| Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 0 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 375 | 7.2g | 2.3g | 64.2g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 53g | 3g | 9g | 0.1g |
In the tropical heart of Miami, where the pulse of Cuban and Spanish heritage beats the strongest, I’ve proudly opened my kitchen to the world. Today, I invite you all to experience one of my absolute marvels, ‘Thimbleberry Yogurt Parfait’. Imagine vibrant, freshly picked thimbleberries layered with creamy Greek yogurt, sweet honey, sticky granola, and a subtle hint of vanilla. It’s a melody of flavors that has me dancing from the first spoonful to the last. The beauty of this recipe is how simple it is to make yet how complex the taste; it’s a testament to the power of choosing quality, healthful ingredients.
A Taste of Purity and Sweetness
Thimbleberries are one of nature’s best-kept secrets. They are tart, sweet, and wonderfully aromatic. Their inviting ruby-red color adds a beautiful richness to this dish, not to mention the numerous health benefits they carry. Thimbleberries are packed with antioxidants, dietary fibers, vitamins, and minerals that improve digestion, heart health, skin health, and much more. When these tiny berries meet the smooth, rich consistency of Greek yogurt, magic happens. Greek yogurt is high in protein, packed with probiotics, and embraces versatility like no other. Combine this with a drizzle of honey (a natural source of antioxidants) and vanilla extract that elevates the flavor to gourmet status, and you have a beautiful, healthful combination in the Thimbleberry Yogurt Parfait. Honey also helps reduce allergy symptoms, so if you’re a local, you know how vital that is in Florida!
Combinations and Pairings
This parfait works wonders as a breakfast option, an afternoon snack, or even as a dessert. The versatility of its ingredients allows it to easily pair with a variety of dishes. In remembering my Spanish roots, I’ve found that a Thimbleberry Yogurt Parfait and a classic Spanish tortilla make for an incredible breakfast. The savory tortilla combined with the sweet, creamy parfait is a pairing that will have your tastebuds dancing the flamenco. Likewise, you can enjoy this parfait after a delicious meal of Cuban rice and beans, offering a refreshing end to a wholesome, hearty Caribbean meal.
So, folks, join me in making a Thimbleberry Yogurt Parfait, a dish that brings together the freshness of fruit, the smoothness of yogurt, and the sweetness of honey to give your meals a tropical twist. Just remember, it’s all in the details, the quality of your ingredients makes all the difference, and happiness is homemade.
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups of fresh thimbleberries
- 3 cups of plain Greek yogurt
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup of honey
- 1 1/2 cups of granola
Method
Step One
Start by gathering all your ingredients: fresh thimbleberries, plain Greek yogurt, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, honey and granola.
Step Two
Take your thimbleberries and gently wash them under cold water. Pat them dry with a soft cloth or paper towel.
Step Three
In a separate bowl, combine the Greek yogurt and the vanilla extract. Stir until they are fully incorporated.
Step Four
In a small saucepan, add the granulated sugar and 1/4 cup of water. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the sugar has completely dissolved and a simple syrup has formed.
Step Five
Add the thimbleberries to the saucepan with the simple syrup. Reduce the heat to low and let the berries simmer for about 10 minutes, or until they are soft and have released their juices.
Step Six
While the berries are simmering, drizzle the honey over the granola and toss to coat. Spread the granola out on a baking sheet and toast in the oven at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes, or until it is golden brown.
Step Seven
To assemble the parfaits, start by spooning a layer of the yogurt mixture into the bottoms of your serving glasses. Follow this with a spoonful of the thimbleberry mixture, and then a sprinkle of the honeyed granola.
Step Eight
Repeat these layers until the glasses are filled, finishing with a layer of granola on top.
Step Nine
Refrigerate the parfaits for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. Enjoy your Thimbleberry Yogurt Parfait as a refreshing breakfast or a healthy dessert!
