Slowcooker Yogurt

Can you REALLY make yogurt in your crock pot? YES! Here’s how:

[NOTE: I used a 4-quart slowcooker.]

1. Warm 8 cups (1/2 gallon) whole milk (you can try reduced fat, but it will likely be thinner; you might need to add more dry milk to get the desired thickness) on low for 2.5 hours.

2. Turn the slowcooker off and unplug it. Allow to sit for 3 hours.

3. After 3 hours have lapsed, scoop out 3 cups of the warm milk and whisk in 1/2 cup instant nonfat dry milk, then whisk in 1/2 cup plain yogurt of choice (the yogurt acts as a starter; as long as it has live cultures, it will work). Pour this mixture back in with the rest of the milk in the crock and whisk to mix. Put the lid back on and wrap the ENTIRE slowcooker in at least one thick towel. Let sit 8-16 hours to thicken.

4. Scoop your homemade yogurt into containers and allow to continue firming in fridge. This makes enough to fill two of the containers that used to cost me $4/each!

[NOTE: Remember to reserve a 1/2-cup to use as your next starter! I have been doing this each week, and it's awesome! Saves me some money, and I have noticed that using my own yogurt for the starter makes a thicker batch -- I think because the cultures are fresh. In my opinion, this is one of the BEST things you can make in a slowcooker!]

Makes about 16 1/2-cup servings. Enjoy! :happy: