homemade yogurt …

March 19, 2010

homemade yogurt recipe

i was at a discount store the other day, and i came across a yogurt maker for $29.99, the price was originally $90. i snatched it up, because i’ve been wanting to try to make homemade yogurt for a while. and, boy am i glad i did!

the yogurt turned out tasty and thick and creamy, more like the yogurt in europe. and, the best part is, it saves you a ton of money over time. i used organic milk to make my yogurt, and you know the price of organic yogurt these days. plus, i substituted agave nectar for sugar, making it much healthier! because, really… have you read the sugar content in yogurt these days? it’s more like candy really…

With a few easy steps, you can be well on your way to making homemade yogurt too!
I purchased this yogurt maker, and I really like it.   They aren’t necessary, but I found a great deal, and I liked all the jars with screw on lids it came with.  I hear you can even use your crock pot to make yogurt. see here.
Another tool that is necessary is a thermometer.  I just used my candy thermometer and it worked just fine.
Yogurt is typically made using milk, plain yogurt [for a start to keep the live and active cultures], and sometimes dry non fat milk.
Here is the recipe that is used that came with my yogurt maker.
For more recipes, and tips click herehere, + here.
{Rich Vanilla Yogurt}
makes 6 servings
4 3/4 cups lowfat milk [2%]  – I used 1% organic milk and it turned out fine.  you just need to up the processing time by one hour.
2-3 tablespoons agave nectar or honey
1 tablespoon vanilla paste1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons dry nonfat milk
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons plain yogurt [or you could use the freeze dried yogurt starts]  – I actually used greek yogurt for my start and really liked it.  Otherwise, I’d recommend mountain high brand.
directions
heat the milk in a saucepan with high sides over medium heat.  Place the thermometer and when the milk reaches 180 degrees F and is about to boil, remove from heat and stir in the agave nectar or honey, vanilla paste, and vanilla extract.  allow the milk to cool to 110 degrees.  To speed up the cooling process, whisk the liquid frequently or place saucepan in a bowl of ice water.
Once the liquid reaches 110 degrees, whisk in the dried milk and yogurt until the ingredients are thoroughly homogeneous.
Pour liquid into jars, and place jars into yogurt maker without lids.  cover and set for 10 hours and press the on button.
When yogurt maker is done, the yogurt should have gotten thick.  Remove and screw on the lids and place in fridge to set up at least 3 hours before eating.
Enjoy!

11 thoughts on “homemade yogurt …

  1. Kirsten

    What an awesome score! I've been thinking about making my own yogurt… Now, I just have to wait to find a deal like that.

    One other thing you might find interesting – agave nectar might not be as "healthier" as I once thought it to be – http://bit.ly/aPMb7U It actually has more fructose than honey or sugar.

    Reply
  2. The Maltese Kat

    I make my own too and LOVE it! I usually make just plain and add fruit and honey when it is time to eat. I am excited to try your vanilla recipe, thanks for sharing.
    -Katie

    Reply
  3. amanda

    can i ask where you got your steal of a yogurt machine? i've been trying to get my daughter to eat more yogurt, and it would be more fun to eat it if she made it with me.

    Reply
  4. Heather

    That looks so neat! Now try to make frozen yogurt out of it! Homemade frozen yogurt us SO good! I've never made homemade yogurt, but it looks good!

    Reply

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