RECIPE for yogurt...(m)
I got this from this board of course and although i have not done it yet a friend has and she said her DS loved it!!
Basic steps to make 1 qt. of yogurt:
1. Sterilize milk by heating it in a pan (not in microwave, though this can cause "hot spots" and cold spots where bacteria survive) until small bubbles form & is *almost* boiling, around 180-185 F.
2. Cool to about 112 F. Meanwhile, if using purchased yogurt as starter, set it out at room temp. to warm up.
3. Add yogurt starter. You can buy the powder at a health foods store, or 2 tablespoons of plain yogurt with live and active cultures. Look for some "fresher" yogurt with a very distant expiration date for stronger cultures.
4. Pour milk mix into a *warmed* quart jar, Pyrex bowl, custard cups, etc.--pref. something with a lid, in my experience!
5. Incubate it for 4-8 hours, depending on how tart you like it, by putting the container of milk mix into a picnic cooler and pouring very warm water in around it. Or if you have a big cooler, set the yogurt container into a big pot of hot water, inside the cooler. Don't cover the top of the container with water!
You need to keep the water between 90-120 F, as close to 112 as possible. You really don't have to check it or change water much--you'd be surprised how well it holds the temperature, and the more you open it, the more heat you lose. Lower temps or shorter time make milder, sweeter yogurt. Temps closer to 120 or longer times make tarter, firmer yogurt. Also gets firmer the longer you let it incubate--can go up to 12 hours or so.
6. Remove a small amt. as starter for your next batch, and add any flavorings or anything to the rest of the batch *after* incubating. Refrigerate.
Sounds like a lot, but basically all you are doing is warming milk, stirring in starter, and letting it sit for a day. Easy! A thermometer really helped, too.
You won't believe how tasty this yogurt is. Also good with regular milk--the higher the fat, the creamier it is.
