Homemade Yogurt?

jdelisle
jdelisle Posts: 1,050 Member
edited September 22 in Recipes
I recently saw a homemade yogurt making set at my local hardware store. Upon further research I noted that other main retailers carry it as well.

Has anyone had experience making their own yogurt? If so, how did it go?

Replies

  • Mindful_Trent
    Mindful_Trent Posts: 3,954 Member
    You can make homemade yogurt without any kind of kit. I dont' see why you should spend extra money on anything like that when you don't need to. It's not too difficult - you have to do it a few times to get the hang of it to where it doesn't take so long or seem so bothersome, but I was successful on my 1st try. The yogurt was good and totally worth it! I loved knowing exactly what was in my yogurt.

    I'll post a link to the method I used in a minute... have to go find it!
  • ladyhawk00
    ladyhawk00 Posts: 2,457 Member
    Homemade is really good - especially because you know exactly what's in it.

    It's actually very easy. You just get some yogurt starter and milk. Whatever yogurt maker you buy will have instructions, but basically you heat the milk to a certain temp, then add starter and cool to a certain temp. Put the milk+starter in the cups and put in the yogurt maker and wait. Usually takes about 6-8 hours. You can adjust time for how thin/thick you like it.

    You can also stretch the starter by saving some of the previously made yogurt and using it as starter (the starter is just the active culture, which already-made yogurt still has some). I don't usually use the previous yogurt more than once or twice, as it does start to get diluted and lose taste and consistency.

    Then add fruit or whatever you like.
  • Mindful_Trent
    Mindful_Trent Posts: 3,954 Member
    http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/2009/04/13/monday-mission-homemade-yogurt-the-easy-way/
  • ladyhawk00
    ladyhawk00 Posts: 2,457 Member
    Trenton is correct, you don't have to have a yogurt maker. Can be done without one, but I find the maker a lot easier as it keeps the temp stable (temperature is KEY) and I don't have to monitor it while it's going. And really, they aren't expensive. But whichever way, it's the best yogurt for you!
  • Mindful_Trent
    Mindful_Trent Posts: 3,954 Member
    Trenton is correct, you don't have to have a yogurt maker. Can be done without one, but I find the maker a lot easier as it keeps the temp (temperature is KEY) and I don't have to monitor it while it's going. And really, they aren't expensive. But whichever way, it's the best yogurt for you!

    The way I've made it (per the link I posted) doesn't require monitoring either - I stick it in a well-insulated cooler with a container of hot water to keep it warm, then change the water about 12 hours later. After another 12 hours it's done! I imagine a yogurt maker may be a little more convenient, but I just wanted to point out that the no-kit method isn't too labor intensive once you've done it once or twice.
  • ladyhawk00
    ladyhawk00 Posts: 2,457 Member
    Yeah, but after a day I'll forget about it! lol

    The makers are a lot faster, but either way works fine.
  • UpToAnyCool
    UpToAnyCool Posts: 1,673
    bump

    Edited to ADd: wow y'all. i'm totally impressed!
  • jdelisle
    jdelisle Posts: 1,050 Member
    Wow, thanks everyone! :) I'm excited to try making my own yogurt! I've made my own butter for awhile (not nearly as healthy as the yogurt, but it's a heck of a lot better for you (and better tasting) than the varieties you find in the store).

    Now I'm one step closer to eating natural :)
  • jessmomof3
    jessmomof3 Posts: 4,590 Member
    I have a yogurt maker, my MIL bought it for me for Christmas a couple years ago. But I haven't used it recently... now I'm motivated to make my own yogurt again! I only eat the plain or Greek yogurt anyway. It's very easy to make, just takes time!
  • anotheryearolder
    anotheryearolder Posts: 385 Member
    You can use your oven with just the light on as as incubator or, if your oven has a bread proofing setting, that works really well. I have used both methods successfully numerous times.

    As to a starter, any non-sweetened yogurt with active cultures will work for a starter. I have also made soy yogurt this way but it can be a little tricky, it likes to separate and get watery.
  • littleangel83uk2000
    littleangel83uk2000 Posts: 3
    yep i have a yogurt maker but have lost my recipe book that goes with it lol makes gorgeous yogurt that is tasty and thick!!! highly reccommended!
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