Warm Berry Yoghurt

Just a simple blog today to add variety to your yoghurt.  But having said that, this recipe, once made, could be used on waffles, on oatmeal, or in smoothies.  Basically, use any combination of berries you like:  Blueberries-Blackberries, Strawberries-Raspberies, or any mixture you can think of.  If you have 10 minutes, this sauce will raise the bar.

Equipment:

3 quart saucepan

1/4 cup measuring cup

Spoon

Ingredients:

2/3 cup red raspberries, fresh or frozen

2/3 cup strawberries, fresh or frozen

1/4 cup water 

1/4 cup sugar

2 tsp of butter

Add-Ins:

Granola

Honey

Instructions:

1. Wash your hands.

2. Wash the fruit.

3. Combine the fruit, water, and sugar in a sauce pan.

4. Bring to a boil and stir.

5. Reduce heat to a slow boil or simmer for 10 minutes until sauce begins to thicken.

6. Remove from heat and add butter

7. Prep your bowl or glasses with yoghurt, granola and honey.

8. Add fruit and top with granola.

9. You have a great day ahead of you.

M Is For Mango Lassi

Not all weekends are meant for cooking especially as summer comes to an end.  Enjoy every last drop of sunshine before the cold sets in again, but don't go hungry!  And this quick recipe is just what I'm talking about--throw it all in the blender or Magic Bullet and go--M is for Mango Lassi.  Enjoy!

Equipment:

Magic Bullet type blender

Knife, for chopping mango

Ingredients:

3/4 cup 1% Milk

1/2 cup Vanilla or Plain Greek Yoghurt

1 tsp honey

1 cup of chopped fresh mango

3-4 ice cubes

Redi-Whip if you want to be fancy

Instructions:

Combine in a blender.

Push button.

Head out the door.

Quick Cucumber Feta Tzatziki

To follow up on my recent blog: Souvlaki Summer Skewers, this next recipe is a staple when cooking Greek or Mediterranean fare: Tzatziki !

The only decision that you will have to make is whether or not to keep it "pure" with yoghurt, mint and cucumbers; or, if you want to add some variation with garlic, lemon juice, feta, tomato, red onion.
This is super easy, but add this to your pita pocket with chicken souvlaki, and you might as well be sitting in Santorini, Greece!

Equipment:
Mixing bowl
Fork, to mix

Ingredients:
1-2 Cups Greek Yoghurt
1-2 English Cucumber, peeled, seeded and diced

1/2 cup feta, crumbled

1 clove garlic, minced
1 Tablespoon Fresh mint sprigs, chopped (if saving money, skip)

1/4-1/2 red onion, chopped
Kosher salt
Fresh ground pepper

Instructions:
1. Wash your hands.
2. Prep  and chop your ingredients.
3. Combine feta, yoghurt, garlic, and spices in a bowl and mix.
4. Add cucumbers and red onions.
(Some recipes call for dicing the cucumber, laying them on paper towel and sprinkling with salt for a half hour or so to remove some of the water inside the cucumbers...you are welcome to do that...it just takes longer.)

5. Add to your favorite pita and grilled chicken souvlaki.

This can be made ahead and kept in an airtight container in the fridge, but it really isn't alot of prep, so make it fresh whenever you can!

Fourth of July.  Need some party favors. Decorations?