I know I’ve gone on and on here about my love of granola. I even eat it dry sometimes, just with a spoon. Is that weird? Does anyone else do that? And because my grocery store carries cran-strawberries in bulk…well…it makes me even more ecstatic. They are my favorite dried fruit. I’m not sure I’ve seen them packaged or it’s just that my market doesn’t carry them. But really, any dried fruit can be used in this granola, heck you can even even leave it out if you want.
I do love this granola recipe because it’s not too sweet and not too salty…it’s just right for me. And likely it will be just right for you.
Now, here’s what I also love Tillamook yogurt. It’s one of my all-time faves. But, if I’m being honest, full-fat yogurt is high in calories. And when you add it to granola, well, it can be quite dense in caloric goodness. So, I can’t tell you how excited I was to find that Tillamook is finally making a “light” version of my beloved dairy treat! Yes folks, it’s the little things. Now I can indulge in parfait goodness all the time. And believe me I have been.
And, because there are now some calories to spare, a tiny dollop of whipped cream no longer seams like such a bad idea. It makes me feel like I’m at a cafeteria…which is not always a bad thing.
There’s just never any left. Anyone want to lick the spoon?
Almond Cran-Strawberry Granola
Ingredients
- 4 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1 cup wheat germ
- 1 cup slivered almonds
- 1/2 cup sesame seeds
- 1/4 cup golden brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon table salt
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1/3 cup clover honey
- 1/3 cup water
- 6 ounces dried cran-strawberries or any other dried fruit
- 6 ounce Tillamook "light" yogurt or other yogurt (one for each parfait you make)
- whipped cream (optional)
Directions
- In a large bowl mix together, oats, wheat germ, almonds, sesame seeds, brown sugar, cinnamon and salt.
- In a small bowl, combine vegetable oil, honey and water.
- Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients making sure to combine well. Spread evenly on a large rimmed baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees F for about 35-45 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes. Granola should be lightly browned. Cool completely and add dried fruit.
- To make parfait, place 2 Tablespoons of granola on bottom of a cup and top with 3 oz of yogurt and repeat. Add whipped cream if desired. Serve immediately.
Love me some granola!!
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*Disclosure: Tillamook did not pay me for this post, however, they did provide the yogurt you see here. All opinions and thoughts are my own.