Homemade strained Greek yogurt and Yo-Cheese! Use your own homemade plain yogurt or a quart of store bought plain yogurt. If you use store bought yogurt, make sure it is cultured yogurt and not a yogurt-like product that contains gelatin.

To strain the yogurt, you can use a cheese cloth lined strainer or a specially designed yogurt strainer. I have done it both ways and prefer using a Donvier Wave Yo-Cheese maker. Search online and you’ll find several stores that sell it for $20.00 or less.

The wave strainer should be inserted in the Yo-Cheese maker prior to adding the yogurt. If you’re using a cheese cloth lined strainer, it should be placed in a large bowl prior to adding the yogurt. Empty a quart container of yogurt to the wave strainer basket (if you’re using the Yo-Cheese maker) or in the cheese cloth lined strainer. Cover and place in the refrigerator. The yogurt is now “straining.”

The length of time straining will determine whether you have strained Greek yogurt or Yo-Cheese. For strained Greek yogurt, strain about 4 hours. For Yo-Cheese, strain 8 hours or over night.

This is whey. It is a byproduct of straining yogurt. It has the consistency of egg whites and is about the same color. Save it and keep refrigerated. It is high in protein and can be used as a substitute for water or other liquids in recipes, such as bread.

Yo-Cheese is a great substitute for cream cheese, especially when making spreads or dips. Try adding a package of dried ranch dressing mix to Yo-Cheese and let it sit over night so the flavors meld. It’s a great veggie dip.

Want a great ranch salad dressing? If you like a thick salad dressing, add a package of dried ranch dressing mix to strained Greek yogurt and let it sit over night. Like your salad dressing thinner? Use plain yogurt instead.

Whisk in a teaspoon of hazelnut oil and a dash of salt to a half cup of Yo-Cheese and add a 1/4 cup of toasted pecans and you have an incredible creamy topper to dollop on anything from a baked sweet potato to squash to butternut squash soup.

Now it’s your turn to make some strained Greek yogurt or Yo-cheese and experiment! Be brave! Be creative. Maybe try something pumpkin-y!

Let me hear from you. Do you have a favorite strained Greek yogurt or Yo-Cheese recipe to share? Did you invent something wonderful and want to share it?