Herb Marinated Yogurt Cheese Recipes

Steps:

• Fold a large piece of cheesecloth twice to form a 4-layer, roughly 18-inch square. Place in a sieve set over a large bowl, and spoon yogurt into center. Gathering the 4 corners, tie a piece of kitchen twine just above yogurt to form a tight bundle. Let yogurt (still in sieve over bowl) drain in refrigerator at least 8 hours and up to 24 hours.
• Cut open cheesecloth. Transfer yogurt cheese to a bowl; set whey aside for another use. Stir chives, parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper into yogurt cheese. Serve with crudites and bread.

Steps:

• 1. Mix the yogurt, salt, and pepper and let drain, refrigerated, for 3 days in a cheesecloth-lined colander or a cheesecloth or muslin bag set over a bowl. There must be space underneath the sack to allow the whey to drain.
• 2. Divide the cheese into 2-ounce portions and place on parchment-lined trays. Allow to drain and dry uncovered overnight, refrigerated.
• 3. Combine the remaining ingredients to make marinade. Add the cheese, and marinate 12 to 24 hours before serving.

Steps:

• Combine the yogurt, 2 tablespoons water, rice vinegar, olive oil, chives, parsley, garlic and 1/2 teaspoon each salt and pepper in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. Cover and chill for 30 minutes before serving. The dressing will keep, refrigerated, for up to 3 days.

Steps:

• Line a colander or strainer with several thicknesses of cheesecloth; set over a bowl. Add yogurt; drain for 1 hour. Transfer yogurt to bowl of food processor; add lime juice, cilantro, parsley, salt, and pepper. Puree until well combined. Chill until ready to use, up to 1 week.

Steps:

• In a jar with a tight fitting lid, combine the olive oil, wine vinegar, pimento, parsley, green onion, garlic, sugar, basil, salt and pepper. Shake vigorously to blend. Set aside.
• Cut the block of Cheddar cheese in half lengthwise. Cut crosswise into 1/4 inch slices to form squares. Repeat with cream cheese. Arrange cheese squares alternately in a shallow baking dish with slices standing on edge. You can arrange in a single long row, or 2 parallel rows depending on the size of your dish. Pour the marinade from the jar over the cheese slices, cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or overnight.
• To serve, remove slices to a serving platter so they are still arranged in an alternating pattern. Spoon some of the extra marinade over the cheese, and serve with crackers.

Steps:

• Line a sieve with cheesecloth. If the cheesecloth is loosely woven (most supermarket brands are), use a triple thickness. Pour the yogurt into the sieve, then gather the edges of the cheesecloth and tie into a bag. Hang the bag over the sink or over a bowl to catch the drippings. Let drain for 8 hours.
• Turn the soft, creamy cheese out onto a platter. Season the surface with salt to taste, drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle generously with za'atar. Surround the cheese with the olives and radishes. Serve with the warm pita bread wedges.

Steps:

• Mix all ingredients together in bowl.
• Refrigerate several hours to overnight so flavors will meld.

Steps:

• Place yogurt in a fine strainer set over a bowl, and refrigerate for 8 hours to allow moisture to drain out.
• Discard the liquid, and place the yogurt in a mixing bowl. Add the remaining ingredients. Mix well.
• Transfer the mixture to a piece of plastic wrap about 10 inches long, and roll it into a log about 5 inches long and 1 1/2 inches thick. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
• Serve the cheese with toast, crackers or bread. It is good served as part of a salad accompaniment; arrange chunks on each plate, or spread on small toasts or untoasted baguette slices.

Steps:

• Cut into 1/2-inch rounds, slices, or wedges: 6 ounces goat or feta cheese.
• Place in a nonreactive container and add: 3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, 3 to 4 thyme sprigs, 2 to 3 bay leaves.
• Cover tightly and refrigerate for at least 1 day or up to 1 week.
• Variations
• Use different herbs such as rosemary, marjoram, oregano, savory, or hyssop.
• Add a couple of dried hot peppers for a bit of heat.
• Add some whole spices such as black peppercorns, fennel, anise, cumin, or coriander.
• Add 1/4 cup rinsed and drained niçoise olives with the herbs.
• Gently cook 2 or 3 peeled, halved garlic cloves in half of the olive oil until tender but not brown. Let the oil cool and pour over the cheese with the cooked garlic and the remaining oil.
• Remove the cheese from the oil, pat dry breadcrumbs all over the surface, and toast in a hot oven until brown and crisp, about 5 to 10 minutes. Serve with a garlicky salad.