Ask Food Network: Strain yogurt for Greek style

Food Network Kitchens

Published October 21, 2008 at 3 p.m.

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Many healthful recipes call for Greek yogurt. I live in a small town. If we have Greek yogurt at the store, it's expensive. Is there a way to get the consistency of Greek yogurt from a more affordable counterpart? - Michelle Norwood, Auburndale, Fla.

Greek yogurt's thickness comes from being strained so a lot of the liquid drains out and what's left is thick and creamy. If you can't find Greek yogurt at the store, drain regular yogurt in cheesecloth (or a dish towel or coffee filter) for a few hours or overnight until it reaches the consistency you're looking for.

I received a bag of pepitas and want to know what they are. - Fran Palmer, Rockport, Mass.

Pepitas are pumpkin seeds, dried and usually roasted. They come salted or unsalted. They're fabulous as a snack on their own, cooked into brittles or sprinkled in salads with juicy stone fruit.

Hollow out pumpkins, wash the seeds of any pulp and dry them in a low oven for 20 minutes or so. To flavor them, toss with spices, salt and oil and roast for 10 minutes at 375.

Food Network Kitchens, foodnetwork.com

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