Make Your Own Greek Yogurt (also known as Yogurt Cheese)

Main Resource Used: The Best Light Recipe book from the editors of Cook's Illustrated

Do you like greek yogurt?  Want to give your kids yogurt without having to spoon feed it to them?  Since I have twins, I do not like to spoon feed!  With greek yogurt (or yogurt cheese), you can spread it on bread or crackers & feed it to your kids that way.  If necessary, you can also add something sweet like jelly.

It's really simple & much cheaper to make your own greek yogurt; you start with regular yogurt & drain its whey.  You can make your own yogurt with a yogurt maker or purchase your favorite brand from the store.  If you purchase it, make sure to buy yogurt that does not contain modified food starch, gelatin, or gums.  These additivies keep the yogurt from draining. 

Equipment Needed:

1.  Wire Mesh Strainer

2.  3 coffee filters or double layer of cheesecloth

3.  Bowl (that can hold at least 1 cup of liquid)

Directions:

1.  Put wire mesh strainer on top of a bowl. 

2.  Place 3 coffee filters or a double layer of cheesecloth inside the strainer.

3.  Add 16 oz (2 cups) of yogurt.

4.  Cover with plastic wrap & put in fridge.

5.  It should reach the right texture in 10-12 hours but you can leave it for up to 2 days.

6.  Enjoy!

This can also be a lower fat cream cheese alternative for adults, especially if you use plain low fat yogurt.  It has much less calories and fat than regular and lower fat cream cheese.  2 Tbsp of low fat plain yogurt cheese is approx. 25 calories and .5 grams of fat.