Caramelized Apple Parfaits

Yields 4 (12-ounce) parfaits 

2 cups vanilla pudding

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (plus extra for garnish)

3 cups coarsely chopped apples (peeled)

2 tablespoons butter

¼ cup brown sugar

½ teaspoon ground allspice

¼ teaspoon ground cloves

¼ teaspoon ground ginger

¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 cup favorite granola (or see recipe: Homemade Granola) 

Whipped cream topping (for garnish - see recipe: Fresh Whipped Cream under Pies)

4 cinnamon sticks (for garnish)

 

1. In a frying pan (or skillet) melt butter over medium heat. Add apples, and cook for approximately 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add in brown sugar, allspice, cloves, ginger, and nutmeg. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until apples are tender and sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Allow to cool until slightly warm.
2. In a bowl, combine vanilla pudding and cinnamon. Stir well.
3. Fill bottom of each parfait glass with ¼ cup vanilla pudding mixture. Add ¼ cup granola and ¾ cup pan-fried apples. Top with ¼ cup vanilla pudding mixture. (Note: Repeat layers, depending on height of parfait glasses, ending with vanilla pudding mixture on top). 
4. If desired, top each parfait with a dollop of whipped cream, sprinkle with ground cinnamon, and garnish with a cinnamon stick. Serve immediately with long-handled spoons.