Tuesday Tastings {C'est Parfait!}

I must admit, as one whose job is planning all the special details that make clients’ parties unforgettable…sometimes its a challenge to find the time or energy to approach my own get-togethers with the same gusto. But I’ve learned that it’s so often the little things that matter most, and a stylish presentation can score many more points than slaving over the stove. Take last weekend for example: I took a break from a slammed work week and invited a few friends for breakfast following the Livestrong Challenge. A quick stop at Taco Deli yielded fresh & tasty breakfast tacos, and I added a major dose of prettiness to the table with these berry + yogurt parfaits that I layered in chic little cosmo glasses. A cake stand piled high with Livestrong-themed cupcakes from Delish provided a colorful touch of sweetness. Follow the jump for the recipe…

Granola, Yogurt & Berry Parfait

*makes 4 parfaits

• 2 cups plain Greek yogurt (I like Fage 2%)
• 2 cups granola (recipe follows)
• 2 cups fresh berries (raspberries, blueberries, strawberries (hulled and sliced)
• 4 tablespoons honey

Line up 4 cosmo or parfait glasses. Mix the yogurt with a bit of honey, to taste. Spoon 2 tablespoons of yogurt into each glass and smooth surface. Spoon 2 tablespoons of granola overtop, 2 tablespoons of berries, and then repeat the process.

My Favorite Granola

*makes 7 cups

• 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1 cup raw pumpkin seeds, hulled
• 1 cup raw sunflower seeds, hulled
• 1 cup coconut chips
• 1 1/4 cup raw pecans, coarsely chopped
• 3/4 cup pure maple syrup, preferably Grade A
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/2 cup packed light-brown sugar
• Coarse salt

Preheat oven to 300 degrees.

Place oats, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, coconut, pecans, syrup, olive oil, sugar, and 1 teaspoon salt in a large bowl and mix until well combined. Spread granola mixture in an even layer on a rimmed baking sheet. Transfer to oven and bake, stirring every 10 minutes, until granola is toasted, about 45 minutes.

Remove granola from oven and season with salt. Let cool completely before serving or storing in an airtight container for up to 1 month.