There is something rather fun about food in a jar. Not only is reusing a jar greener (and easier to wash up) than using plastic, they look so pretty too. No wonder there are several Pinterest boards devoted to food in jars!
I am becoming increasingly anti plastic and thus a fan of storing food in jars in the fridge, and have a collection of these straight sided French jam jars with their pretty gingham lids.  The straight sides mean they are easy to scrape out, the jars are easily washed or go in the dishwasher, and the lids reduce my use of clingfilm.
These layered picnic pots are inspired by a sweet cheesecake served in a jar – in my savoury version the base is made from crushed crackers, topped with onion marmalade then a cheesy creamy layer.
You will need to start this off the day before you want to eat these, but actual hands on time is very little. Once made the labneh will happily sit in the fridge for several days.
Savoury Goats' Cheesecake in a Jar
- 500 g creamy natural yogurt I used Yeo Valley
- 2 tbs single cream or milk
- 1/2 Soft Goats' Cheese
- 1/2 tsp za'atar or other herbs or spice blend I use Steenberg's which is fantastic quality
- Handful crushed savoury biscuits - I used Ryvita Sweet Chilli Thins
- 4 tbs onion marmalade or chutney
- Handful salad leaves and cherry tomatoes
- Glug good olive oil
- 2 attractive 1 lb jam jars
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Line a sieve with a cheese cloth (or a new J-Cloth), stand over a bowl, pour the yogurt in and allow to strain for 12 hours. Rather than pouring down the sink use the leftover whey in bread or dal (it should freeze well) or use it to water your herbs as it is full of nutrients.
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Scrape the labneh into a bowl, add the cream (or milk), finely chopped Goats cheese and spices and mash well with a fork.
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Crush your biscuits - either in a spice grinder or place in a plastic bag and bash with a rolling pin. Pour into the bottom of each jar. Layer the onion marmalade on top, followed by the goats' cheese labneh* (I used a piping bag with mine).
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Top with salad leaves and quartered cherry tomatoes.
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Put the lid on and take on a picnic!
* You will probably need about two thirds of the labneh, the rest can be used as a dip or pasta sauce.
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For more picnic inspiration you may like my corned beef pasties.
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This is such a brilliant picnic idea, I just love it! I would vote for this as it sounds lovely. Always meant to make labneh, now I must! So imaginative :-)
Helen
Thanks Laura.
Make labneh! I adore it, spread on a flatbreead with good olive oil and sprinkled with za’atar!
Katie
How cute are these jars of picnic heaven?! Loving this idea Helen… so practical but also stunning. Going to have to try this recipe out :-)
Helen
Thanks Katie! Enjoy them. Loads of scope for variations here!
Beth
Genius idea Helen!
HonieBuk
Fabulous, just fabulous!
Ren Behan
Inspired! Such a lovely recipe Helen, good luck with the Capricorn contest – I’m sure these will be up there!
Sarah, Maison Cupcake
Mmm fantastic picnic food and wonderful reminder of our day out at Yeo Valley. Thanks for submitting!
PS You’ll not sway me away from my IKEA collection of green lidded plastic boxes though.
Helen
You and you obsession with green lidded IKEA boxes Sarah! ;-)
sahrish ali
Fantastic idea for picnics. And food in jars is also appealing and eye catchy. Thanks for sharing Helen :)
Recipe Junkie
Oh wow – LOVE this idea – will be back later on to grab the recipe :-)
AmandaE
I have never tried doing food-in-a-jar however this recipe looks like the perfect introduction! Love the layers of color and how delicious it looks/sounds.
Natasha
I’m in love!!!! I NEED some jars now?
Helen
Thanks Natasha. Look out for more food in jars soon.