YOGURT BALLS RECIPES

Steps:

• 1. To make the cheese (28 to 30 hours): Line a strainer with a double thickness of cheesecloth and set it over a large bowl. Place the yogurt, salt, curry powder and cayenne, if using, in a large bowl and stir to combine. Transfer the yogurt to the strainer and cover loosely with plastic wrap. Place the bowl and strainer in the refrigerator and let the liquid strain off into the bowl beneath it for 24 hours. Cover a large plate with several thicknesses (about 6 to 8) of cloth toweling and transfer the strained yogurt to the prepared plate. Cover lightly with plastic wrap and let sit, refrigerated, for 4 to 6 hours.
• 2. To make the cheese balls: Scrape the yogurt from the towel into a medium-size bowl. Serve in a bowl with assorted crackers and breads, or shape tablespoonfuls of the cheese into balls. If desired, garnish the cheese balls with chopped nuts, seeds (such as poppy or caraway) or a light sprinkling of spice like paprika or cinnamon. Store refrigerated and tightly covered for up to 3 days.

Steps:

• If yogurt is separated already, skip to step 2. If not, leave it out on the counter for a few hours until it just starts to form a whey layer.
• Line a colander with clean butter muslin. Pour in yogurt, tie the muslin into a draining sack, and suspend it over a sink or bowl for 12 hours to drip and drain.
• Once yogurt has become like a soft cheese, and is formable when stirred a little with a spoon, remove from muslin and place in a small mixing bowl.
• Salt to taste; add whatever herbs or spices you wish at this point.
• Scoop a Tbsp. of yogurt cheese into your palm and roll into a smooth ball. Drop this ball into a clean, sanitized pint jar. Repeat this step until all the cheese has been made into balls and transferred into the jar.
• Add in sprigs of fresh herbs now, if desired, along the sides of the jar. Rosemary, basil and thyme work well.
• Fill the jar up to 1 inch below the rim with olive oil and screw the lid on tightly.
• Keep jar refrigerated or in dark, cold storage. It will keep indefinitely.
• Take balls out as needed. Serve with crackers and a little spreading knife for an elegant and delicious snack.