Five Ways to Eat Greek Yogurt

Greek Yogurt is a rich, velvety alternative to the sour, runny stuff that passes for yogurt in American grocery stores. The health benefits of Greek Yogurt are myriad, and it has several cooking advantages over the regular kind, including the fact that it will not separate when baked. Greek Yogurt is gluten free, safe for diabetics and vegetarians, and with the 2% variety being only 120 calories a cup, it's perfect for dieters of all kinds. You can buy Greek Yogurt in specialty stores like Trader Joe's or you can make your own by straining plain yogurt through a cheesecloth.

But what do you do with Greek Yogurt once you have it? Here are six ways to eat it:

1. Tzatziki. If you love Greek cuisine, or have ever enjoyed a gyro sandwich with a delicious cucumber yogurt sauce, then you've probably had tzatziki and didn't even know it. Tzatziki is a staple of Greek cuisine that is used as a topping for meat dishes or salads. You can make this savory sauce at home using Greek Yogurt and your own spices. Add some cucumbers, and you may never go back to sour cream. (Incidentally, Greek Yogurt can also be used plain as a sour cream substitute with all the texture, but dramatically fewer calories.)

2. With Honey and Nuts. In Greece, a classic way to eat Greek yogurt is to pair it with honey and nuts. The texture of the yogurt swirls beautifully with honey, and the nutty crunch adds some wholesome pizzazz.(If you're trying to cut down on sugar, you can use a sugar free maple syrup and stir in some nuts for an authentic but diet-conscious treat.)

3. Smoothies. When milk is scarce or out of the question and you're looking for a smoothie with more tang, add some Greek yogurt. You'll be surprised at the richness it imparts to your frosty beverage.

4. Peanut Butter Fluff. Take a cup of Greek Yogurt and add two tablespoons of peanut butter to it for an extraordinary treat. You'll think you're eating soft-serve peanut butter ice cream and your kids may be envious. If you're trying to cut down calories, carbs, or fat, try adding the new PB2 powder instead of peanut butter, and sweeten it with splenda or a sugar free syrup for all the taste and none of the guilt.

5. Fruit Chiffon. Greek Yogurt makes an exceptional accompaniment to all kinds of fruit. Traditionalists may grill fruit slices and serve them with greek yogurt for desert after a light summer supper. But if you're in a hurry, try flavoring your yogurt with a sugar free lemon or strawberry syrup. You'll find it makes a refreshing way to eat Greek yogurt while watching your weight at the same time.