Cheese Spread

Ingredients
1 cup plain low-fat yogurt
1 tablespoon minced (or dried) fresh basil or thyme
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon grated lemon rind
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Makes 2/3 cup.
Preparation time: 10 minutes.
Chilling time: 6 hours.

Step 1:
Line a sieve with 100 percent cotton cheesecloth, coffee filter, or a white paper towel and place over a bowl. Spoon in the yogurt. Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or until it is cream-cheese consistency. Discard the liquid in bowl.

Step 2:
Transfer the yogurt to a small bowl. Stir in the basil, garlic powder, lemon rind, and pepper until well mixed. Serve the spread with an assortment of crackers or party rye or pumpernickel bread.

Posted: February 28, 2005