The Simple Delights

Growing up, coconut sweets were the greatest treat. My dad and I would race to find the coconut filled chocolate truffles in the box of chocolates…and macaroons have always been a very special indulgence. I don’t know why I have never ventured into the macaroon making business…I think that they intimidated me. The light, fluffy beauty that is the macaroon seemed so difficult to duplicate…but last week, I faced my fears and went for it! I am glad that I did…they are beyond easy to make, and with a few simple substitutions- they are a wonderful (not so) guilty pleasure!

2 Cups sweetened, shredded coconut
1 14 oz can fat free sweetened condensed milk
1 t vanilla extract
3 large egg whites, ROOM TEMPERATURE
1/4 t sea salt

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Combine the coconut, condensed milk, vanilla and salt in a large bowl.


In a separate bowl, using an electric mixer, whip the egg whites until they form stiff peaks.

Now, gently fold the egg whites into the coconut mixture.


Drop tablespoon fulls of the batter onto a baking sheet.

Bake for 30 minutes- until they are golden brown. Cool completely and store in an air-tight container.

All of the delicious flavor of apple pie- all of the nutrition of 0% greek yogurt, slow cook oatmeal and fresh apples. What’s not to love!?

The other morning, Gavin was craving something sweet for breakfast and I have been dreaming up new recipes using oatmeal- so, I decided to whip up an idea that has been floating around in my head. I wanted to mimic the flavors of a nice warm piece of apple pie, al a mode…while keeping things light and healthy!

This parfait is the perfect solution. It tastes rich and decadent- but it is nutritious and satisfying! Gavin was a huge fan- and now he requests this lovely little breakfast in a mason jar all the time! All of the parts can be made ahead of time…the apples store great in the fridge and the oatmeal topping keeps well in a sealed container in the pantry.

It’s Saturday morning- warm up the oven and give this recipe a try- let me know what you think!

Apple Pie Parfaits
2 parfaits

Pie Topping:
2 C oats
1/4 C brown sugar
1/2 t sea salt
1 egg white
1/2 C apple sauce
2 T coconut oil

Apple Filling:
1 large apple, sliced
2 t brown sugar
1/2 t sea salt
1/2 t cinnamon
1 t flour
2 T water

1 C 0% plain greek yogurt

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. In a bowl, combine all of the topping ingredients and mix until everything is moist. Spray a cookie sheet with cooking spray and pour the mixture on it. Spread the mixture evenly over the cookie sheet and spray the top with cooking spray. Bake for 25 minutes.

While the oat mixture is baking, in a medium pan over medium heat combine the apple, brown sugar, sea salt and cinnamon. Cook for 5 minutes. Now, add the flour and mix well. Next, add the water and cover. Reduce heat to low and allow to cook for 20 minutes.

To assemble to parfaits, layer greek yogurt and then top with apple pie filling and then top with oat topping. Repeat layers 2-3 times depending on the size of your dish.