Herbed 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 Nutritional Information 1 tablespoon: Calories 11 Saturated Fat 0g Total Fat 0g Protein 1g Carbohydrate 2g Fiber 0g Sodium 11mg Cholesterol 0mg

Introduction: Many grandmothers made their own cream cheese from milk and rennet. Today, you can get that rich old-fashioned taste, with less fat, by making yogurt cheese. Then, just stir in fresh herbs and spread on crackers. 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.