I have a friend who grew up in a huge family– 12 kids I think. or 15? Anyway, her mom made yogurt and they would eat it by the gallon. We got talking about the fine points of dairy culturing, so I thought I’d give it a whirl.
It was surprisingly simple. I filled a sterilized quart jar with almost hot (110-115 degrees Fahrenheit) tap water to within 2 inches of the top. I poured about 1 cup of that water into my blender, added 1 cup of non-instant powdered milk (which I need to rotate through my food storage anyway) and 1/4 cup plain yogurt (that’s the starter). After that was all blended nicely I poured it back into my jar of water, put the lid on then put my jar in a little picnic cooler filled with 115 degree water to incubate. 5 hours later it was done!!
We mixed in thawed frozen berries as we ate it and downed the jar in one day. We’ve even polished off the second batch. Plain yogurt from the store is usually too sour for me, but this is so mild and tasty. I don’t think we’ll ever be buying yogurt in mass quantities from the store again.
It was also a good experiment with bacteria. A “science experience” as Logan would say.
I want to do a science experience.
Hey, YOGURT! I got a yogurt maker for Christmas. I have yet to try it out – I’m kind of nervous to do it. I’m not sure what to sweeten it with…I’ve thought about experimenting with some honey, but I would imagine that would change the consistency…?
jill- i didn’t sweeten it at all– just added frozen fruit after it was done and it was yummy! plain yogurt is sooo good for you. it may take a while to get used to it sugar free, but it is worth it.
Jessica – so neat!
Check over on our blog, we gave you a little “award” today…
whoa, 15 kids! i love this idea, and that inside the fun is a science experiment! very cool.
ps i love your site redesign! the linen background is so soothing…
Once again, you have me shaking my head at your daily accomplishments.
I have lots of bacteria growing around here but I wouldn’t touch it…much less eat it.
My mom used to make yogurt when we were young, but I’m sure it wasn’t nearly as tasty as what you had!
Nor as much fun to make! Great job!
Sounds pretty cool Jess! We have just been puree-ing our fruit and adding it to the store bought stuff for a blended yogurt that’s healthy. I’d like to try the homemade plain though!