Labneh Wa Za'atar (Spiced Yogurt Cheese)

A tasty spiced cheese similar to cream cheese that can be used as a spread over pita, or with cucumber slices, crackers, chips or whatever you like. This is my own za'atar recipe but if you have your own you can use that instead if you like, since mine isn't all that authentic. ;) (The preparation time includes letting the yogurt drain.)

• Ready In: 24 hrs
• Serves: 6
• Yields: 3 Cheese balls

Ingredients

• 2  cups yogurt
• 1  teaspoon marjoram
• 1⁄2 teaspoon thyme
• 1  teaspoon paprika
• 1⁄2 teaspoon cumin
• 1⁄2 teaspoon sesame seeds, toasted
• 1⁄2-3⁄4 teaspoon salt (according to your taste)

Directions

1. Pour 2 cups of yogurt into a white flour sack towel or a few layers of cheese cloth, and squeeze out the whey until you cannot squeeze out any more.
2. Place in a strainer over a bowl and refrigerate for about 24 hours squeezing out the whey every six hours or so until it forms a ball and is the consistency of cream cheese.
3. Toast the sesame seeds in a small frying pan just until they turn golden; remove from heat.
4. Mix together the za'atar spices and toasted sesame seeds in a shallow bowl.
5. Divide the cheese into 3 sections and roll each into a ball.
6. Roll cheese balls one by one in the spices.
7. Drizzle with olive oil and garnish with fresh mint. Enjoy!