Sometimes I think of Thanksgiving as the culinary Olympics since there is major cooking and intense prep involved. And today I have the sore legs to show for it! But it is all worth it especially when I get to cook with my kids and spend a nice long day with my loved ones. I had the extra-special treat of having my mom visit this year for which I was so grateful. She was an amazing sous chef and always has such an easy going attitude. I am hoping (hint, hint) that she makes this a regular trip and brings my dad next time.
Today is not a cooking day for me. It might be a reheating leftovers day. It might be a juicing and smoothie day. But I have turned off the creative area of my brain and I am giving my feet a much-needed rest and that’s that. My main focus today is getting out of the house after lunch so that when that craving for pie hits, I’m less likely to succumb to temptation. This is when poor eating habits take hold and before you know it, it’s January 5th and there are a few extra pounds that came out of nowhere. Except I’m telling you, they start today!
If you want something sweet, but a little more natural, I have always loved this parfait, which also does double duty by using up leftover cranberry sauce. There’s really no recipe here, just layers of cranberry sauce, unsweetened yogurt, and granola. And sometimes I swirl the cranberry sauce into the yogurt. If you don’t have any granola in the house, just mix together what I call “faux granola” — a few nuts and seeds, dried fruit and toasted (or raw) coconut. You still get the crunch that balances out the creamy from the yogurt. I’m not over thinking this one and I don’t think I have it in me to do so if I tried! Enjoy the rest of the weekend!
Cranberry-Yogurt-Granola Parfait
Ingredients
- plain, unsweetened yogurt, regular or Greek-style (I like whole yogurt)
- leftover cranberry sauce
- granola
Instructions
- Take a glass and layer the ingredients however you want. There is no right or wrong way to do this. You can do one layer or each, or two layers of yogurt and granola and one dollop of cranberry sauce. Just make sure you have enough yogurt so the parfait doesn't get too sweet!
Like this recipe? Rate & comment below!
Hi Pamela,
What brands of regular plain yogurt do you approve of? Thanks!
My favorite is White Mountain yogurt. It is in quart-sized glass jars at Whole Foods. My next favorite is Straus Family Creamery, although I take off points for being in plastic. Do you have either brand at your local market? I also like sheep yogurt.
Great ideas! I’m relatively new to eating without dairy and it’s not always easy. Thank you for the suggestions!
Looks so good! Is there any easy substitute for the yogurt if you don’t eat dairy?
Have you tried almond milk yogurt or coconut yogurt? They are really good, but I haven’t found one that is unsweetened so I would mix it with “faux granola” instead of sweetened granola. Or you can make a cashew cream by blending soaked and drained cashews with enough water or almond milk to make a thick, creamy concoction that is great with yogurt and fruit! I’ve even blended the cashews with frozen bananas. Try 3/4 cup soaked cashews, 1/2 cup almond milk and 1/2 frozen banana (optional.)