The Delicious Power of Yogurt

Yogurt can also improve digestive health. Many types contain live active cultures, which are beneficial bacteria that are believed to improve nutrient absorption, beef up immune systems, and enhance digestion. These bacteria can also inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria.

Do you have any favorite recipes with yogurt?

Aside from its impressive health benefits, yogurt is also a smart ingredient to use for its other qualities. Swapping low-fat or fat-free yogurt in for higher calorie items such as cream or mayonnaise creates a healthier dish without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Here are some creative ways to incorporate the creamy goodness of yogurt into your family's next meal. Their tummies (and taste buds) will thank you.

Do you have any favorite recipes with yogurt?

Sneak it in a Cake Recipe

Adding yogurt to a cake recipe, such as this one for Moist Lemon Cake, makes for a velvety smooth dessert.

• Get the recipe for Moist Lemon Cake

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Use it as a Sandwich Condiment

Replacing high-calorie mayo with yogurt on a sandwich, such as Eamonns R.L.T., allows you to cut the fat and keep the tangy flavor.

• Get the recipe for Eamonns R.L.T.

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Make a sauce for shrimp

Yogurt can be used as a base for a cool, creamy sauce to complement the freshness and and saltiness of lemony shrimp.

• Get the recipe for Shrimp with Two Sauces

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Layer it in a Parfait

Layering yogurt between tasty granola and fruit, as in this Sunrise Parfait, makes for a sweet breakfast treat.

• Get the recipe for Sunrise Parfaits

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Puree it into Baby Food

This yummy Curry Pea Baby Food gets its richness from the addition of yogurt. Introducing new flavors early on may help your baby to develop good eating habits. Check with your pediatrician, but most babies can digest yogurt by 6 months.

• Get the recipe for Curry Pea Baby Food

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Blend it into a Smoothie

Mixing fresh fruit with yogurt in a smoothie is a clever way to add natural sweet flavor without adding excess sugar.

• Get the recipe for Fruit Smoothies

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Top a Soup or Chili

Warm soup or chili, such as this Easy Black Bean Soup, gets a refreshing twist when topped with yogurt instead of sour cream.

• Easy Black Bean Soup

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Freeze it into a Healthy and Fun Dessert

Putting yogurt in the freezer does not affect its nutritional wallop. It's a fun and delectable alternative to packaged ice-cream pops!

• Get the recipe for Yogurt Swirls

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Make a Delicious Dipping Sauce

Yogurt's tang makes it a zippy dip for a variety of items, such as these Black Bean Risotto Cakes.

• Get the recipe for Black Bean Risotto Cakes

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Bake a Loaf or Muffins

You can't beat the classic flavor combination of lemon and poppyseed. This treat will stay extra moist because of the addition of yogurt to the batter.

• Get the recipe for Lemon Poppyseed Muffins

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Have it at Breakfast (And Not The Way You Think!)

These flapjacks have a secret: There's yogurt right in the batter! This makes for super nutritious pancakes with a moist yet fluffy texture.

• Get the recipe for Blueberry Orange Pancakes

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Sub it for Whipped Cream

You won't miss the calories when you use yogurt as a topping instead of whipped cream. You get lots of flavor with a fraction of the fat.

• Get the recipe for No-Bake Peach Crisp

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Try a Tart

A bright dessert that's good for you, too! Fresh berries and yogurt are a wholesome way to please your sweet tooth.

• Get the recipe for Healthy Heart Sweet Tarts

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Mix Up a Marinade

Marinating proteins in yogurt is an amazing way to tenderize and lock in moisture. We promise you this Tandoori Chicken will be extra juicy. Serving with a yogurt-based sauce known as raita is an appetizing way to add even more of the goodness of yogurt into your family's diet.

• Get the recipe for Tandoori Chicken with Raita

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Make a Cheesecake

Break from tradition, and add a bit of nutrition to a dessert classic.

• Get the recipe for Blueberry Cheesecake

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Whip up a Creative Snack

Here's a simple yet creative way to get your kids excited about snack time. Adding yogurt and fruit to their favorite packaged Teddies will create a wholesome and balanced treat.

• Get the recipe for Bag O' Teddies

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Make a Pasta Sauce

Who doesn't love pasta with cream sauce? Your family will get a probiotic punch of flavor with this 'Shroom Spaghetti.

• Get the recipe for 'Shroom Spaghetti

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Use It in a Dressing

Yogurt is a lifesaver to those who love creamy salad dressings. The one in this Grilled Moroccan Style Salad complements the healthy veggie ingredients without pouring on the fat.

• Get the Recipe for Grilled Moroccan Style Salad

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Shake up Jell-O

Regular Jell-O gets a healthy punch of flavor when yogurt is added. The creaminess plays up the tart fruitiness of the gelatin.

Copyright © 2011 Meredith Corporation.

• Get the recipe for Rainbow Jell-O

Do you have any favorite recipes with yogurt?