack!