{swank} review & giveaway: The Greek Gods Yogurt #Vancouver only

To me, it seemed like Greek yogurt became an overnight, over-marketed sensation that geared towards a healthy lifestyle.  Not that that's a bad thing but I was determined not to fall into another marketing trap.  Little did I know {or didn't know}, I was missing out on something big.  Something so big that the first time I tried it, it literally blew my mind.  This was all thanks to my 12 year old step-daughter who was obviously on top of things and made me try my first spoonful of Greek yogurt.  And I have never looked back...

The Greek Gods Yogurt has a thick, creamy texture and comes in many different flavours.  It's one of my favourite easy, healthy snacks - I mix it with fruits {strawberries, raspberries, etc.} and granola and it gives me an instant boost so I can go on with my day.  I love how The Greek Gods brand of yogurt doesn't feel overly heavy like some other Greek yogurt brands.  Perfect for a family that's absolutely obsessed with Greek yogurt!

Below are some simple Thanksgiving recipes courtesy of Heather McTavish, VP of Marketing, for Hain-Celestial Canada, the company behind The Greek Gods yogurt:

Simple twists to classic Thanksgiving recipes

By Heather McTavish, VP of Marketing, for Hain-Celestial Canada, the company behind The Greek Gods™ yogurt

Dips – filling the hunger-void between prep and dinner for centuries: Pumpkin Peanut Dip
A good way to keep guests entertained while you cook is with dips. In keeping with the Thanksgiving theme, consider creating a pumpkin-based dip with peanut butter for a nutty addition. Simply combine melted marshmallows, cream cheese, sour cream and pumpkin with MaraNatha peanut butter.  

Soup – the meal teaser: Butternut Squash Soup with Apples
Butternut squash soup is a staple starter for Thanksgiving that uses in-season vegetables. For a change consider adding apple into the butternut squash mix. This zingy fruit will tantalize your taste buds and delight your guests. Also replace cream with The Greek Gods yogurt as a healthier option.

Main course – making a statement: Turkey

                Turkey is the star of any Thanksgiving meal. Traditionally it is roasted and served with gravy. How 

                do you make it memorable?  Add a glaze to enhance the flavour, which is brushed on during the

                last 20 minutes of roasting.  For the glaze consider fruity options such as apricot, cranberry or 

                pomegranate.

Vegetables – the entrée you love to eat but hate to peel: Roasted Vegetables with CinnamonVegetables at a holiday feast are a different mix at every household you visit, however typically an assortment of onions, parsnips, nugget potatoes, butternut squash and sweet potatoes feature. To spice it up, add garlic and a sprinkle of cinnamon – your veggie dish will then be the talk of the table.

Dessert – what the family really shows up for: Pumpkin-based dessertPumpkin-based desserts really signify Thanksgiving, particularly Pumpkin pie or cheesecake. Why not try substituting cream cheese with The Greek Gods yogurt for cheese cake? Or using The Greek Gods yogurt instead of whipped cream with your pumpkin pie? It is a tasty yet healthy addition that’s sure to be a hit with your family.

All of the recipes have me wishing it were the long weekend already!  I can't wait to try the butternut squash soup with The Greek Gods yogurt substituting for cream - sounds too yummy!  What recipe will you try this Thanksgiving?

{Win It!}

The Greek Gods are generously offering one lucky winner a sampler pack of each of The Greek God's four fantastic Greek yogurt flavours.  To enter, please use the Rafflecopter entry form below.  This giveaway is open to Vancouver area residents only and ends at 9pm PST on Thursday, October 18, 2012. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure:  The views expressed in this review are my own and do not represent the opinions or views of The Greek Gods.  We received a sample from The Greek Gods free of charge in order to conduct this review.   Note that {swank}mama does not accept responsibility for sponsors that do not fulfill their giveaway duties.  Winner will be contacted via email and will have 48 hours to respond, otherwise, a new winner will be chosen.