Thanks for dropping by Mr. Tucker

Mr. Tucker dropped by today.  We always look forward to his visits because he sells the most delicious fruits and vegetables right out of the back of his truck.

I hardly recognized him, because he had a new truck.  He said his old one finally died with over 300,000 miles.  Dang, I love old trucks.

Mr. Tucker is such a nice guy, I just have to buy fruit from him.  And most of his produce is delicious local crop.  But today he had fresh Valencia oranges and grapefruit from California.  They are in season there and are so delicious.  They are just the perfect thing to make granola for Father’s Day Breakfast Parfaits.  (You know real men love Parfaits.)  (Maybe that’s because men have layers just like Parfaits… wait a minute, I think I might have seen Shrek one too many times)

This is my favorite healthy granola recipe.  Many recipes have a lot of oil and sugar…  not that great if you are watching your weight.  Whenever I eat granola, I think I am really eating healthy and it’s a bummer when it’s actually not.

Here’s how to make it:

1.  In a large mixing bowl stir together 3 c. rolled oats, 1/2 c. toasted wheat germ, 1/2 c. sliced almonds.

2.  In a small sauce pan over medium heat, stir together 1/3 c. honey, 1/2 tsp. finely shredded orange peel, 1/3 c. orange juice (about the juice of one orange), 1/2 tsp. cinnamon.  Heat just to boiling and remove from heat.

3. Pour honey mixture over oat mixture, tossing gently until coated.

4.  Spray a cookie sheet with non-stick cooking spray.  Spread mixture evenly on pan.  Bake at 325 degrees for 15 minutes.

5.  Add coconut and stir to combine.  Bake for another 15-20 minutes or until lightly browned, stirring once.

6.  Remove from oven and turn onto a large piece of foil to cool. Once cool you can have fun adding your favorite dried fruits (or toasted nuts)  I love craisins.  Emma and Drew love golden raisins.  Ben and Lily don’t like dried fruit in their granola.  (They can pick it out!)  I also love dried mangoes, bananas, blueberries or chopped up dried apples…

7.  Store in an airtight container for up to two weeks or in the freezer for up to two months.

Now it’s time to make the Breakfast Parfait:

You’ll need your favorite yogurt, berries, bananas, and your granola.

1. Put a spoonful of yogurt at the bottom of your glass.

2. Layer your berries and bananas.  (I used strawberries and blueberries.)

3.  Put another layer of yogurt and then berries and bananas. You can make as many layers as you want.

Top with a final layer of yogurt and then sprinkle on your granola.

Here’s the printable recipe for Orange Breakfast Granola.