How To Make Homemade Yogurt
The purpose of a yogurt maker is primarily to maintain a constant, steady temperature for incubating healthy homemade yogurt. Yogurt contains live active cultures that require a temp-controlled environment in order for the fermentation process to take place. Making yogurt is easy. The only ingredients you’ll need are a little plain yogurt starter, milk and powdered milk (optional). Any type of milk can be used ” cows milk, goats milk, skim milk or soy milk. Making homemade yogurt is very inexpensive because you can make a quart for about half the price of store brands. It will keep in the fridge for up to 3 weeks.
To start your homemade yogurt process, you will need to heat the milk over medium heat in a clean saucepan. Do not allow it boil. It should be heated until small bubbles begin to appear around the edges of the pan. Raising the temp will destroy any nasty bacteria that would harm the culturing process. Once the unneeded bacteria is eliminated, the live active cultures can begin their natural process of fermenting and growing. Another trick to use is to add a little powdered milk to make your yogurt thick. If you don’t want runny yogurt, this will do the trick but it is not required. Next is the yogurt starter. You will need to purchase a small container of yogurt from your local supermarket. Be sure it states that it contains live active cultures. It needs to be plain and organic if possible. Many cooks recommend Stoneyfield Farm because it does not contain additives.
Homemade Yogurt Recipe
1 quart or 4 cups milk 1/3 cup instant powdered milk (optional) 1/2 cup plain yogurt containing “live active cultures”
In a medium sized saucepan, heat the milk and powdered milk using medium heat. Raise the temp of the milk to 170 degrees while stirring. Do not let the milk boil. Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature. When the correct temp is reached, removed the milk from the stove and allow to cool.
Add the plain yogurt only when the milk has cool to around 115 degrees. Slowly stir the mixture until it is well blended. Pour the yogurt mixture into a warm yogurt maker. Replace the top and leave it to incubate for 6 to 12 hours. Do not open the lid during the incubation process.
When the appropriate time has passed, set the container of yogurt container into the fridge and let it cool for at least four to eight hours before eating it. Now you have fabulous homemade yogurt.