Why? Because you can! And pickle, and jam, or otherwise celebrate the resurgence of the domestic arts our forebears held so dear. Put on your best apron and step into our kitchen, won't you?
My recipe for labneh - also known as yogurt cheese - is a cross between a thick fromage frais and fromage blanc. It is of Lebanese origin and very simple to make. It is simply yogurt strained with a bit of salt to remove the whey - delicious.
From a beloved Belgian cookbook, the inspiration to make Fromage Blanc with Kefir, flavoured with Wild Garlic, Hairy Bittercress and Dandelion Petals. A wonderful probiotic, cream cheese-like spread.
Yogurt cheese is basically Greek yogurt that has been drained of its liquid content and taken on a firmer texture. While it is draining overnight in the fridge it can be flavoured with all manner of goodies to alter the finished product.
Making cheese at home couldn't get any simpler than this Lebanese cheese called labneh, that is made from Greek yogurt and seasoned with olive oil and herbs. They go deliciously well on these French tartines with cherry tomatoes.
Fresh labneh, shown here on a Wasa crisp with homemade blueberry-elderflower jam and yü-shan raspberries from the garden. Great way to save yogurt from a creeping expiration date.
Don't have a yogurt maker or slow cooker? You don't need to invest in special appliances to make delicious yogurt with this straightforward, foolproof method that's workable for the most basic kitchen.
