Fage Greek Yogurt with Honey and Almonds

I discovered Fage Greek strained yogurt about a year ago, I guess.  Where had it been all my life?  I was investigating yogurts after a trip to San Francisco to see my dear friend whose husband makes me these gorgeous breakfasts when I visit.  He had given me a bowl of the silkiest, lightest, most incredible French style yogurt with a fruit fool that was haunting my breakfast dreams and I was trying to find a similar style yogurt back here in New Orleans.  I was unsuccessful.

What I did find, however, is Fage (pronounced Fay-eh) Greek yogurt.  It's the opposite, really, of what I was looking for.  Rather than silky and light, it is dense and creamy.  Strained to remove the whey, it is thick, like an extra heavy sour cream before anyone messes it up by stirring.  And the taste!  So, so delicious.  There are no stupid flavors, no additives... just really good yogurt. Tangy without being bitter, sweet without being cloying, it is the perfect backdrop for small additions... my favorite being honey and almonds.  I buy it in the large containers and have it for breakfast, adding different things according to my mood.  A bit of cherry preserves is great, sliced banana and granola is lovely, berries are wonderful.  It's hard to go wrong.

You can get it in whole fat, 2% or fat free, and I've tried all three.  They are all good and all taste decadent so get whatever your waistline dictates.  I buy it at Whole Foods or Robert Fresh Market on Carrollton and Claiborne. You can also buy single serving containers that have a side well of topping.  I have only bought the cherry version of it, but I'll tell you it's really delicious.  Honestly though, a little drizzle of honey is all you need.

Which brings me to another of my favorite things: honey from Jay Martin, beekeeper on Short St in New Orleans.  Been eating it for years.  It's my favorite honey.  If anyone knows Jay Martin, please give him and his bees my compliments.  It's such a gentle, yet flavorful honey that I could eat it by the spoonful.  Also available at Whole Foods and other local spots.  Very good stuff.