Yogurt Cheese (Labneh)

This is an old-world recipe. It is really just drained, salted yoghurt, very easy to make and very easy to preserve. I guarantee that once you have made these and tasted how delicious they are, they will become a staple in your home.

• Ready In: 5 mins
• Yields: 2 cups

Ingredients

• 6  cups  Greek yogurt
• 2  teaspoons salt

Directions

1. In a large bowl stir the salt into the yoghurt.
2. Spoon the yoghurt in the center of a piece of doubled cheesecloth or soft cotton fabric (preferably undyed and immaculately clean).
3. Pull corners up and tie tightly.
4. Suspend from a stationary object over a bowl (to catch liquid).
5. Let this hang overnight or about 12 hours.
6. When well drained it will be the consistency of cottage cheese.
7. Remove from the cloth.
8. Store covered in the refrigerator until needed.
9. You can mix in fresh or dried herbs, minced garlic, pepper flakes, anything you would use to make an herbed cheese.
10. Or you could drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with fresh lemon juice and some cumin and dip pita crisps into it-- The sky's the limit really- so many uses!
11. To make Yoghurt Cheese Balls (Labneh Makbus) (a great little appetizer!), drain the yoghurt for 10-12 hours longer.
12. Take about one tablespoon at a time and roll it into smooth, round balls and place on a tray.
13. Chill until firm.
14. This will take several hours.
15. After they are firm and slightly dried out, place in a sterile, air tight jar, cover with olive oil.
16. Seal the jar and store at room temperature.
17. The labneh will keep this way for several months but you will have eaten them all up long before that!
18. Enjoy Labneh Makbus cut into halves, drizzled with olive oil and eaten with olives and fresh pita bread.