One day, when I was 16 and going through a ultra-strict (read: ultra-obnoxious) phase, I was mortified to discover a complete lack of my go-to yogurt in the fridge. Of course, this was a travesty.

However, what was in the refrigerator that fateful day was my brother’s yogurt. This stuff had 14% fat content and a generous layer of honey at the bottom of the container. You could put a spoon in there and it would stand up like you’d just thrust it into some well-set white chocolate panna cotta. Without a doubt, the yogurt was *gasp* more like a dessert.

yogurt

Photo by Tess van Donkelaar

After shamefully diving into this treat, I decided that it needed to make up a more significant part of my life. Well, its fat-free plain relative, of course.

After a couple years of having this ingredient around, I’ve discovered many other enjoyable -and creative- ways to use it. Here are a handful of those ideas.

Chocolate Cheesecake Yogurt

  • Prep Time:5 minutes
  • Cook Time:0 minutes
  • Total Time:5 minutes
  • Servings:1
  • Easy

    Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoon cocoa powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
  • 2 tablespoon agave, honey, or maple syrup
  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
Photo by Tess van Donkelaar
  • Step 1

    In a small bowl or your favourite mug, add the first 3 ingredients.

     

     

    Photo by Tess van Donkelaar
  • Step 2

    Slowly spoon in the Greek yogurt (don’t just glop the whole amount in) until the mixture is uniformly distributed.

    Photo by Tess van Donkelaar

Peanut Butter Yogurt Dip

  • Prep Time:3 minutes
  • Cook Time:0 minutes
  • Total Time:3 minutes
  • Servings:2
  • Easy

    Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoon peanut butter (100% peanuts is best, as it will add the most peanut flavour)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/3 cup Greek yogurt
  • Step 1

    Combine all of the ingredients in a small bowl.

     

    Photo by Tess van Donkelaar
  • Step 2

    Best served with thinly sliced apple, on crackers, or delivered directly from the bowl to your mouth

    Photo by Tess van Donkelaar

Creamy Lemon Dijon Dressing

  • Prep Time:3 minutes
  • Cook Time:0 minutes
  • Total Time:3 minutes
  • Servings:4
  • Easy

    Ingredients

  • 1-2 tablespoon honey
  • 1-2 tablespoon dijon
  • 2 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 3 tablespoon Greek yogurt
  • 1/4-1/3 cup olive oil
  • Salt and Black Pepper to taste
Photo by Tess van Donkelaar
  • Step 1

    Combine first 4 ingredients. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

    #SpoonTip: if you want to limit the amount of dishes to clean after dinner, prepare this recipe in the salad bowl. Swirl it around so it coats the sides of the bowl, then add your salad ingredients and toss. Your nightmares of the top of the salad being soggy while the bottom is dry will vanish. You’re welcome.

    Photo by Tess van Donkelaar

Key Lime Pie Verrines

  • Prep Time:10 minutes
  • Cook Time:0 minutes
  • Total Time:10 minutes
  • Servings:2
  • Easy

    Ingredients

  • 1 cup full fat Greek yogurt
  • 4 key limes, or 2 limes
  • 2 tablespoon honey
  • 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs
Photo by Tess van Donkelaar
  • Step 1

    In a medium bowl, measure out your Greek yogurt. Zest all of your limes with a grater over the bowl. Add honey and stir or whisk to blend.

    Cover your bowl with saran wrap and throw it in the fridge to chill while you do the next step.

    Photo by Tess van Donkelaar
  • Step 2

    Find 2 glasses, one for your friend (or future self), and one for yourself. Divide around 1/3 of your yogurt mixture between the glasses, then sprinkle with graham cracker crumbs.

    Repeat twice more, so that you have parfait-type layering.

Spinach Artichoke Dip

  • Prep Time:5 minutes
  • Cook Time:10 minutes
  • Total Time:15 minutes
  • Servings:1 medium bowl
  • Easy

    Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 cup cream cheese
  • 1/2 cup parmesan, grated
  • 1/2 cup mozzarella, grated
  • 7 oz artichokes (canned), chopped
  • 3/4 cup cooked spinach
  • 1 garlic cloves, minced
  • Cayenne pepper
  • Salt
Photo by Tess van Donkelaar
  • Step 1

    Melt the first four ingredients together in a pot over medium-low heat.

     

    Photo by Tess van Donkelaar
  • Step 2

    Add spinach and artichokes. After a couple minutes, add garlic.

    Remove from heat and season with Cayenne and salt.

    This dip is dope with crackers or pita chips!

    Photo by Tess van Donkelaar