The winner for Featured Recipe Thursday is:

Garlic Eggplant Dip By Stavros:     http://kouzounaskitchen.com/2013/12/19/featured-recipe-thursday-6/  

Stavros recipe came in at first place.

Second runner up was Chicken & Mushroom Alfredo Sauce By Dan.

Thank you to everyone who submitted their wonderful recipes. I can only pick one recipe per week, but I really enjoyed each and every one of your great recipes.

If you have a great recipe for Featured Recipe Thursday, please submit to kouzounaslive@gmail.com

Saturday’s Food For Thought:

A thought I don’t think you want to miss. I figured since I see it everywhere at the grocery store, and post about it all the time, I would include it in today’s post.

The famous Greek yogurt is today’s thought.

Yes I cook with this ingredient in many recipes as you can see on Kouzounas Kitchen. Is  Greek yogurt better then regular yogurt?  Read below for some surprising thoughts on Greek yogurt.

Greek Vs Regular Yogurt:

Is Greek yogurt better then regular yogurt? I was asked this question a million times at Costco, while working for a Greek yogurt company.

The answer is:   Yes, Greek yogurt offers double the amount of protein then your regular yogurt. Are you asking yourself why?

 Regular yogurt process:

Yogurt comes from milk that has a healthy bacteria added to it, causing it to ferment.

During this process, yogurt thickens and starts to take on a slight tangy flavor.

The yogurt is then strained through a cheesecloth, which allows the liquid whey to drain out.

Regular yogurt is only strained twice.

Greek yogurt process:  

Greek yogurt is strained 3 times to remove more whey and to create a thicker consistency. 

Protein: Greek yogurt has double the protein of regular yogurt. 8 Oz of Greek yogurt has about 20 grams of protein. Where as regular yogurt has about 11-13 grams.

Carbs: Greek yogurt has less carbohydrates than regular yogurt.

Sodium: Greek yogurt has half the sodium than regular yogurt.

Calcium: This is the only downfall of Greek yogurt. Regular yogurt has 3 times the calcium than Greek yogurt.

Calories: Each yogurt has similar calories. Be careful with the added sugars.

I think its time to have a traditional Greek treat.

Yiaourti me Meli: Yogurt with Honey

1. Add a cup of Greek yogurt in a bowl or parfait glass.
2. Drizzle honey and sprinkle cinnamon on top.

Yummy!