I know, I know, I have been away for a while now. Did you guess I was busy? Well, you are right in doing so. It seems, “Busy” is not quite an excuse for a mom, rather a state of life and more so if one has school going kids. No, I get it, let’s just say a mom is busy no matter what and everything else has to somehow fit in.
I sound dramatic, don’t I? Indeed! It was a big milestone for my little one as she started pre-school last week . My life is busier than before with my new job as the resident chauffeur and yet, I will get to have “my” time while she is away. So it is a win-win for both of us and hopefully it means many more frequent posts for you too..
Anyhow, I am glad to be back and this time, with a beautiful fruit combo in a healthy dessert and a guest post for a special friend.
A personification of her blog’s namesake, she is bubbly, she is enthusiastic and is the sweetest blogger I know of. Our friendship sparked off over a weekend of web photography session by Penny De Los Santos, virtually of course. And as we were learning together miles apart, it didn’t take too long before we started bonding over tweets. This to me (and many bloggers might probably agree) is one of the most beautiful gifts of blogging. There are some really lovely people to befriend and help you in the food blogging world.
And I am so thankful to blogging for having found me this wonderful friend. I only hope we can meet in person too someday.
So when she asked me if I could guest post, my instant reply was “Of course, I’d love to!
She is none other than the girl with bright eyes and a big smile, my good friend Kanakana Saxena of Playfulcooking
Blogging from the sunshine state of California, Kankana, a Bengali and a newly wed showcases recipes that she’s tried to woo her doting husband, though she claims he is a better cook! She comforts you with her laid back easy-going conversational style and stories from everyday life. Paapri Chaat, Whole wheat carom seed crackers, Gobi Manchurian, Watermelon cooler are some of my favorites among her vegetarian food fare.
So be sure to head over to her lovely blog for some sunshine, a smile, lot of interesting recipes and my guest post on this Mango Strawberry Yogurt Granola Parfait.
You can also find Kankana on twitter and facebook.
- 3 Mangoes hash cut and cubed
- 6-7 medium sized Strawberries chopped
- 1-2 tsp cane sugar
- 1 cup plain greek yogurt 8 0z or regular yogurt
- 1/2 cup of your favorite granola I used Nature's path Organic Pumpkin Flaxplus Granola
- few drops of pure vanilla extract ~ optional
- honey to taste
- pistachios slivered or coarsely chopped
- dried blueberries
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Wash and hash cut the mangoes for mango cubes. (Blueberry Aamrakhand has a video link)
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Wipe strawberries with a damp cloth or tissue, hull and quarter; washing the strawberries makes them too mushy.
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Optionally, if you think the strawberries aren't sweet enough, sprinkle cane sugar on chopped strawberries, toss to mix well and let sit in the refrigerator for at least 15 mins to macerate.
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Stir in honey and vanilla extract into the greek yogurt and mix well. Taste once before assembling to adjust if required.
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Assemble the parfait either in champagne glasses or any sleek glass of your choice.
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Carefully layer macerated strawberries at the bottom (as they are juicy) followed by mango cubes, honey-vanilla yogurt and finally sprinkle granola on top.
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Garnish with chopped pistachios and dried blueberries on top and serve chilled.
Because strawberries tend to spoil fast, best used as soon as possible.
You could also use store bought vanilla or honey greek yogurt
Radhika .. i am going back to post again and again . I cannot get enough of those gorgeous photos. And that is one healthy dessert you chose to make and you just know what I like 🙂 Thanks sweetie for doing this on my blog .. love you buddy (((super tight hugs)))
What a awesome combination of strawberries, mangoes,yogurt and granola yum yum…I have tried parfait with yogurt and granola…never tried with this fruity combination..Lovely clicks!!
Woww… Mouth watering here.. looks so tempting and perfect.. awesome pictures too 🙂
Indian Cuisine
This is my dream dessert! fresh fruits and yogurt is a match made in heaven!!
Looks so very pretty! Love it
Stunning is the only word that come to my mind when I see the shots. I love parfait and you have made this wonderful dessert look gorgeous 🙂
the pics are so gorgeous ! im sure this tastes delicious…
Radhika, what a gorgeous guest post you did for Kankana!! I love your healthy parfait! I remember my kids’ first day in preschool. Now this week my son is going to kindergarten for the first time! I still feel awkward and we’ll miss our kids every time they grow out of each stage.. Enjoy your little bit of free time!
Thank You Nami..
It is a love-hate feeling when it comes to sending them to school (pre-school) for the very first time. Love the free time and the space that comes along with it at the same time reminds me of what she would’ve said or done when she was at home. Change is hard but change is good…
Just came across your blog from Sunshine & Smiles FB post- what a great blog you have! I love your pictures and food. Kudos from a new follower! Are you planning to make a FB page sometime?
Thank you! Sarah..
You can find my FB page at http://www.facebook.com/justhomemade
Also, there is a link to my FB page on the right hand side of the blog.
Gorgeous shots.
saw your lovely post delicious looking yogurt parfait
Completely agree on mother’s life and what a good breather a pre school can be, once you get used to ur little one staying away from you…takes a little time…and these are real healthy treats! BTW any particular reason for taking a bluish BW in 1st pic & not whitish or is that coz of lighting?
Anamika,
Couldn’t agree more on the breather part, both of us needed some time to ourselves and we are finally getting it.. 🙂
Regarding the photograph, it has got to do with the lighting (time of the day) and the sheet I’ve used for diffusing also perhaps..
Came through Kankana’s site, your mango strawberry honey yogurt granola looks delicious.Nice photography.
just came across your guest post on kankanas blog..you have a wonderful blog and this parfait is simply divine..loved your shots too
Loved the array of colours …evrythings looks so fresh! well done ladies!
looks refreshing and delicious, perfect combination. Great pics.
Such a brilliant creativity. I like the combination.
Hygenic,tasty,energetic,and all the most veg. dish try once you will like always. I also like it.
Very pretty composition of pictures Radhika…love it!
Lovely pictures Radhika and Parfait looks a perfect treat for any day!
Sharp pictures and vibrant colours. Had sometime today to go through few of your pictures and recipe. I like all your shots and recipes.