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What Do I Do With My… Yogurt?
Have you ever wondered how to use all of the beans or cereal you get with WIC? What about all those fruit and veggie dollars? Sometimes we get in a rut of eating the same fruits like bananas and apples, but there are so many more options available! Let’s look at how to better utilize YOGURT!
Yogurt is a delicious and nutritious food that can be used in many different ways. Packed with protein, calcium, and probiotics, it’s a great addition to your day. Here are some simple and creative ways to use yogurt in your meals and snacks.
Breakfast Boost
- Start your day with a healthy breakfast by adding yogurt to your routine. You can make a quick yogurt parfait by layering it with granola and fresh fruits like berries, bananas, or apples. Add a drizzle of honey for extra sweetness.
- Yogurt can also be blended into smoothies for a creamy texture and extra protein.
Snack Time
- Enjoy it plain
- Mix in some nuts, seeds, or dried fruit for added crunch and flavor.
- You can also use yogurt to make healthy dips for veggies and whole-grain crackers. Mix yogurt with herbs and spices like dill, garlic, and cucumber to create a tasty tzatziki dip.
Cooking and Baking
- Use it as a substitute for sour cream or mayonnaise in recipes to cut down on fat and calories.
- Add it to soups and stews to make them creamy without adding extra fat.
- When baking, yogurt can replace some of the butter or oil in cakes, muffins, and bread, making them healthier and adding moisture.
Dressings and Sauces
- Create creamy salad dressings and sauces by using yogurt as a base. Mix it with lemon juice, olive oil, and your favorite herbs and spices for a delicious salad dressing.
- Yogurt-based sauces, like raita or tzatziki, are perfect for pairing with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or as a topping for burgers and sandwiches.
Frozen Treats
- For a refreshing and healthy dessert, try making frozen yogurt. Simply blend yogurt with your favorite fruits and a little honey or maple syrup, then freeze it.
- You can also pour yogurt into ice pop molds and freeze them for a cool treat on a hot day.
Marinades
- Yogurt makes a great marinade for meats and fish. Its natural acidity helps tenderize the meat while adding flavor. Mix yogurt with garlic, lemon juice, and your favorite spices, then coat your meat or fish and let it marinate for a few hours before cooking.
By incorporating yogurt into your meals and snacks, you can enjoy its many health benefits while adding variety and flavor to your foods. Whether you eat it plain, mix it into recipes, or use it as a base for dressings and dips, yogurt is a versatile ingredient that can enhance any meal.