Greek Yogurt Parfait to Go
Each spring, the conference season begins. I adore seeing friends from around the globe, taking in all of the new information presented, and visiting new places, but food on the road is often less-than-ideal.
Good food to-go is more important to me than ever since I was diagnosed with a gluten intolerance, last year. This yogurt parfait full of nuts, seeds and fruit provides me with a healthy, fulfilling meal for road trips and plane rides alike. And let me tell you, I’ve been in planes, busses, and cars a lot this spring.
At the end of April, I had the joy of attending The Big Potluck, which is an amazing event put on by my dear friends Maggy, Pam, and Erika. This year, was the first year they hosted an event on the west coast. Just like the Pennsylvania Summer Potluck, I left inspired, full-up-with-love, and totally exhausted (in a good way)
Memorial Day Weekend, it was my first time at Camp Blogaway which I was able to attend thanks to the generosity of my friends at Kerrygold and Green Valley Organics. There, I saw old friends including some I’d never met in person- friends like Dr. Jean, Kate McDermott, and Nancie McDermott (no relation). Camp Blogaway is held at an actual camp and it was so much fun bunking with Laura and Mimi my new Camp BFFs. We had such fun even though I was that kid at camp… the one who gets sick and misses all the fun.
Now, we’re in June, and I’m travelling to Austin, TX for Blogher Food. This travel day will be a long one as I board a bus from Santa Rosa to San Francisco Airport and then a plane to Austin. I am prepared, too. I’ve got my yogurt parfait in a Mason Jar and plenty of candied ginger for my bus ride.
For a homebody like me, three conferences in six weeks is a lot, so you’d think I’d have spent every weekend at home in between, but instead I’ve been busy with everything from The Food Blogger Bake Sale to Press Trips to the Dry Creek Valley (more on that soon) to doggie adoption drives. In total, I’ve spent only two weekends at home since moving to our new place seven weeks ago.
I have so much to fill you in on. Photos I can’t wait to share, more news on the doggie front, and full reports on some really awesome events. But for now, I’ll pack my bags with summer dresses and sunscreen and leave you with this recipe for a gorgeous yogurt parfait in a jar.
Ingredients, Yogurt Parfait
- 12 oz of plain lowfat yogurt, strained overnight in a fine mesh strainer, I used Green Valley Organics lactose free. If you choose, you can use 8oz of Greek Yogurt and skip the straining.
- 1 teaspoon black sesame seeds
- 1 teaspoon chia seeds
- 1 teaspoon golden flax seeds
- 1 tablespoon raw pecan pieces
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened flaked coconut
- ½ cup sliced strawberries
- ½ cup blueberries
Instructions, Yogurt Parfait
- Toast all seeds and nuts (not the coconut, yet) in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 3 minutes. You want to shake the skillet every 30 seconds or so.
- Add the coconut and continue shaking and toasting until the edges of the coconut turn light golden brown. Remove from the heat, and prepare parfait.
- Scoop two tablespoons of yogurt into the mason jar, top with ¼ of the seed and nut mixture, layer some berries, then top again with yogurt, seeds, berries, and repeat until you reach the top of the jar.
- Makes two parfaits.
delicious! beautiful photos and so many exciting adventures I can't wait to hear more about all of them! Enjoy you're travels, homes just a little sweeter when you've been away for a while.
Have a beautiful week
you have been traveling a lot! so glad i finally had the chance to chat for a few minutes in Austin – hope to see you soon!
I feel really silly asking this but why do you strain the yogurt? Also thank you for sharing what brand of lactose free yogurt you use! I'm allergic to…something and I'm starting an elimination of the most common allergens and can never find lactose free yogurt.
I'm on the waiting list for the big summer potluck this year and I think I just scored myself a ticket since someone couldn't go. I was just in Austin for BlogHer as well and I'm still exhausted! I'm such a homebody too so being out this often is so unlike me! 🙂
Not silly at all. Real Greek yogurt is just strained yogurt. So, I strain it to make it thick and extra luscious. If you like, you can skip this step, it\’s still amazing yogurt.
I love this post, recipe, and photos. I think I may be 85% yogurt parfait. I eat yogurt probably every day with oats, fruit, and nuts. I never put it in a mason jar and hit the road with it though…You've got me thinking outside of the jar now, mama! Thanks for the inspiration and all the great news.
xoxo
B