DRINK YOUR YOGURT?

If you love yogurt, did you know that you can drink it? With salt and even garlic, or carbonated in a bottle (that is, if you're in Syria or Lebanon, where I first tried carbonated Irran or Tahn as the Armenians know it).  One of Marash Girl's favorite drinks in the world, and she hasn't had it in a restaurant (even a Middle Eastern restaurant) or at home for years.  Not since her mother died in 1991.  Jennie made the most delicious tahn, and always served tahn at our backyard picnics, our picnics with relatives and friends every summer Sunday.  Here's how she made it. (And if you're interested, Marash Girl might even share the secret of making your own yogurt, but first the easier task.)


If you make your own madzoon (called yogurt by those of you who grew up non-Armenian in the United States)  and you have water & salt, you have all the ingredients necessary to make the most delicious drink (to Marash Girl's  way of thinking) in the world.  If you buy your own madzoon (labeled yogurt in every store except for Armenian stores), make sure that you purchase whole milk UNFLAVORED yogurt.  Are you ready for the simplest of recipes?


Here goes!  Fill 1/4 of your glass (or pitcher) with whole milk yogurt (unflavored, preferably tart -- i.e., older rather than fresher); stir 'til smooth. Fill the rest of the glass or pitcher with water.  Stir.  Add ice and a dash of salt.  Be prepared for a tart (hope you like tart!) delicious, refreshing summer, or, once you become addicted, year round drink.