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Yogurt: The delicious, not-so-sweet treat

Yogurt is a diverse dairy product that can be served with fruit, made into dips and sauces, or incorporated into a main meal. P acked full of probiotics, rich in protein and beneficial nutrients like calcium, potassium and vitamin D, there’s a lot to appreciate about yogurt.

In existence since ancient times, yogurt has evolved into one of the most diverse dairy products available in grocery stores. A relatively simple food, yogurt has countless applications. It stands on its own, can be served with fruit or made into frozen yogurt bars, dips and sauces. It also can be an important supporting ingredient, providing a base for a flavorful marinade or adding richness and depth to a savory main meal.

Yogurt became popular in the U.S. during the ‘60s and ‘70s, when it was marketed as a health food. To combat its tart flavor and make it more appealing to a wider audience, sugar and fruit were added. These changes, combined with convenient, single-serve packaging, eventually led yogurt to become the American diet staple it is today—particularly for breakfast or as a quick, healthy snack.

Honey, vanilla and granola turn plain yogurt into a healthy, sweet treat.

Breakfast Yogurt and Berry Frozen Pops

INGREDIENTS

3 cups fresh or frozen fruit, roughly chopped (strawberries, blueberries,

blackberries, banana, mango, peaches or raspberries) 2-4 tablespoons honey, maple syrup or agave nectar, divided 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 1½ cups plain Greek-style yogurt ¼ cup milk ⅔ cup prepared granola ice pop molds and sticks

DIRECTIONS

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the fruit and 2 tablespoons of honey, maple syrup or agave nectar. Bring to a steady simmer, and let the mixture cook 8-10 minutes, until the fruit has a thick, jam-like consistency. Stir the fruit often to prevent burning. Remove the pan from the heat, then add the vanilla. Let the fruit cool to room temperature. In a small bowl, combine the yogurt, milk and 1 tablespoon or more of honey or other sweetener. Taste the mixture, and add additional sweetener if desired. Transfer ¼ cup of yogurt to a small bowl, then add the granola and stir to coat. Coating the granola will help it soften and freeze properly with the frozen pops. Lay out an ice pop mold on your work surface. Using a small spoon, add a large dollop of yogurt to the bottom of each. Next, add a small amount of the coated granola, then a spoonful of the cooked and cooled fruit. Gently tap the mold on the counter between each layer so that you remove any air pockets. Continue to layer the ingredients until the molds are filled. Tap the molds on the counter once more. Insert ice pop sticks, then freeze until the pops are solid, 6 hours or overnight. To remove frozen pops, run the mold under hot water for a few seconds. Depending upon the temperature of your freezer, you may need a little longer. Gently remove from the mold and enjoy.

—Recipe adapted from the American Dairy Association Mideast

Mixing yogurt with southwestern flavors creates a savory dip for vegetables or chips.

Chipotle Pepper Dip

INGREDIENTS

1 teaspoon adobo sauce 2 8-ounce containers of plain yogurt ½ cup chunky salsa 2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped ¼ cup cheddar cheese, shredded assorted cut vegetables or corn chips

DIRECTIONS

In a medium bowl, combine first four ingredients until well-blended, and refrigerate. When ready to eat, add shredded cheese, and serve with assorted cut vegetables or corn chips.

—Recipe adapted from The Dairy Alliance

Homemade Instant Pot Yogurt

INGREDIENTS

half gallon of milk 2 tablespoons plain yogurt with active cultures vanilla or sweetener, if desired

DIRECTIONS

Using a clean and sanitized Instant Pot, pour the milk into the inner pot. Place the lid on the pot, and press the yogurt button until it says ”boil.” When it beeps, remove the lid, and check the milk temperature. It should be 180°. Take the inner pot out, and cool until the milk is 105°-111°. Once it reaches the desired temperature range, skim off the skin that’s on the surface of the milk. Take out 1 cup of milk. Stir 2 tablespoons of yogurt into the cup of milk. Whisk it back into the inner pot of milk. If desired, add vanilla and/or sweetener. Put the yogurt back into the Instant Pot, cover, and press the yogurt button until it says 8 hours. After 8 hours, chill the yogurt in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours. For Greek-style yogurt, strain the yogurt in the refrigerator through a cheesecloth for about 8 hours.

—Recipe adapted from The Dairy Alliance

Orange Banana Frosty

INGREDIENTS

1 frozen banana, sliced ½ cup plain yogurt ½ cup orange juice

DIRECTIONS

Place banana slices into a blender with the yogurt and orange juice. Blend well, and serve chilled.

