Yogurt... DIY Style!

Betcha didn't know you could make your own yogurt, didja?

It's so much fun and super yummy.  The best part... it's so easy because you use your crockpot! 

We make a batch or two a week and it usually lasts about 2 days before we eat it all!  I like my yogurts flavored and The Father enjoys just plain.  As a compromise, we rotate!

What's that?  You enjoy thick, creamy Greek Style yogurt better?  Just strain it through a cheese cloth over night in the fridge!  It's that simple.

With out much further ado, I give you...
Crock Pot Yogurt!

This is the recipe we started with.  Then we made a few variations for our flavored varieties.  I suggest you start with the recipe in the link before you try it flavored.  Just a few pointers and suggestions before you begin: Make sure the milk is not "Ultra Pasturized," your yo just won't gurt if you do.  Sorry.  Also, no need to buy a vat of plain yogurt.  A single serving container is just enough to get the job done.  After you make the first batch, you won't need store bought anymore. 

Here is our twist on the subject. 
We use organic whole milk.  *Kroger really needs to stop upping the price, seriously!*  For the starter, we used a single serving of Dannon plain flavored (is that a flavor?)

Follow the regular instructions until you get to the part about mixing in the starter.  In you small mixing bowl add a 1/2 of sugar and 2Tbsp of vanilla extract.  Add in your warm milk and the starter and mix up really.  Be quick so it doesn't cool off too much.  After you pour everything back into the crock pot, give it a super duper stir.  I use a wooden spoon. 

When your 8 hours are up, measure out a cup or so to use as your starter for the next batch.  The rest goes into a cheese cloth lined noodle strainer balanced over a bowl to catch the dripping.  Store over night in the fridge and the WA-LA!  You have Greek Style yogurt!  If you don't want to strain it, no one is going to make you, but I do suggest ladling off the liquid that is at the top. 

Ok, so you don't like vanilla yogurt, but you would like a flavor.  Hit up Google for recipes of compote.  You can have blueberry, strawberry, pineapple, broccoli flavored... the possibilities are endless!  Just stir it into your yogurt and off ya go!

Enjoy!

Now I just need to learn how to make my beloved Kefir!