Yogurt

One of the best Christmas presents that came my way this past year was having Miki spend a few days with our family. An added bonus to her visit was that she showed me how absolutely simple it is to make yogurt. And CHEAP!

• Pour 1 gallon milk into crockpot. Cover and bring to 180º on high; this will take about 2 hours. You can use a thermometer, or just watch it until it almost comes to a simmer. Don't let it boil!
• Remove lid and allow to cool to about 115-120º, or until you can put your finger in it and it's not too hot. This will take an hour or so, and you can stir it a few times while it's cooling. It needs to cool down enough so that it won't kill the starter that you add next, so I gauge it like I do when adding yeast when making bread.
• Stir in an individual-size container of yogurt. Any kind will do; I usually use vanilla unless I still have some of the homemade stuff left, and then I add about 1 cup of that.
• Cover; wrap entire crockpot well with large towels or blankets and let sit on the counter for 8-12 hours. It will look like ET has come to visit.
• Unwrap and you will have yogurt - it's like a present from Miki every time I do it! Pour into containers and refrigerate.

After the unveiling

This batch seemed a little thin, but I think it's because a curious gremlin partially unwrapped it during the night...I'm pretty sure it will thicken up just fine.

Voila! 16 cups of yogurt from a $3.50 gallon of milk!

I've read a few versions online, and you can really use any amount of milk, depending on the size of your crockpot. You can also use whole or 2%, but the whole milk yogurt will taste better (of course). Next time around I think I may try using an almond or coconut milk.

You can also stir in fruit or jam or whatever. I usually just stir it into granola for breakfast, but I also use it in smoothies that dad & Kris drink. This morning I stirred some whey protein, nuts & craisins into it while it was warm, and that was really yummy.

Thank you, Miki! Hope you come back soon!