Tropical Fruit Breakfast Parfaits

1. For granola,* preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly coat a 15x10x1-inch baking pan with cooking spray; set aside. In a medium bowl combine oats, the 1/3 cup coconut, and the sunflower kernels. In a small bowl combine honey, oil, and brown sugar. Drizzle honey mixture over oat mixture. Stir until oats are coated. Spread evenly in prepared pan. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until lightly browned, stirring twice. Line a large baking sheet with foil or parchment paper. Spread granola onto prepared baking sheet; cool. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.**

2. To make parfaits, place about 2 tablespoons of the cubed fruit in each of eight 6- to 8-ounce glasses. Add about 2 tablespoons of the yogurt to each glass. Add about 1 tablespoon of the granola to each glass. Repeat layers, but do not stir. If desired, top with toasted coconut and macadamia nuts. Serve immediately or cover and chill for up to 4 hours.

Peach Breakfast Parfaits:

Prepare granola as directed, except stir 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon into honey mixture. Assemble parfaits as directed, except substitute chopped, peeled peaches for the tropical fruits and use peach or honey-flavor Greek yogurt. If desired, garnish with sliced peaches and purchased glazed almonds or walnuts.Nutrition analysis per parfait: 188 calories, 6 g protein, 27 g carbohydrate, 7 g total fat (3 g sat. fat), 12 mg cholesterol, 3 g fiber, 14 g total sugar, 6% Vitamin A, 5% Vitamin C, 33 mg sodium, 9% calcium, 5% iron

Berry Cheesecake Parfaits:

Prepare granola as directed. For parfaits, substitute 1 1/2 cups mixed fresh berries (such as blueberries, raspberries, blackberries or sliced strawberries) for the tropical fruit and omit yogurt. In a medium mixing bowl place 3 ounces (1/3 cup) creamy style Brie or Brie cheese, rind removed. Add 8 ounces softened cream cheese (1 cup), 2 to 3 tablespoons sugar, and 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until combined. Beat in 1 to 2 tablespoons milk to make desired consistency. Assemble as directed, substituting cheese mixture for yogurt and berries for tropical fruit. If desired, garnish with glazed almonds or walnuts.Nutrition analysis per parfait: 249 calories, 7 g protein, 21 g carbohydrate, 16 g total fat (8 g sat. fat), 42 mg cholesterol, 3 g fiber, 9 g total sugar, 9% Vitamin A, 15% Vitamin C, 161 mg sodium, 6% calcium, 6% iron

Almond-Cherry Cheesecake Parfaits:

Prepare granola as directed. For parfaits, substitute 1 1/2 cups pitted fresh sweet cherries for the tropical fruit and omit yogurt. Place 3 ounces (1/3 cup) creamy-style Brie or Brie cheese, rind removed. In a medium mixing bowl add 8 ounces softened cream cheese (1 cup), 2 to 3 tablespoons sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon almond extract. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until combined. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons milk to make desired consistency. Assemble as directed substituting cheese mixture for yogurt and cherries for tropical fruit. If desired, garnish with glazed almonds.Nutrition analysis per parfait: 255 calories, 7 g protein, 23 g carbohydrate, 16 g total fat (8 g sat. fat), 42 mg cholesterol, 3 g fiber, 11 g total sugar, 9% Vitamin A, 3% Vitamin C, 161 mg sodium, 6% calcium, 6% iron

*Tip:

If you don't have time to make the granola, substitute your favorite healthful purchased granola.

**Tip:

You will have more granola than you need to make the parfaits. Use the extra as a topping for ice cream or pudding. Or to add crunch to salads or a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.