This is not a post about making your own yogurt, at least not from scratch. Yes, I've done it before, in the Peace Corps, and I'll do it again before I die, cause there's nothing like watching friendly bacteria do its business right there in front of you. But today's recipe is down and dirty and requires less than a minute.
I've taken an overpriced, over-sweetened, and overly packaged food item I quite like and made it at home instead. In the process, I've tailored it to my tastes. I've pocketed extra cash. And, basically, I've saved the environment from complete annihilation.
All in a day's work.
Here's what I set out to replicate/improve:
It's from Trader Joe's, and it's quite delicious. But it's also a buck a pop, contains about 3 spoonfuls (it's only 5.3 ounces), and is so sweet you might as well tip a jar of Hershey's syrup right into your mouth and call it a day. So I won't buy it anymore.
Now I make chocolate yogurt myself. Sorry, Trader Joe. Here's a hanky for your tears.
...
Recipe for Chocolate Yogurt
To replicate the appealing texture of the original, which is creamy but not overly thick on the palate, I paired equal parts 2% fat Greek yogurt and nonfat plain yogurt. A little cocoa and a wee bit of sugar add a chocolaty note that's happily devoid of candy-bar-sweetness. In other words, you can eat this for breakfast. Also, we eat a ton of yogurt in our house, so buying two large containers is both practical and more environmentally sound than buying a whole slew of itty bitty packages. At least for us.
Makes 1 cup
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (I used 2%)
1/2 cup plain nonfat yogurt (traditional style)
2 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1-1/2 to 2-1/2 teaspoons sugar, or to taste
Combine all ingredients in a small bowl. Eat with a clear conscience.
