Chia and Peach Parfait

The full title of this post should read "Chia Seed, Yoghurt and Honey Parfait with Homemade Granola and Thyme roasted Peach".
And you basically got the whole recipe there.

I have stumbled across so many chia seed posts lately, it seems to be the foodies' new favourite superfood. And actually, after reading up on the health benefits of chia seeds, I have to say I am pretty amazed.
If you are interested, this website tells you all about the magic powers of chia.
Of course, I jumped the bandwagon, and the other day when I got Quinoa and Polenta from the health store (a pretty impulsive act, I have never cooked with either of them before, so if you have any recipes... ;) ) I just had to get a little bag of chia seeds.

So far I have sprinkled chia on my morning porridge, I mixed it into granola and put it into smoothies. But hey, those precious little seeds should really deserve the main role in a dish too.

Aaaaand, we're off...

Chia and Peach Paifait (serves 1)
1/2 yoghurt (I used plain low-fat)
1-2 tbsp chia seeds
1 tsp honey (or more if desired)
Granola (I used the one I made HERE)
1 Peach
1 tsp olive oil
A few leaves of fresh thyme

Combine the yoghurt and chia seeds. Let them chill in the fridge at least 30minutes, ideally overnight. The seeds will develop a gel and turn the yoghurt into a pudding-like texture.
Cut the peach into half, remove the stone, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with thyme. Roast in the oven at 200C for 12-15minutes.

Stir the honey into the yoghurt. To assemble, layer a glass alternately with the chia yoghurt, the granola, and the peach slices.

If you like thyme and honey, brilliant.
If you think the combination of thyme and honey is weird,......well you're weird.
Okay you're not.....but you should still totally give this recipe a go.

The combination of the sweetness of the peach, highlighted by the honey, with the depth of flavour found in thyme, is just heavenly!
And then you have the smooth creaminess of the yoghurt paired with the crunchiness of the granola that just makes the whole dish.
Seriously, this parfait is pure bliss.
Also, it is super healthy and makes a great breakfast. I had some today and it totally made my morning AND gave my enough energy for a mega workout! :)

Granola

Because the internet needs yet another granola recipe....
I know, I know, you're right. Granola is so dead-simple to make, why even bother to share a recipe? Seeing recipes for granola on food blogs makes me feel like I am too retarded to use a spoon.

I am not teaching you how to use a spoon.
My aspiration here is merely to inspire you and give you ideas what yummy combinations of granola are possible.
I know you are fully capable of making it without guidance! Because you rock!

The granola I made today comes in two varieties.
I did a batch for the boyfriend, a sweet attempt to replicate the beloved 'Crunchy Nut Feast Cereal' from Kelloggs, and one energising combination of granola for myself.

The base for both were some oats and chia seeds (because they have like superpowers or something...)
His granola consists of cornflakes, chopped hazelnuts, chopped almonds, and honey. Chocolate chips were added at the end.
Her granola featured slivered almonds, dried cranberries, dried dates, mixed seeds, and maple syrup.

I stirred  all the ingredients together, trying to cover everything in honey/maple syrup until the mixture is really sticky. Then I baked the granola at approximately 180C for about 15 minutes, or until it starts to turn brown.

I learnt the hard way that granola straight out of the oven is incredibly hot and may burn your tongue to punish your impatience. Be smarter than me!

A proper taste test has been conducted after some cooling time and both subjects have been approved.

THE Brownies

It is a miracle I haven't posted this recipe before.....
they are THE brownies after all.

The thing is, everyone will try to tell you that their brownie recipe is the only one you will ever need.....but I am right. Duh.

Let me give you some advice though....don't share them with your boyfriend, don't offer them to your neighbours, and don't even think about bringing them to parties.
Because once a person has had one little taste of THE brownies, it is already too late, they are hooked.
And before you know people will call you in the middle of the night, some will bribe you to make them again and you'll be baking brownies till the end of your days.

Well, okay, I might have (totally not) exaggerated.

Do make those brownies.
Really.
You won't regret it, pinky promise!

Just one little thing before we start...this is a 3 bowl situation. I am sorry. I haven't figured out yet how to turn it into a one bowl recipe. You might be smarter than me.

Brownies (makes one small batch)
1/2 cup chopped dark chocolate
1/2 cup butter
2 eggs
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 tbsp cocoa powder
1/2 cup chopped nuts (I used walnuts, almonds or hazelnuts would be yummy as well)

Whisk together the sugar and the eggs.
Melt the butter and chocolate on low heat.
Stir the chocolate mixture into the egg mixture.
Add the flour and cocoa powder.
Fold in the nuts.
Done.

Bake at 180C for about 25minutes or until the brownies are set and the top is shiny.

And don't leave just yet...I'm gonna drop some knowledge:
If you manage to keep some brownies for yourself (good on ya) resist the urge to eat the whole batch in one sitting.
Or else as soon as you wake from your sugar coma your tummy will ache like hell.
I am speaking from experience.

It is totally worth it.