A question about Greek yogurt

Q: Many healthful recipes now call for Greek yogurt. I live in a small town. If we have Greek yogurt at the grocery store it costs so much money. Is there a method to get the same consistency of the Greek yogurt from its more affordable counterparts? -- Michelle Norwood, Auburndale, Fla.

A. Greek yogurt's characteristic thickness comes from having been strained, so that much of the liquid drains out and what's left behind is super-thick and creamy.

If you can't find Greek yogurt at the store, drain regular yogurt in cheesecloth (or with a dishtowel or coffee filter) for a few hours or overnight until it reaches the consistency you're looking for.

(For more information, visit www.foodnetwork.com or write Ask Food Network c/o Viewer Services Culinary Department, Scripps Networks, PO Box 50970, Knoxville, TN 37950.)