Recently, I was chosen by Foodbuzz and Dannon to review and blog about a new product:  Dannon Activia Harvest Picks Yogurt.  I hosted a small, light brunch for my sisters and we really enjoyed ourselves, and the food!  Since spring has made an early arrival this year, I put together a little table outside so we could soak in the fabulous weather.

The great thing about yogurt is that it is extremely versatile.  You can eat it alone, of course, or add a topping, use it as a substitute for fat or sour cream in baking…you can even hide it from your sassy six year old in a smoothie.  She never suspected a thing.

Today we enjoyed three yogurt-inspired menu items at our brunch.  First, I made my favorite pound cake, topped it with strawberry yogurt and a handful of fresh strawberries.  The pound cake is soft and stands up to the flavor of the yogurt and berries, and while it’s definitely a treat, it’s also a great way to get some vitamins into your body without feeling like you are sacrificing anything!  I will share the pound cake recipe in an upcoming post – you’ll love it.  (PS – it’s also made with yogurt!)

In keeping with the healthy, light brunch theme, I also made some low-fat orange yogurt muffins with an orange marmalade glaze.  These are really fantastic.  The muffins have a tangy flavor thanks to the yogurt, but the vanilla and almond flavors are also prevalent and together they’re a match made in heaven.  The marmalade glaze is sweet and tart and gives a sweet finish to a perfect brunch muffin.

Finally, I made an Orange Julius smoothie.  Have you ever had an Orange Julius?  They were wildly popular in the late 80’s and early 90’s and could usually be found in shopping malls…when I saw this recipe for a Yogurt Orange Julius, I knew I had to try it.  It’s fabulous! The yogurt kicks up the nutrition value and once again, you’ll be pleasantly surprised that this delicious treat is also good for you!

Using a thick, creamy yogurt like Activia Harvest Picks helps keep the texture of the smoothie thick, and you can experiment with different flavors to change it up a bit – or even change the juice you use.  I like pineapple juice with strawberry yogurt, too!  If you’d like to read more about Dannon activia, check out this link, {here}.

If you’re looking for some new ways to eat yogurt, I do hope you’ll give these a try!  In the meantime, check out my Facebook Page, follow me on Twitter or look me up on Google+!

Enjoy!

Orange-Yogurt Muffins with Marmalade Glaze
Yield:  12-15 muffins
Prep Time:  15 minutes ♦ Bake Time:  18 minutes

Orange-Yogurt Muffins with Marmalade Glaze Ingredients:
1 cup yogurt (peach, vanilla or plain)
1 cup sugar
3 eggs at room temperature
1 teaspoon almond extract
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup canola oil
1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

Marmalade Glaze Ingredients:
1/2 cup orange marmalade
1 teaspoon water

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Prepare muffin tin with paper liners and set aside.

In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine yogurt, sugar, eggs, canola oil, almond extract and vanilla extract on medium-high speed until smooth.  Add flour, baking powder and salt, and beat until just combined, scraping the bowl as necessary.

Fill the muffin liners 2/3 full and bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown.  Immediately remove from pan and allow to cool on a wire rack.

As soon as the muffins come out of the oven, prepare the marmalade glaze by heating the marmalade and water in the microwave for 30 seconds or until warm.  Using a pastry brush, generously brush the top of each muffin with the glaze. 

Orange Yogurt Smoothie
Yield:  2 servings
Prep Time:  5 minutes

Ingredients:
1 cup yogurt
1 cup orange juice (Fresh squeezed, if possible!)
2 Tablespoons Honey
10 ice cubes
1 dash of salt
1 teaspoon vanilla

Combine all ingredients into a blender and combine until smooth.  Pour into serving glasses and garnish with an orange slice.  Enjoy cold!

Recipe Source and Inspiration:  Muffins adapted from Homemade Simple and Orange Yogurt Smoothie from Orange Julius Recipes

Full disclosure:  I have partnered with Dannon to help promote Dannon Activia Harvest Picks yogurt.  I have been compensated for my time commitment to review this product.  However, my opinions are entirely my own and I have not been paid to publish positive comments.