Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Home-made Yogurt!


My good friend demonstrated at a church activity how we can make our own yogurt! I was very excited to learn how easy it is! My kiddos love having yogurt and smoothies, but it can get expensive purchasing it at the grocery store. This method requires you to only purchase one small container of plain yogurt one time! Because once you make your own you just save some of yours to start the next batch! I just tried my first batch last night. It seems to have turned out well....the taste test is coming soon!
Here is the recipe and method she shared with us:

Homemade Yogurt Directions:

--8 cups (half-gallon) of milk--pasteurized and homogenized is fine, but do NOT use ultra-pasteurized. I used powdered milk (I mixed 3 1/3 cups of powdered milk with 8 cups of water to make 8 cups of milk. I mixed it in a blender to make it smooth).

--1/2 cup store-bought natural, live/active culture plain yogurt. She recommended using the Greek plain yogurt. (you need to have a starter. Once you have made your own, you can use that as a starter)


--thick bath towel

--4 quart Crockpot

Directions:

1. Turn Crockpot on low
2. Pour in your 8 cups of milk
3. Cover and cook on low for 2 1/2 hours
4. Unplug your crockpot
5. Leave the cover on, and let it sit for 3 hours
6. After sitting for 3 hours whisk/stir in 1/2 cup of store-bought live/active culture yogurt
7. Put the lid back on your crockpot. Keep it unplugged, and wrap a heavy bath towel all the way around the crock for insulation. Do not disturb the yogurt. Do not move it once it is in this stage.
8. Go to bed, or let it sit for 8 hours.
9. The yogurt will have thickened
10. Chill in a plastic container(s) in the refrigerator. Your fresh yogurt will last 7-10 days
11. Save 1/2 cup as a starter to make a new batch.
13. Blend in batches with your favorite fruit

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