Greek Yogurt

Greek yogurt has been a staple in our house for about a year and a half now. We like it because it is a bit different than regular yogurt, in that it is a bit more firm and has a lot more protein. Protein. That's really why we like it. In this new year we have been striving towards better health and combined, we have lost over 30 pounds! Eating healthy means not forgetting the protein and, in our house, eating lots of Greek yogurt. 

As you know, Greek yogurt is not cheap. After some persuasion, I (Sarah), finally took the plunge and made our own Greek yogurt. I was nervous because, well, making yogurt is somehow different than baking a cake. I was afraid of somehow making it bacteria ridden and killing someone. However, I had some a couple days ago and am still alive! Making this yogurt is pretty easy and as long as you have some milk, a cheese cloth, a crock pot and a cup of Greek yogurt, you can make it too! 

Eating from the Ground Up has a fabulous recipe for Greek yogurt. She describes each step so well and it is easy to follow. Hop on over and find her recipe here. (To the friends at seminary: the food co op always has milk. Free Greek yogurt, anyone?)

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Veggies are a great side dish for any meal. If you're having fresh veggies, consider the following recipe. We made this over the weekend but omitted the feta cheese and green onions. Instead of salt we added sea salt. We used fresh spinach rather than frozen.

Greek Spinach Dip Recipe

Ingredients

1/4 c chopped onion
4 green onions, chopped
1 T minced garlic
8 oz frozen chopped (1/2 of l lb package)
1/2 t salt
1/2 t fresh lemon zest
2 t fresh lemon juice
1 c Greek yogurt
1/4-1/2 c finely crumbled feta cheese
2 t dried dill
freshly ground black pepper

Instructions
Microwave frozen spinach, onion, green onions until onions are limp. Drain. Pulse in food processor until pureed. Add remaining ingredients. Pulse once more.

Sometimes you've just gotta have brownies. Why not add a lil boost of protein? With these healthier brownies, you don't need to feel as guilty after a lil dessert.

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Skinny Mom has this nifty recipe. I actually just baked these. The kitchen smells delicious and these brownies are, too (it is only proper to sample one's cooking, to make sure it is tasty enough for others). I added about a 1/4 c of chocolate chips and a 1/2 c of chopped walnuts to the mixture before spreading it into a 9 x 13 pan.

Ingredients

1. 1 6-8 ounce container of fat free yogurt. (You can use any type of non-fat yogurt. Greek is thick so you will need to add some water to thin the batter down a bit. If you use regular non-fat yogurt, you may not need to add water to it at all. The thicker the batter- the thicker the brownie so really it is to your taste.)

2. 1/2 cup of water

• 3. Box of brownie mix. (You can use any brownie mix of your choice. Usually, I buy the reduced fat brands)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350.

2. In a mixing bowl, add the brownie mix, the entire container of yogurt and slowly add the water (if using Greek yogurt).

3. Use a zero calorie spray (such as PAM) to grease the baking dish.

4. Pour batter into pan and stick in preheated oven.

5. Let cook 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean of the center.

What are your favorite recipes using Greek yogurt?