Savor the Glory of Greek Yogurt

I usually take pride in introducing my elderly mother to new concepts, from the magic of microwave popcorn ("Just like in the movies!") when I was young to the thrill of ordering attire online ("It's better than J.C. Penny's!"). But when it came to Greek yogurt, she was the one who led the way.

"Just try it," she insisted, when she came home from Trader Joe's one day. I eyed it dubiously. I was not a fan of yogurt, particularly plain yogurt: in my experience, it tended to be sour, bland, and (after a day or two after it was opened) watery. One tablespoon of that rich, thick, blissfully tangy Greek yogurt, however, and I was a believer.
The benefits of Greek yogurt when compared to other types include:

• Higher in protein
• Thicker texture
• Rich in flavor
• Keeps well after opening

Exceptionally versatile, Greek yogurt can be used for a variety of purposes. Top your breakfast oatmeal with a spoonful of vanilla Greek yogurt to add protein and calcium. It's the perfect mainstay for a light lunch, especially when accompanied by a piece of fruit and whole wheat English muffin. Making fruit salad but want to skip the calories and fat in the standard sour cream fruit salad dressing? Try mixing Greek yogurt with a dash of allspice and a couple of packets of Equal or Splenda instead.

As Greek yogurt's popularity has spread, an increasing number of brands have appeared on grocery store shelves. Having sampled many of them, here's my Greek Yogurt Hall of Fame winners:

• Athenos Greek nonfat yogurt. Just 140 calories per cup with a resplendent 23 grams of protein. Rich, thick, and fabulous mixed with tuna fish, a dash of Italian herbs, chopped scallions, and a dash of garlic salt. Serve on a bed of romaine lettuce, and top with sliced tomatoes and a sprinkling of black olives for a healthy, tasty lunch.
• Stonyfield Organic Oikos Greek yogurt is so creamy that it tastes almost like pudding. Best of Breed: get the 4-oz 4 pack Honey variety. 90 calories, with 10 grams of protein, it's perfectly paired with a crunchy apple and a handful of crackers for a blissfully satisfying lunch at work or at home.
• Brown Cow Greek yogurt will make you say mooooore. Try the vanilla 5.3 ounce variety, which has 110 calories and 14 grams of protein. Dice half a banana, pop it in the blender with the yogurt, and then freeze until the consistency of soft ice cream. It's a high protein dessert that will make your tummy and taste buds happy.