My New Thing

Homemade yogurt:

Healthy. Cheap. Delicious. Versatile. EASY.

What can I say? I'm addicted. I've been making yogurt about once a week for just over a month. And I'm never going back.

What to do:
1. Set the crockpot on low.
2. Pour in 8 cups of milk.
3. Whisk 5-6 Tbs. dry milk (optional).
4. Heat for 2 1/2-3 hours.
5. Turn off crockpot and let sit for 3 hours.
6. Whisk in 1/2 cup store-bought plain yogurt with live cultures.
7. Put lid on crockpot and stick just the pot part in the oven (cold) for 8-12 hours.
8. Strain using a cheesecloth (I use a thin dishtowel). This step is also optional, but it makes the yogurt a little thicker.
9. Flavor as desired. (It's better if you do this right before you eat it.)
*Store for 1-2 weeks (you'll eat it before then).


What I've learned:
*Whole milk is the yummiest, but any kind will do.
*I add the powdered milk because it makes it a little thicker (and healthier). The stuff you buy has gelatin in it to thicken it.
*After the first time you can save out 1/2 c. of yogurt to use for your next batch.
*You can substitute it for sour cream in recipes. The kids and I like it on our food (like baked potatoes and Mexican food), but Joe won't try it. It is a little runnier than sour cream, but since it is plain, it really doesn't taste any different.
*Use the whey (strained off part of yogurt) instead of water in recipes. For example, I've been using it when I make bread.

What I love:
*Yogurt parfaits.... a new fav. family breakfast. Add some frozen fruit and granola and wahlah! If it's not sweet enough--add some honey.
*Pina Colada (without alcohol, of course). Add crushed pineapple, sweetened coconut, and some sliced almonds.
*Yogurt and fruit smoothies satisfy my sugar cravings.
*Add some cream of coconut milk. DELISH!!!
*Any frozen fruit, fresh fruit, or jam is good, too. We've also squeezed limes and added some honey.... there are so many things!
*My kids love a small bowl as an after-school snack. And Mom doesn't mind. :)

You should try it!