Seasoning yogurt cheese

[tamawrite]

Okay, so I got the yogurt cheese made. I tried seasoning it with fresh sage & black pepper, but it seems too bitter. A bit of salt helped -- not enough, though. So now I'm wondering, what have you found that seasons yogurt cheese well? (I was thinking of a sweet version -- honey and raspberries, maybe -- but I'd like an herb/garlic/savory option too. Thanks!

[badunnin]

I usually buy Knorr vegetable soup mixes and use that. You need to let it sit for a while to soften it all up (the dried veggies, that is) but's wonderful on bagels. A little mix goes a long way, by the way.

You might want to post food questions like this on the Good Food board. It sees A LOT more traffic, and you might get more ideas! :)

[tamawrite]

Good point -- thanks! :)

[RebeccaT]

Tamawrite, this is the recipe I use. The worcestershire sauce really adds to it! Also, I think that seasoning it before you press out the whey can help to mellow the flavor a bit... admittedly, it means that some of the flavor seeps out, but I think that it keeps it from tasting as "sharp," ya know? I had to add what seemed like a lot of salt at the time to get the flavor I wanted. Oh, and it took me longer than 12 hours to get the right consistency, but it sounds like you've already gotten that part figured out.

Herb Spread
Recipe by Alton Brown

1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons roasted, mashed garlic (about 12 cloves)
1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons picked and finely chopped thyme
2 1/4 teaspoons fresh squeezed lemon juice
1 quart plain yogurt
1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Salt and pepper

(For an alternative replace the lemon, garlic and thyme with 1 1/2 teaspoons cumin and 2 tablespoons chopped parsley)

In a mixing bowl, add garlic, thyme, and lemon juice to the yogurt and mix well. Place mixture in cheesecloth, set over a colander, set over a bowl and place in refrigerator for 12 hours.

Discard liquid and place remaining yogurt in bowl. Add salt and pepper, to taste.


Yield: 1 cup
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Difficulty: Easy

[chefamy]

Try whirling it in the food processor with sundried tomatoes (rehydrated) and some fresh basil.

[tamawrite]

Mmmm, now we're talkin'. I'll try both your recipes =) ;)