—Recipe adapted from Virginia CooperativeExtension

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We value our long-standing partnership with Farm Bureau and are proud to offer you exclusive savings.

*Farm Bureau Exclusive Cash Reward is exclusively for active Farm Bureau members who are residents of the United States. $500 Exclusive Cash Reward on the purchase or lease of an eligible new 2021/2022/2023 Ford Maverick, Ranger, F-150 or Super Duty. This incentive is not available on F-150 Lightning™, F-150 Raptor®, F-650 and F-750 Super Duty. This offer may not be used in conjunction with most other Ford Motor Company private incentives or AXZD-Plans. Some customer and purchase eligibility restrictions apply. Must be a Farm Bureau member for 30 consecutive days prior to purchase or lease and take new retail delivery from an authorized Ford Dealer’s stock by January 3, 2023. Visit FordFarmBureauAdvantage.com or see your authorized Ford Dealer for qualifications and complete details. Note to dealer: Claim in VINCENT using #38326 | BUSINESS OWNER POLICIES cont'd from page 24 »

Additionally, those who run businesses from home also may need a business owner policy to provide coverage for in-home business property and liability coverage. A homeowner policy will not automatically provide coverage for either.

And, as more businesses become reliant on outside vendors to send and receive packages, Whitus suggested business owners consider adding an Employment Practices Liability Insurance endorsement.

EPLI coverage provides coverage for discrimination and harassment claims made by any third party, including the insured business’ customers, clients, tenants or vendors.

It also provides coverage for claims stemming from adverse employment actions such as gender harassment; discrimination of age, disability, race and religion; and other wrongful acts.

To discuss your BOP needs or to learn more about coverage options, call your local Farm Bureau agent or visit vafb.com/business-insurance.

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Protect your vehicle’s value with additional auto coverage

BY ADAM CULLER

No motorist wants to be involved in an accident that results in their vehicle being totaled. This is especially true for drivers who recently purchased a newmodel vehicle, and those who are still paying off an auto loan.

When purchasing an auto insurance policy, customers commonly opt for basic collision and comprehensive coverage to provide protection while keeping costs low. Despite the practicality of this strategy, buying minimal coverage can leave insured parties upside down on their loans in the event of a total loss.

By adding auto loan/lease payoff coverage or new vehicle replacement coverage endorsements to your Virginia Farm Bureau auto policy, it’s possible to secure coverage for unexpected out-of-pocket automobile expenses.

Auto loan/lease payoff coverage

If a person totals their vehicle, and they owe their lender more than what their car is worth, the driver is still on the hook to pay the remaining balance of the loan.

Incurring a sudden and sometimes exorbitant expense can be financially catastrophic, but by adding auto loan/lease payoff coverage, drivers can avoid sustaining such a loss.

The endorsement is designed to cover the difference between the unpaid amount due on a vehicle’s loan or lease and the actual cash value of the insured

Adding auto loan/lease coverage to auto insurance policies helps cover unexpected out-of-pocket expenses.

vehicle at the time of a covered total loss.

Auto loan/lease coverage often is referred to as “gap insurance.” The endorsement can be applied to any new, used or leased vehicle while a lien holder or leaseholder is listed on the auto policy. Vehicles must already be covered with collision and comprehensive coverages.

“What this endorsement really does is provide a safety net for drivers,” explained Laurie Gannon, vice president of claims for Virginia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co.

“Say a vehicle’s loan payoff is set at $25,000, but the actual cash value of the vehicle at the time of the accident is $22,000. The auto loan/lease payoff coverage would provide that additional $3,000 to pay off your loan.” New vehicle replacement coverage

Purchasing new vehicles often requires a large financial investment, and wrecking a shiny, new car can be devastating.

However, policyholders can relieve some of the stress of losing a brand-new vehicle in an accident by purchasing new vehicle replacement coverage.

With this auto policy addition, customers who own vehicles two model years or less in age can have their vehicles replaced in the event of a covered total loss. When that occurs, the endorsement pays the difference between the car’s value at the time of the loss and what it costs to purchase a new vehicle of the same make and model.

To qualify for the endorsement, vehicles already must be covered with collision and comprehensive coverages and may not be previously owned or titled by another party. Additionally, the endorsement only pertains to a vehicle’s model year, not length of ownership.

Coverage is available to any new passenger, farm or utilitytype vehicles listed on the insured’s auto policy.

“These endorsements give you peace of mind knowing that you’re not going to be left paying money outof-pocket to replace your vehicle,” Gannon added. “Nowadays, with vehicles being so expensive, it’s nice to know with your coverage you’ll have the additional money to apply to a new vehicle.”