Herb Marinated Yogurt Cheese Food

MARINATED BABY MOZZARELLA

Steps:

• Puree garlic and herbs with the oil.
• Add pepper, fennel seeds and lemon zest.
• Place cheese in a jar and pour over the marinade.
• Refrigerate overnight to allow flavours to infuse.
• To serve, bring cheese back to room temperature and serve with good bread, in a salad or part of an antipasto platter.

HERB-MARINATED YOGURT CHEESE

Steps:

• 1. Mix the yogurt, salt, and pepper and let drain, refrigerated, for 3 days in a cheesecloth-lined colander or a cheesecloth or muslin bag set over a bowl. There must be space underneath the sack to allow the whey to drain.
• 2. Divide the cheese into 2-ounce portions and place on parchment-lined trays. Allow to drain and dry uncovered overnight, refrigerated.
• 3. Combine the remaining ingredients to make marinade. Add the cheese, and marinate 12 to 24 hours before serving.

YOGURT CHICKEN

Steps:

• In a small bowl combine all ingredients except chicken-- adjust seasoning to taste (but don't get it too salty), place in a 1 gal zip-lock bag with the chicken.
• Toss to coat chicken Marinate for 48 hrs, turning over a couple times each day.
• Grill chicken on a clean, lightly greased grill over medium heat for 5 min a side, or until done.
• Remove from heat and let it set in a covered bowl for 5-10 minutes before serving.
• Can also be done under a broiler on a rack.

MARINATED CHEESE WITH HERBS AND OLIVE OIL

Steps:

• Cut into 1/2-inch rounds, slices, or wedges: 6 ounces goat or feta cheese.
• Place in a nonreactive container and add: 3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, 3 to 4 thyme sprigs, 2 to 3 bay leaves.
• Cover tightly and refrigerate for at least 1 day or up to 1 week.
• Variations
• Use different herbs such as rosemary, marjoram, oregano, savory, or hyssop.
• Add a couple of dried hot peppers for a bit of heat.
• Add some whole spices such as black peppercorns, fennel, anise, cumin, or coriander.
• Add 1/4 cup rinsed and drained niçoise olives with the herbs.
• Gently cook 2 or 3 peeled, halved garlic cloves in half of the olive oil until tender but not brown. Let the oil cool and pour over the cheese with the cooked garlic and the remaining oil.
• Remove the cheese from the oil, pat dry breadcrumbs all over the surface, and toast in a hot oven until brown and crisp, about 5 to 10 minutes. Serve with a garlicky salad.