PB & J Yogurt and Granola Parfaits! These delightful parfaits layer crunchy granola, sweet berries and rich yogurt in a simple breakfast that evokes the classic flavors of a PB & J sandwich in a wholesome and delicious way.
Last week I shared a post about the Box Tops for Education program and the amazing ways that Box Tops are contributing to schools around the country. But let's be realistic -- sometimes you need a little motivation to get excited about pitching in!
The truth is that there are countless ways you can make Box Top collecting enjoyable {and even enticing!} for anyone and everyone who wants to participate. Even busy parents!
I've yet to meet a mama who doesn't enjoy a good "girl's night out" with her friends. The start of a new school year is the perfect excuse for a gathering to celebrate surviving another summer the milestone of the kiddos heading back to the classroom. So I was thinking... why not do a little good while you have a little fun by hosting a Box Top Bash?
The idea is quite simple, really. Make some tasty treats with your favorite General Mills Box Tops products, invite your gal pals to do the same, summon everyone for a "potluck"-style gathering and collect the Box Tops that were used in making all the delightful dishes you share! You can theme the party around a specific holiday or theme, make it an evening affair or even mix it up with a Box Top brunch! Have a group that's into friendly competition? How about awarding a small prize to the dish made with the most Box Top items?
If the ladies in your life aren't into cooking, you could sweeten the deal by providing noshy bites and hosting a party with a twist. For example, my girlfriends have had Bunco nights where we each pitch in a few bucks and the champion takes the pot of winnings. You could easily "Bunco for Box Tops" where, instead of chipping in cash, each player brings a certain number of Box Tops! Winner takes all for their kid's school -- not to mention bragging rights with the girls AND with the teacher! {Maybe just keep the gambling part under wraps. Wink, wink!}
The best part about collecting Box Tops is that you can get your whole community involved. Invite your neighborhood, church, sports teams and, of course, schools to participate with their own Box Top parties. Not sure how to get started? Here are just a few ideas:
Give to get! You've heard of a bake sale... why not a Box Tops Bake Sale? Following the same idea, invite community members to "pay" for baked goods in Box Tops and get some sweet treats in return!
Make it a competition. Nothing gets kids {and adults} more excited than a friendly rivalry! Classroom competitions are always a popular way to get kids involved in a challenge... especially when the winner gets an ice cream party!
Raffle off a prize. Ask local businesses for exciting donations that will draw interest. Turn in Box Tops for raffle tickets and hold a drawing for a lucky winner.
Mark your progress creatively. Kids are often visual, and goal setting can be abstract unless there's a mental image of the ultimate objective. Print out a picture of what the school intends to purchase with Box Top money and set out a big container or bulletin board where kids can see their contributions accumulate!
Make it EASY. The truth is, as much as parents want to help, busy schedules and constant obligations can make participating a chore. Teachers can facilitate parent involvement by providing labeled zip-top bags with a clip or magnet that can be placed in prominent place in the house {i.e. the fridge?} and adding "collection days" to the classroom newsletter or calendar as a friendly reminder. I've also seen teachers give a self-addressed, stamped envelope to anyone who is willing to collect and send in Box Tops. It doesn't have to stop with classroom parents -- family and friends who live anywhere can take part with this clever collection method. Easy peasy!
Since brunch seems to be such a thing these days, I decided to whip up a simple recipe that could easily be made ahead: PB&J Granola Parfaits. Just a bit of yogurt, a dollop of jam, some crushed peanut butter granola bars and some blueberries are all you need for adorable brunch bites. The "recipe" is also easy to scale for larger groups.
These dainty little darlings are surely worthy of a few Box Tops, and your friends will feel great about pitching in for a good cause!
PB & J Yogurt and Granola Parfaits
Ingredients
- 1 peanut butter granola bars
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt or vanilla yogurt
- ¼ cup strawberry jelly or jam
- ¼ cup blueberries fresh or frozen and thawed
Instructions
- With a rolling pin or meat tenderizer, smash the granola bars into bits. {I did this right in their packaging for less cleanup!} Set aside.
- In a small bowl, gently fold in strawberry jelly so that it maintains a swirled effect. Spoon evenly among 4 small ramekins.
- Divide the crumbled granola bars among each of the servings. Top each with a few blueberries.
- Serve immediately. If refrigerating for later use, add granola pieces just before serving so they maintain their crunch.
- *You may substitute for your favorite flavor.
Notes
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of General Mills®. The opinions and text are all mine.
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