Yogurt. Have you ever seen so many kinds of yogurt? Different flavours, some with fat and some without. Fruit on the bottom or mixed in. One brand I noticed had some granola on the top. Somehow I think I can manage the fruit and the cereal part myself. There is another brand that is oh-so-creamy with flavours that remind us of our most decadent desserts.
Yogurt has stepped into centre stage as far as TV ads are concerned. There is one brand that says after a certain time a person could easily find themselves shaking body parts in a belly dance fashion. That brand I refuse to buy.
It certainly does have a great many health benefit for all of us. Right of the top I tell you if you are somewhat lactose intolerant yogurt might just help you get some of the calcium you need.
Besides the calcium, yogurt has protein, riboflavin and B12. To benefit from all the good parts of yogurt it must have living and active cultures.
When you buy a brand that takes your fancy make sure you check the sugar levels. Or maybe I should say added sugar. I buy the No Name plain yogurt. I add a splash of vanilla and enough Splenda to suit me. I can add fruit, cereal or anything I like.
I even use a bit of yogurt from time to time if one of the dogs has a bit of a stomach upset. It seems to ease the problem.
You can use yogurt in cooking. Curried chicken takes on a smooth texture with yogurt. Add it to soup or macaroni and cheese. Oh, so good.
One of the best ways to use the plain yogurt is in baking. Let me share a dandy muffin recipe with you.
Blueberry bran yogurt muffins:
Mix together and set aside 1 2/3 cup yogurt and 2 tsp baking soda. It will swell up.
Mix the rest: 3/4 cup brown sugar, 2 eggs, 1 cup oil, 2 cups bran, 2 tsp vanilla, 2 cups whole wheat flour, 4 tsp baking powder, 1 cup frozen blueberries.
Add the yogurt and baking soda mixture.
Bake at 350 degrees. This recipes makes very big muffins. If it seems like too much oil try 1/2 cup applesauce and 1/2 cup oil.
As a little aside I have to tell you I seldom take my hat off on a cold day but today I salute the good people at the local cancer clinic. Your kindness and dedication is very much appreciated. To all of you who have called, sent cards and information, thank you so very much.
Those kind calls have to 250-846-5095 and the heartfelt e-mail notes have come to mallory@bulkley.net.