Recipe: Recipes: Yogurt Cheese

32 oz. carton vanilla flavored lowfat yogurt
2 tbsp. sugar
1 tbsp. cornstarch
1 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
1 tsp. vanilla
2 eggs, lightly beaten*

*Whole eggs yield a creamier cheesecake, but can replace with 1 whole egg plus 2-3 white or egg beaters. Drain yogurt the day before to make the yogurt cheese. Lightly grease an 8 inch pie pan or 7 inch springform pan. Place cheese in medium sized bowl. Add sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice and vanilla mixing gently with fork or wire whisk until well blended. Stir in eggs. Pour into prepared pan and smooth top with spatula. Bake in 325 degree oven until center is set, about 20-25 minutes for pie pan, 45-50 minutes for springform. Cool slightly on wire rack. Refrigerate. Serves 8.

YOGURT CHEESE BANANA BREAD

1 c. nonfat yogurt cheese
1/2 c. light brown sugar, packed
1/2 stick light margarine, melted
2 med. size ripe bananas, mashed
4 egg whites
1 c. flour
3/4 c. oat bran
1/2 c. whole wheat flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 c. raisins or chopped dates

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9 x 5 inch loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray. In a large bowl, combine yogurt cheese, sugar and margarine; whisk until smooth. Beat in bananas and egg whites. Combine dry ingredients and raisins in a large bowl. Add cheese mixture and blend until moistened. Transfer to pan and bake 60 to 70 minutes. Makes 1 loaf (16 slices).

GINGER CREAM PINEAPPLE (Yogurt Cheese)

16 oz. vanilla flavored low fat yogurt
20 oz. can pineapple chunks, packed in own juice
1 tbsp. finely chopped candied ginger

Follow recipe for making yogurt cheese by draining yogurt. Drain pineapple well. Place the yogurt cheese in a medium sized bowl. Add the ginger, stirring with fork or wire whisk until well blended. Fold in pineapple. Refrigerate about an hour.

STRAWBERRIES ROMANOFF (Yogurt Cheese)

32 carton vanilla, flavored low fat yogurt
1 qt. fresh strawberries, washed & hulled
1 tbsp. orange liqueur or to taste

Drain yogurt the day before to make yogurt cheese. Place strawberries in large bowl. Place cheese in medium sized bowl, add liqueur stirring gently until well blended. Pour over strawberries and refrigerate at least 1 hour.