What could be better than a healthy, colorful breakfast that takes just minutes to throw together?

In Domenica Marchetti's wonderful book "Big Night In: More Than 100 Wonderful Recipes for Feeding Family and Friends Italian-Style," these layered fruit, granola and yogurt sundaes are presented in slender glasses that show off the varied colors and textures. These are perfect for family breakfasts as well as served for a Sunday brunch.

Domenica recommends Greek yogurt, which has become widely available in the United States in recent years because it is much thicker, creamier and richer than American yogurt. Its consistency is just right for these colorful parfaits. If you are unable to find Greek yogurt, look for Lebanese yogurt, which is similarly rich and creamy. Or use American yogurt, but set it in a cheesecloth-lined sieve or colander to drain for several hours in the refrigerator before using.

The parfaits may be assembled and refrigerated up to two hours in advance. However, if you like your granola crunchy, you should assemble them right before serving.

If you are having a big group you can set out the ingredients on a table and have your guests assemble their own parfaits.

Help is on the Way:

-- Use low-fat yogurt for a lighter version.

-- Use a high-quality granola with lots of toasted grains and nuts.

-- Use blackberries or raspberries instead of blueberries -- or mix all three berries.

-- Use dried cranberries instead of the cherries.

Yogurt Parfait Recipe

Makes 8 servings

2 pints fresh blueberries

8 cups Greek whole-milk yogurt

1 1/2 to 2 cups granola

8 tablespoons dried, tart cherries

8 tablespoons honey

Spoon a few blueberries into the bottoms of 8 parfait glasses or tumblers.

Spoon 1/2 cup of yogurt into each glass and sprinkle some granola and a few dried cherries over the yogurt.

Add more yogurt to each glass and top with more blueberries, a drizzle of honey, and an additional sprinkle of granola.

Serve cold.

Diane Rossen Worthington is an authority on new American cooking. She is the author of 18 cookbooks (click here), including "Seriously Simple Holidays: Recipes and Ideas to Celebrate the Season," and also a James Beard award-winning radio show host.

 

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Yogurt Parfaits: A Healthy Stylish Breakfast - Diane Rossen Worthington Recipes

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