| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 0 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 350 | 8g | 2g | 55g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 45g | 7g | 20g | 0.15g |
With a personal scrapbook full of multi-generational recipes to draw from, it’s always a challenge to choose one to share. But the Marionberry Yogurt Parfait, inspired by the bright wild berries I (and my fiancé Laura) discovered during our family vacations, definitely deserves a spotlight. It’s a delicious fusion that incorporates my unfettered adoration for fresh produce and our family’s love for homemade comfort food.
The Origin of My Love for Marionberries
During our summer trips to Laura’s family home in Oregon, we had our first encounter with the marionberries. These berries, which are a hybrid cross between Chehalem and Olallie blackberries, swiftly became a staple of our granola-topped breakfasts and even tea-infused desserts. Ever since then, our son’s bright eyes light up at the sight of a dish featuring these brilliant berries, making this Marionberry Yogurt Parfait a household favorite.
Why The Marionberry Yogurt Parfait holds a Special Place
This parfait is a perfect way to start the day and certainly harks back to the simple yet nourishing meals my Irish grandparents lovingly prepared for us back in Boston. However, it’s refreshingly fruit-forward, which makes it closely resemble summer fruit salads more than traditional oat-laden Irish breakfasts.
The magic lies in the harmony of fresh marionberries, wholesome Greek yogurt, granola, and subtly sweet notes brought by the raw honey and pure vanilla extract. It’s a recipe that’s brimming with benefits, too. The berries pack a powerful punch of antioxidants, the Greek yogurt supplies a hearty serving of protein, and the honey ensures natural sweetness with a lesser glucose spike compared to processed sugars.
The Marionberry Yogurt Parfait is not just a breakfast item. Served alongside panna cotta or some caramelized French toast, it could turn an ordinary brunch into a memorable meal. It’s such a versatile recipe; you can enjoy it as a fruity dessert or even a midday refreshment.
Not only does this recipe appeal to the palate, but it also satisfies the soul. It hooks onto my fond memories of love-filled family breakfasts and adds a wholesome touch of the Pacific Northwest. Each spoonful has a story. The romance of wild berries in the summer sunshine. The familial warmth distilled through nutritious, homemade food. The shared joy of a meal with loved ones. For these reasons, the Marionberry Yogurt Parfait will always have a special place in my heart and my kitchen.
What You’ll Need
- 3 cups fresh marionberries
- 6 cups plain Greek yogurt
- 1.5 cups granola
- 1 cup raw honey
- 1.5 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 6 tablespoons chopped almonds
Method
Step One
Start by washing the marionberries under cool water. Gently pat them dry and set aside.
Step Two
Take your Greek yogurt and mix it in a large bowl. Stir in the raw honey and the pure vanilla extract. Continue stirring until the ingredients are well mixed.
Step Three
Toast the chopped almonds lightly in a pan over medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent them from burning. Once they are golden brown, remove from heat and let them cool.
Step Four
Now it is time to assemble the parfait. Start by adding a layer of the Greek yogurt mixture to the bottom of four cups or bowls. Following that, add a layer of granola. Sprinkle a handful of marionberries on top of the granola, followed by a drizzle of honey.
Step Five
Repeat the previous step until all cups or bowls are full, ending with a layer of Greek yogurt on top. Garnish each parfait with the toasted almonds for added crunch. Serve immediately, or refrigerate until ready to serve.
