Spiced Yogurt Diamonds Food

SIKARNI (SPICED SWEET YOGURT-PISTACHIO DESSERT)

Steps:

• In a large bowl, mix yogurt and sour cream together.
• Pour the yogurt mixture into a large colander with a cheese cloth liner.
• Allow draining for about 12 hours.
• Transfer the mixture into a mixing bowl.
• Dissolve saffron, if used, in luke warm cream.
• To the yogurt mixture add sugar, cinnamon, black pepper, cardamom, nutmeg, dissolved saffron, and pistachio nuts; fold in thoroughly.
• Chill overnight in refrigerator.
• To serve, scoop a cup of chilled dessert into a serving plate, topped with a generous amount of unsalted, shelled, whole pistachio nuts.

SPICED YOGURT MUFFINS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
• Line 18 muffin cups with paper or foil liners. Lightly spray the liners with vegetable oil spray.
• In a food processor, combine the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, allspice, cloves, and 1/2 teaspoons of the nutmeg and pulse to blend. Transfer to a large bowl.
• In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs, yogurt, butter, applesauce, and vanilla. Fold the yogurt mixture into the dry ingredients until just blended.
• Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin cups. Sprinkle the granulated sugar and remaining 1/4 teaspoons over the muffins. Bake for 18 minutes, until the muffins are springy; let cool in the pans for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.

SPICY MOROCCAN YOGURT MARINADE OR DIP

Steps:

• Mix well and pour over salmon (or tuna). Let marinate overnight, and oven-bake or grill. Serve over cous cous of a rice pilaf.