Yogurt with Cardamom and Orange Peel

I get bored easily. Well, thats not entirely true. I get disinterested in flavors easily, especially when I have them multiple times in a row. This is why making (and consuming) left overs is difficult for me. Inevitably the third serving gets left in the fridge only to sprout a plethora of nicely packaged flora.

This is what happens when I purchase 6-packs of yogurt. It isnt the flavor that I get tired of in this case, its the monotone sweetness or the same textural consistency day in and day out. Recently, instead of falling victim to the doldrums of 6-pack (yogurt) life, I buy plain yogurt and add my own daily flavorings.

The FACE greek yogurt brand (2% and fat free) comes in individually sizes cups which is especially nice since I dont have to worry about opening a larger carton and not finishing it before it goes bad. Alternatively, the plain yogurt in various brands is available in larger sizes at any grocery store. Unfortunately, most super markets dont seem to carry the plain flavor in individual servings. In order to get the consistency I like, I typically drain this non-greek type with cheese cloth for several hours. The thicker consistency fools me into thinking its full-fat rather than lite.

So, what do I add? It depends really. Some days I stir in raspberries and pecans. On other days I add dried blueberries and sliced almonds. If I had a piece of fruit thats going a little soft, I dice that up and toss it in the mix. I think I have a pear and cinnamon day coming up soon due to the presence of an unused pear in my fridge. I suppose you could also make your yogurt more exotic by adding saffron and pistachios.

On some days, like today, I add cardamom, nutmeg, candied orange peel, and a touch of orange blossom honey.

Yogurt with Cardamom, Nutmeg, and Candied Orange Peel

1 c. fat-free greek yogurt
1/4 t. cardamom
1/8 t. nutmeg
3 strips candied orange peel, diced fine
1 t. honey

Combine all the ingredients and give it a taste. Adjust the flavors to your liking. Feel free to mix and match to make your own concoctions.


For optimum results mix the yogurt the night before so the orange peel can soften from the moisture of the yogurt and the flavors can meld.