These panna cottas (Italian for cooked cream) are smooth, light and mild molded desserts set off by a bright, intensely flavored cherry compote. The recipe calls for a vanilla bean, which yields the best flavor, but you can use extra vanilla extract instead; just be sure it's top quality. The compote is also delicious spooned over slices of angel food cake or scoops of vanilla frozen yogurt. Recipe by Nancy Baggett.
Plain yogurt is a magical ingredient in a marinade. It tenderizes chicken while keeping it moist and succulent. Add a little sweetener, something tart and warm spices--and you have a dynamite dish.
Though it tastes rich and creamy, this potato salad is made with nonfat yogurt and reduced-fat mayonnaise, making it much lower in fat than a traditional potato salad. Roasted garlic adds a rich dimension.
This tangy yogurt cheesecake is topped with ouzo-poached figs inspired by sikomaida, a traditional delicacy from Corfu made with dried figs macerated and kneaded with ouzo and pepper, which are formed into disks and dried in chestnut leaves. It's also delicious with seasonal fruits, fresh or dried and poached, or with whole preserves.
Inspired by Middle Eastern shawarma sandwiches, here we season leg of lamb with a flavorful spice paste spiked with garlic, cardamom, paprika and cumin and grill it over indirect heat to approximate the gentle cooking of a rotisserie. Serve the tahini sauce on the side—and be sure to keep any leftovers. They're great tucked into a pita pocket with shredded lettuce and diced tomatoes.
Toss a garlicky, Middle Eastern-inspired yogurt sauce with pasta, shrimp, asparagus, peas and red bell pepper for a fresh, satisfying summer meal. Serve with: Slices of cucumber and tomato tossed with lemon juice and olive oil.
Muesli mixed with yogurt and fruit packs in the nutrition and satisfies all morning long.
Yogurt is a healthy addition to breakfast and a healthy, calcium-rich snack any time of day, but yogurt is also a versatile ingredient in cooking and baking. Yogurt adds flavor and creaminess to desserts, dips, salads and main dishes.