This morning some of my favorite women gathered together for a little kid-free time at our MOPS (mothers of preschoolers) meeting. These meetings are often some of the most refreshing times this mama to three young kids enjoys. For over an hour, we have the opportunity to share in each others’ joys and struggles, to remind each other that the mundane can be beautiful even while it is hard, and to EAT GOOD FOOD.
The last part truly is one of the most important elements to a successful MOPS meeting. If you can’t imagine why this is, then you probably don’t have small children eating food off of your plate, spilling their drinks, and using napkins to play peek-a-boo during every meal. Don’t get me wrong, I am thankful that I get to share all my food mealtimes with my kids. I love their company. But the blessing of being able to load a plate with amazing breakfast goodies and then eat it as slowly as you like, while carrying on an adult conversation cannot be overstated.
We all share the responsibilities of providing the food, which means that several times during the year, my small group will do all the baking, brewing, and picking up of the donuts.
Figuring out creative, healthy dishes that will be served outside your home can be challenging at times. I know because between church, MOPS, and other events, I am a practiced potlucker. I don’t say this because I always love the process or the extra work– there are times when I honestly don’t. But more often than not, I take it as an opportunity to get creative and try something new or simply something we wouldn’t normally have at home.
Today was our group’s turn and I knew just what I wanted to bring.
yogurt + dark chocolate + strawberries = winning
Layering these three ingredients together makes for a wonderful brunch dish to share with friends. You can make your own yogurt the day before in a crockpot or pick up a container from the store. The dark chocolate granola is a recipe I recently shared and is the real inspiration for this parfait. It’s simple, healthy, and tastes like it should be saved for dessert. I used strawberries but you could also use raspberries or another type of berry.
Yogurt Parfait with Dark Chocolate Granola & Strawberries
Ingredient List
- 4 C vanilla yogurt (if you make your own yogurt, just add 1/2 tsp of vanilla and sweeten it to taste with honey)
- 1 lb fresh strawberries, sliced
- 4 1/4 C dark chocolate granola
Method
1. Set aside 1/4 C granola to use as a garnish for the top.
2. Spread 1 C granola across the bottom of a trifle dish or similar style dish. Add the sliced strawberries in an even layer across the granola. Pour 1 C yogurt across the strawberries.
3. Repeat the layering 3 more times, ending with the yogurt.
4. Top the parfait with the reserved granola and a sliced strawberry.
This parfait is best made about an hour before serving– this gives it time to set up and not be too runny. I would not recommend making this the night before to prevent the granola from becoming soggy.
- 4 C vanilla yogurt (if you make your own yogurt, just add 1/2 tsp of vanilla and sweeten it to taste with honey)
- 1 lb fresh strawberries, sliced
- 4 1/4 C dark chocolate granola
- Set aside 1/4 C granola to use as a garnish for the top.
- Spread 1 C granola across the bottom of a trifle dish or similar style dish. Add the sliced strawberries in an even layer across the granola. Pour 1 C yogurt across the strawberries.
- Repeat the layering 3 more times, ending with the yogurt.
- Top the parfait with the reserved granola and a sliced strawberry.
- This parfait is best made about an hour before serving– this gives it time to set up and not be too runny. I would not recommend making this the night before to prevent the granola from becoming soggy.
[…] we can enjoy our strawberries. Pies will certainly be made. Breads will be baked. And fresh, creamy yogurt will be topped with sliced strawberries. (Have you tried making your own yogurt yet? The summer is a wonderful time to have yogurt on hand […]