My older daughter Tessa just loves parfaits. She thinks they’re the height of sophistication and the most fun breakfast. Though I’d originally made this recipe in plastic wine glasses for a baby shower, now they’re equally great for breakfast as they are for an after school snack.
I do make my own granola, as it’s mind-numbingly easy, but when its just a part of the bigger picture I’ll buy it. This parfait works best with plain yogurt because the sweetness of the pears (mostly natural, just a bit of brown sugar) and with the crunch of the granola, it’s a trifecta of deliciousness. If you want to make the granola that I’ve formerly used in this recipe, click here for the recipe.Â
I remember days in high school and collage when I’d eat granola with milk, like it was cereal. Have you ever looked at the calorie content in granola? It’s much better used in applications like this – just a bit of crunch for good measure.
If parfaits don’t interest you, remember these pears. They taste like the cinnamon apples from Boston Market and would be a great accoutrement on a holiday table.
Caramelized Pear Parfait
Serves 4
4 pears, peeled, cored and chopped
Juice from 1/2 a lemon
3 tbsp. butter
1 tsp. cinnamon
pinch allspice
pinch salt
1/4 c. packed light brown sugar
4 c. plain, fat free Greek yogurt
1. To make pears, melt butter in large saute pan or skillet over medium high heat. Add pears and lemon juice.
2. Add pears and saute until starting to soften and steam, about five minutes.
3. Add sugar, salt and spices and stir to combine.
4. Let pears cook, stirring occasionally. If there is plenty of liquid keep the lid off, however, if liquid released is scant, cover and reduce heat to medium low. Cook about ten minutes or until liquid thickens.
9. If storing for later use, cool pears to room temp and refrigerate.
10. To make parfaits, put about an inch of granola in the bottom of glass (use any clear glass).
11. Top with a layer of yogurt. Divide pears between glasses. Top with more yogurt, and a sprinkle of granola on top.
*Parfaits can be prepped ahead but add the topping granola just before serving
