Thursday, September 14, 2017

Apple Honey Nut Parfait #improvcookingchallenge


We've been trying to get back to a more healthy lifestyle here in the Hardy household after several months of drifting into old poor eating habits.

Our biggest goal, after some mildly troubling medical tests, has been to try to reduce simple carbs by a lot.  The usual suspects (white flour, white rice, white potatoes and sugar) have been creeping back into our daily meals and making themselves at home.

Now, we're not trying to completely cut any of things things, at least not right now.  But they do need to be occasional treats in small quantities rather than being featured at every meal.

He works from home so eating well without leaning on these things has been pretty easy - no lunches to pack or need to find refrigeration.

We find that a good snack helps a lot with satiety and this is one we've landed on that hits most of our craving buttons - a good hit of protein and probiotics, some crunchy crispness, and a bit of sweetness in the form of raw honey.

It's not difficult to make (hard stuff tends not to happen at all), and it really does taste great, whether as a snack, a quick breakfast alternative to cold cereal, or a light dessert.

Apple Honey Nut Parfait
serves 1

1 cup plain Greek Yogurt
1/2 apple, cored and diced into 1/2 pieces
1 oz (a small handful) chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans are good)
1-2 tsp. honey

Put half the yogurt into a parfait glass or small ramekin dish. Top with half the fruit and nuts.  Repeat, then drizzle with honey to taste.

Obviously, this can be switched around a lot to keep things interesting. With the apple and nut blend try sprinkling a little cinnamon or nutmeg over the top.

You can use whatever fresh fruit you have on hand (if it tends to be more sweet, reduce honey accordingly), or switch the nuts for a dried fruit and nut trail mix or some muesli.

We've been doing some version of this a couple times a week and it hasn't gotten boring yet!  I often find I don't need any sweetener at all beyond the fruit.

 The Improv Cooking Challenge is a monthly food collaboration - this month's theme was Apples & Honey.  Check out what others are doing:


18 comments:

  1. mmmmmmmmmmm -- Greek yogurt, honey & nuts is such a great dessert. Adding apples to that just knocks it out of the park! I think I shall go make a dish now...

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  2. What a delicious-looking parfait! I'd be happy to eat that for breakfast with a sprinkle of cinnamon or pie spice :)

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  3. I think this makes a perfect breakfast as well. Keep fighting the good fight, it is so easy to slip back into bad habits.

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  4. That sounds yummy! I love adding fresh strawberries and pecans to my plain yogurt.

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  5. This is a great healthy breakfast! You have reminded me to buy more yogurt for my kids. Thanks so much! Stopped by from the sweet inspiration party:)

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  6. Looks yummy! Thanks for sharing at the Friday Frenzy Link Party! PINNED!

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  7. My little champ is fond of apple puddings. This one looks yummy and too healthy. Want to try it for my son. Thanks for sharing its recipe

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  8. My little champ is fond of apple puddings. This one looks yummy and too healthy. Want to try it for my son. Thanks for sharing its recipe

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  9. This looks extremely delicious! Thank you for sharing at Sweet Inspiration Link Party :)

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  10. this sounds so super tasty oh my the family will think it is a treat thanks for sharing
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  11. This recipe is full of goodness! Thanks for sharing at #overthemoon link party.

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  12. Your recipe looks and sounds very good! I've been giving my diet thought and want to go in a better direction so this is something that would work well for me. Thank you for sharing!

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  13. Cutting back on simple carbs can make such a difference in terms of health and weight as well. It was transformational for me! I am sure you will be pleased with the difference in how you feel. Your Apple Honey Nut Parfait is a lovely, wholesome snack. Thank you so much for sharing it, and for being a part of the Hearth and Soul Link Party.

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  14. I love parfaits and this is a fun twist from the normal berry ones that I make. Perfect for fall too! Thanks for sharing the recipe with SYC. Pinned.
    hugs,
    jann

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  15. Your Apple Honey Nut Parfait looks amazing! Thanks so much for sharing with us at Full Plate Thursday. Hope you have a great week and come back to see us real soon!
    Miz Helen

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  16. This combination of flavours looks really appealing. So good for when the apples are fresh and in season.

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  17. I substitute the honey for dates and have this often - it's so delish! xx

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