Yogurt is inherently a super food, rich in protein, calcium and probiotics. If you're on a weight-loss mission, the protein in yogurt can help you feel full longer and eat fewer calories. The calcium (and vitamin D in some brands) in this dairy delight can boost your bone health and ward off osteoporosis. Research suggests that the probiotics (active cultures) that are teeming in yogurt can reduce the risk of colon cancer, improve immune system function, aid in alleviating constipation and diarrhea, prevent yeast infections and promote the absorption of vitamins and minerals. In addition, creamy dreamy yogurt is a healthy comfort food that you can eat at home or on-the-go.
The very best commercial yogurts have a small ingredients list with ingredients that have familiar real food names. A tasty example is celebrity chef Bobby Flay's fave choice, Fage Total Greek Yogurt, whose plain variety is made simply with milk, cream, and live active cultures. However, many popular commercial yogurts are made with high fructose corn syrup, artificial sweeteners, gelatin, artificial flavors, artificial dyes and more. The next time you're in the dairy section of your supermarket, read the labels of the various commercial yogurts — the ingredients may surprise you. Choose the yogurt with the least — and most natural — ingredients or make your own yogurt.
Yogurt is basically cultured milk or cream to which you can add sweeteners, fruit purees or fresh fruit. When you make your own yogurt at home, you have control over the ingredients, which means you can adjust the sweetness to your liking, using honey, maple syrup, sugar or another sweetener of your choice, and keep it as natural as can be.
If you're a kitchen gadget fanatic, a yogurt maker is for you. We tested the following DIY yogurt recipe with the new T-Fal Balanced Living Yogurt Maker, which gives you the ability to make seven 5.5-ounce jars of yogurt in 8 to 12 hours. It also features a digital timer, an audible ready signal and automatic shut-off.
Super simple, this two-ingredient yogurt recipe, using a Mason jar, is ready in eight hours. You can add maple syrup or another sweetener, if desired.
Yields about 1 quart
You can use a small container of plain yogurt as the starter or purchase a freeze-dried yogurt starter at your health food store or online. If you're using plain yogurt, be sure to choose a brand that has live active cultures.
Cook's note: The yogurt, cream and milk in this recipe came straight out of the refrigerator. If you combine the ingredients and let them come to room temperature, reduce the cooking time to nine hours.
Bobby Flay's amazing recipes featuring Greek yogurt
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