Fix these summer parfaits using your own homemade granola

It doesn’t get much easier than parfait when you’re thinking of a quick meal or snack. Combine granola, fruit and yogurt – and you’re done.

But did you know how easy homemade granola is to make? Try it once, and you might never go back to store-bought again. Combine a few cups of rolled oats with nuts, flaked coconut, a touch of spice, brown sugar, maple syrup and a little oil for richness and to help the granola roast up nicely. Then spread the granola out onto a rimmed baking sheet and place it in the oven until golden brown, tossing occasionally for even coloring.

Layer it in parfaits, add it to oatmeal or simply eat it on its own. It also makes a great homemade gift.

SUMMER FRUIT AND YOGURT PARFAIT WITH HOMEMADE GRANOLA

Total time: 1 hour, plus cooling time for the granola | Serves 4

Note: Unsweetened flaked coconut can be found at select well-stocked supermarkets, as well as cooking stores and online. Sweetened shredded coconut may be substituted, but decrease the brown sugar slightly to account for the sweetness of the coconut and note that the coconut will brown more quickly in the oven.

HOMEMADE GRANOLA

3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats

1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons wheat bran

1 cup pecan halves

1 cup sliced almonds

1 1/2 cups unsweetened flaked coconut

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/2 cup dark brown sugar

2/3 cup maple syrup or honey

1/2 cup canola or vegetable oil

Dried fruit, cacao nibs or chocolate chips, if desired

Heat the oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, toss together the oats, wheat bran, pecans, almonds and coconut. Stir in the salt, cinnamon, nutmeg and brown sugar. Pour over the maple syrup and oil, mixing well to combine. Spread the mixture out onto a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is toasted to a nice, even golden brown, about 45 minutes. Cool, then fold in the dried fruit, cacao nibs and/or chocolate chips to taste, if using. This makes about 2 quarts granola, more than is needed for the rest of the recipe; the granola will keep, sealed in an airtight container and stored in a cool, dry place, up to 2 weeks.

SUMMER FRUIT AND YOGURT PARFAIT WITH GRANOLA

About 4 cups plain yogurt

About 4 cups granola

About 4 cups sliced summer fruit and berries

Spoon 2 to 3 tablespoons (depending on the size and diameter of the glass) of yogurt into each of eight parfait, Champagne or similar glasses. Top each with 2 to 3 tablespoons of granola, then 2 to 3 tablespoons fruit. Repeat until the glasses are filled.

Each of 4 parfait servings: Calories 853; Protein 23 grams; Carbohydrates 94 grams; Fiber 14 grams; Fat 46 grams; Saturated fat 15 grams; Cholesterol 15 mg; Sugar 60 grams; Sodium 475 mg

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