From the desk of Dawn:
So I set out on a mission to make yogurt, make it easy, delicious, cost effective and healthy! Whew! Found it!
I am sitting here writing this with the most delicious yogurt I have ever tasted! Let me share the process with you....
It's a little time consuming but very simple.
1. Pour 2 quarts of organic whole milk into a slow cooker/crock pot.
2. Cover and cook on low for 2 1/2 hours.
3. Unplug the slow cooker/crock pot and let stand, covered for three hours.
4. Pour 2 cups of the milk into a bowl and whisk in a heaping 1/2 cup of an active-culture yogurt; put mixture back into the slow cooker and stir to combine.
5. Put the lid back on and wrap the entire slow cooker in a heavy bath towel to insulate.
6. Let stand for eight hours.
I started this after supper and by bedtime I wrapped the slow cooker and went to bed. In the morning I had 2 quarts of delicious yogurt!
Homemade yogurt is thinner than store bought because you are not adding any thickeners. You can strain it through some cheese cloth and make it very thick and rich and save the remaining leftovers for baking, soups, stews, etc. I didn't find a need for this.
I did puree some fresh strawberries/blueberries and mixed them in....you can be creative!
Now, I typically pay $4.25 for a quart of organic whole milk plain yogurt. I paid $3.80 for a 1/2 gallon of organic whole milk and ending up with 2 quarts of yogurt! Whew! That's a savings! And I can assure you it tastes better!
Remember to save 1/2 cup of the newly made yogurt for your next batch. And, PLEASE share your ideas!
