You Too Can Make Yogurt!

It is easy to make homemade yogurt! You dont need a fancy yorgurt maker, just a simple crock-pot will do. This recipe is not as sweet as the "junk" you buy in the store, but you can add your own sweetner to suit your taste. The great thing about making your own yogurt is that it's cheaper than the "junk "in the store. And to make it even better you can spell you ingredients. Nothing that takes a scientist to recite.

First you need a crock-pot. Next you need 2 quarts of milk. I used 2% milk. You can use whatever type of milk you like. When I measured my milk I used a quart size canning jar. You are free to use a measuring cup too. You start by pouring your milk into your crock-pot. Set the dial to high and your timer to 2 hours. Now this is what works for my crock-pot, it may take yours a little shorter or longer time but you need to reach 180 degrees. No need to stir, just let it heat up. At this point you may add 1/2 cup of dry milk to the milk. This will make for a creamier yogurt. The choice is yours.

Now cool the milk to 116 to 118 degrees. It needs to be at this temperature. Now add 1 cup of yogurt, you know the" junk" from the store. Once you make your own you wont have to buy the "junk" anymore, YEAH! You will need to keep the crock in the pot so to speak, with a bath towel over the whole unit. Now I live in an old farmhouse and it is always cold and drafty, so I put a large pot of water on the stove on low so it will just release steam. The milk mixture will need to stay warm, I put mine next to the stove so it can benefit from the warm steam. You an place it on a heating pad or even in the oven. I would not use the warm setting on your crock-pot if you have one. I tried it the first time I made yogurt and it almost carmelized it. Chickens enjoyed it. Now leave this alone for 6 hours, maybe longer depending on how warm your home is. It needs to set up and be somewhat firm. Go do something else or do this at night while you are asleep.

You did it! You made yogurt. Now put your yogurt into a container and fridge it overnight. It will be ready for you for breakfast. Dont eat it all! You need to save a cup to start your next batch. It will last for a week or two in the fridge.

We like ours, kids included, with diced peaches, bananas strawberries, blueberries, and all types of jams. The kids like theirs a little sweeter so I mix in either honey or vanilla. The sky is the limit to what you add to your yogurt. My sons girlfriend said to add a teaspoon of cocoa to it for chocolate flavored yogurt. I have to say I did not like it one bit.

Now go get your crock-pot and put it to work. Enjoy the fruits of your labor. It is so easy, I promise. You will never have to buy the "junk" again.