Monday 8 August 2011

Strawberry and Nectarine Parfait with Maple Granola

I will never quite look at Porridge Oats in the same way again. Growing up in Scotland, my father used to take porridge for breakfast during the winter months and I never understood the appeal. In my mind it was just a thick, gloopy consistency, void of flavour and I incorrectly wrote Porridge Oats off. I was reacquainted with Porridge Oats recently when I made granola for breakfast and I am glad to say we are firm friends once more.
Strawberry and Nectarine Parfait with Maple Granola

This breakfast recipe is inspired by Bon Appétit magazine. I am changing it slightly in that I am using nectarines instead of peaches and dried blueberries instead of raisins.

Time:
Preparation: 10 minutes
Cooking: 18 minutes

Portion Control: 
Serves 6

Ingredients:
1.5 cups of Porridge Oats
1/4 cup of flaked almonds, coarsely chopped
1/4 cup plus 3 tbsp of maple syrup
1.5 tsp of unsalted butter
1/3 cup of dried blueberries
3 cups of strawberries, sliced
3 cups of thinly sliced pitted and peeled nectarines
Vanilla Frozen Yoghurt (optional)

Directions:

  • Preheat oven to 180 degrees Celsius.
  • Mix oats and almonds in a 13"x9"x2" baking pan.
  • Combine 1/4 maple syrup and butter in heavy small saucepan. Bring to boil.
  • Pour maple syrup mixture over oat mixture and stir to bind the ingredients together.
  • Bake in the oven for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Add the dried blueberries to the oat mixture and stir together. Bake until the mixture is golden and crisp, stirring occasionally, about 8 minutes longer.
Granola: Golden and Crispy texture
  • Cool the granola completely in the pan.
  • Gently toss together the strawberries, nectarines and the remaining 3 tbsp of maple syrup in a large bowl.
  • Divide the fruit mixture among 6 bowls or glasses. Sprinkle each parfait with granola, dividing equally.
  • Top each with a scoop of frozen yoghurt, if desired, and serve.

The granola can be made in advance (up to 1 week ahead) but should be stored in an airtight container. I quite like eating it semi warm. It really does brighten up your morning when you bite into the warm crunchy, nutty texture.With it being really easy to make, I will never buy granola again!

12 comments:

  1. I am with you on the porridge in Scotland. My Dad also loaded it with salt and then poured cold milk over it so it was like a gloopy island - yuk. Last year I overcame my dislike of porridge by making it US stylee with cinnamon, nuts, honey, or fruit compote - it was a revelation. Love your granola too.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Sounds familiar ;-) Did we grow up in the same house?
    Your US Stylee sounds a treat - what a great combination. Thanks for the visit!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Ooh, I don't think I've had maple granola before. I like maple and I like granola - just never thought to combine them!

    It looks good!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hey, thanks for stopping by.It really is tasty and so easy to make. I'm doing a fresh batch tomorrow morning ;-)

    ReplyDelete
  5. What a lovely, summery breakfast- sure beats my boring branflakes any day of the week!

    How was FBC? Unfortunately I couldn't make this year, but I loved reading everyone's tweets from the event- it sounded so interesting and informative, I'm looking forward to attending next year already!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Hi Kate,
    Thanks for stopping by. Yes FBC was a blast. Great conference with some super foodie bloggers. Just made me realise I am in need of a completely fresh approach. I have so much to do!

    ReplyDelete
  7. I love granola and yogurt so much that I sometimes even turn it into trifles for dessert- setting the yogurt into a panna cotta and then turning the berries into a slurry. This looks like a lovely granola. Nb, I love your list- we've got a similar one- was pretty thrilled to tick off afternoon tea at the Langham a month or so ago...

    ReplyDelete
  8. Hey Tori,
    Thanks so much for dropping by. What! You went to the Langham for afternoon tea before me? Was it good? Go on make me jealous...;-)

    ReplyDelete
  9. Just stumbled upon your site it is delightful. I am now a happy follower!

    ReplyDelete
  10. 1-2 Punch. Thanks for visiting the site and for the lovely comment!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Now this looks like a proper breakfast treat, I love the way you can vary the fruit + anything with maple syrup rocks!
    Was lovely to meet you Jac, looking forward to perusing your blog in more detail!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Ah thanks Nic! Dead easy to make. Had a big batch made for my family when they were down last week. So simple!
    Great meeting you too Nic ;-)

    ReplyDelete