A Southern Grace: it's all greek to me

May 28, 2013

it's all greek to me

Yum

My taste in cheese is slowly evolving. There was a time not too long ago when I wouldn't dream of putting moldy cheese anywhere close to my mouth.


Now I can tell you that I don't get nauseated at the thought of blue, feta, or goat cheeses, and in fact, I actually willingly consume them from time to time.

I've also developed any affinity for Greek yogurt, which I previously found a little too thick and a lot too sour. Even before I began to appreciate it as a snack, I recognized its potential for adding moistness to baked goods and have used it quite often in place of milk, buttermilk, or sour cream.

If you like Greek yogurt and cheeses, I would suggest checking out products from Karoun Dairies, Inc. They produce a wide variety of Mediterranean specialty cheeses and yogurts. The cheeses are natural and handmade using only milk from cows that are free from growth hormones, and all their yogurt products are all natural and a fantastic source of calcium, potassium, and protein. I received samples of Greek Honey Yogurt, Non-Fat Mediterranean Yogurt, Labne-Lite Kefir Cheese, Yanni Jalepeno Grilling Cheese, and Feta Cheese with Kalamata Olives and Thyme.


I used the Greek Honey Yogurt (and a little of the non-fat) in these muffins, and it was the right move. The flavor of the honey is subtle, adding just a little extra sweetness to the mix. These muffins are moist and full of different textures. Bonus--it's an extremely easy recipe!

φράουλα αμύγδαλο Muffins
Makes 12 large or 18 medium muffins
Ingredients:
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 5 ounces butter, melted and cooled
  • 2 eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1-1/2 cups yogurt, preferably Greek
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1-1/2 cups strawberries, coarsely chopped
  • 1 cup sliced almonds
Directions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line and spray one or two muffin pans.
Mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon in a bowl; set aside.
Cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Beat in half of dry ingredients, followed by the yogurt and vanilla extract.
Add remaining dry ingredients and mix just until incorporated.
Fold in the strawberries and almonds very gently.
Divide the batter evenly among cups, then bake for 8 minutes at 400 degrees F, then decrease oven temperature to 375 degrees F and bake for about 12 more minutes, until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.


*While I was sent free samples of products from Karoun, these opinions are strictly my own.

26 comments:

Haddock said...

I like it when it overflows the paper cup.

Unknown said...

These look so mouth-watering!!

I Wilkerson said...

Honey yogurt does sound like a great muffin ingredient!

José Manuel said...

Se ve desbordante, que maravilla.

Saludos

Rachel Cotterill said...

I was the same about blue cheeses. I'm still not the *biggest* fan, but I will at least sample them now.

Your muffins look delicious :)

Rosa's Yummy Yums said...

A divine creation!

Cheers,

Rosa

Alicia Foodycat said...

Glad to see you are on the path to righteousness! Mmmm blue cheese!

pam said...

I don't like blue cheese, but all the rest are welcome in my home!

Rosita Vargas said...

Delicioso me encanta cuando se desborda linda creación,abrazos y abrazos.

La Cuisine d'Helene said...

I would love to eat your muffins.

Betty said...

These look yummy- I love Greek yogurt, and it does make a moist muffin! :)

Monet said...

I love to eat greek yogurt on it's own...and add it to treats like this. These muffins look delicious! Thank you for sharing!

Choc Chip Uru @ Go Bake Yourself said...

I want to eat these gorgeous muffins :)

Cheers
Choc Chip Uru

~~louise~~ said...

I've been on a Goat Cheese kick for months now. Never would have thought it would bring such reward to this weird palate of mine.

I'm going to try and make my own Greek yogurt this week, I've been saying that for weeks now, but this week it will happen for sure.

Love the notion of using Greek honey yogurt for these muffins. I bet it add just the right "pizzaz."

Thanks for sharing Grace. Going to check out those yogurts, just in case:)

Juliana said...

Yogurt and strawberry sounds delicious in this muffins...
Hope you are having a great week Grace :)

Joanne said...

I received some products from them as well and the greek honey yogurt was one of hte best ever!! Perfect for just snacking on...or in these muffins!

Barbara said...

Yogurt is fabulous in baked goods. It makes them so tender and moist. Your muffins look delicious, Grace. I'm not overly fond of feta but I love cooking with other cheeses, especially goat cheese.

Pam said...

I love cheese - the sharper the better I say!

The muffins look terrific. I love using Greek yogurt in my baked goods.

Lisa-Marie said...

I love Greek food generally. ALso I am of the 'the more like feet is smell, the better' school of cheese taste.

These look delicious! Yoghurt makes quite good icing too.

Nic said...

I was expecting feta muffins, lol, but glad to see these are just delicious and sweet, no feta involved!

Nava K said...

Love anything with yogurt, similarly this cupcake. So good and tempting.

Balvinder said...

What a healthy dose of almonds and strawberries in these muffins.

Nutmeg Nanny said...

Oh my! This muffin looks amazing, I love using greek yogurt when I bake :)

lisa is cooking said...

I've come around to really liking Greek yogurt in recent years. I realized I like the plain stuff--and baking with it. Great-looking muffins!

Beth said...

Any time I see fruit muffins, I get really happy. Yours look so good!

Laura said...

OK those look awesome! and I am jealous of the sampler!

Did you watch Pretty Little Liars? Do you watch any ABC Family shows?