Wednesday, September 15, 2010

DIY Yogurt Cup


Ok, I'm officially obsessed with this. And I've been obsessed ever since I came across the idea on The Kitchn - why hadn't I thought of it before?! Using a canning jar to store your lunch is just plain brilliant - it's pretty much leak proof, first of all, but it's also just so darn cute and pretty.

"But where oh where do I get a canning jar?" you ask? I picked up a few at The Brooklyn Kitchen for just over a dollar each, but canning supplies are all over the place these days. Many Whole Foods stock them, and I've also seen the jars at dollar stores. Any jar will do if you really can't find one, just make sure you're confident in its ability not to leak.

I also love this because so many yogurt cups are loaded with sugar, and here you get to control the precise sugar content. Don't feel limited to jam - fruit and honey are also options! It's also a great way to save money and buy larger containers of yogurt instead of smaller (non-recyclable) cups. I love the idea of dolling out yogurt and jam into five jars on a Sunday night, then topping them off with nuts or granola stashed at your desk when you plan to eat them!

I'm wondering what else would be good to bring in a canning jar...right now I'm thinking oatmeal, maybe soup. So much better for the microwave than plastic, and not much heavier. Any other suggestions?

Grocery list
  • Plain yogurt (I used Stoneyfield Farm's organic reduced-fat version)
  • Small canning jar (I'm assuming you'll have to buy this...)
  • Optional: fruit, honey, etc.
 Pantry
  • Jam or preserves (a low-sugar version would be great)
  • Nuts or granola

Directions

Spoon the jam into the bottom of the jar. About two tablespoons works for me, but use whatever you like. Top with about a cup of yogurt. For the jar pictured, I actually put everything together more than 24 hours before eating it, and the walnuts I used weren't soggy at all. But, if you plan to use granola or store the cups for a few days, it might be better to add the topping when you're ready to eat it.

Yield: 1 serving
To bring: canning jar!

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Questions about the cooking method? Please let me know in the comments! 

5 comments:

  1. I bring iced tea or coffee in a canning jar in the morning. If you are going to poach an egg in the microwave at work with your lunch a smaller jar and a napkin hold the egg safely on the way.

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  2. That is a good idea. I always cave in and buy some.

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  3. What a truly awesome idea! I'd definitely use them for yogurt and soups. Didn't realize about the nonrecyclable yogurt cups...I think some Whole Foods will accept these types of plastic to recycle.

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  4. Love, love, love(!) this idea! I definitely want to give this a try soon.

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  5. @FitMamaEats, I think it depends on your city's recycling policy. In NYC, they'll only accept bottle shaped plastic, so yogurt containers are out. I try and take mine to Whole Foods since they recycle all #5 plastic, but it's definitely a hassle!

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