DIY Homemade Yogurt

I know what you are thinking: homemade anything diary has the potential to KILL me if I make it wrong. Ok, maybe you're not thinking that, maybe it was just me. I don't know what it is but I seem to have an irrational fear of warm milky things and runny eggs. But when I saw a DIY tutorial on how to make your own yogurt in this month's Ready Made magazine I thought, "It's now or never. I ain't gonna live forever." (Yes, I am pretty sure Bon Jovi was thinking of mastering homemade yogurt when he wrote this). So I tried it.

 It worked. It was like magic. And I ate it and lived to tell the tale. You can too:

All you need is-1 quart %2 milk and 3 tablespoons of plain yogurt (any kind will do as long as it has live-cultures).

In a large sauce pan heat the milk until frothy and steamy (but not boiling). If you have a food thermometer check that it's around 180 F. Remove from heat and allow to cool for a minute or two (until 115 F) then whisk in yogurt. Transfer the mixture to a large glass jar (or two) and wrap in towels to keep warm. Place the wrapped jars in a warm, draft free place for 8-10 hours (overnight). Unwrap your jars and cool in the fridge for a few hours before eating. Yogurt will stay good for 5-7 days. 

Mine turned out a little more runny than store bought yogurt, which probably means it didn't stay warm enough through the night. I will be making this again-I love yogurt with toasted oats and fruit!

Comments

[Lauren]

I never knew you could make your own yoghurt! I learn something new EVERYday!
Thanks emma! I love your posts
:)

[miranda]

I've heard it can be done, but I have been too chicken to try it out. I think I will have to do it soon, it sounds good.

[Lauren]

p.s. emma i think your blog is beautiful thats why i nominated you

http://theperfectpearpair.blogspot.com/2010/04/few-exciting-things.html

[Bekka]

We have a friend who does this...I wondered how he did it. But, you know, I never bothered to google it or anything. :)

[Amanda]

I am constantly making homemade yogurt but I cheat and use a yogurt maker that was pretty cheap on amazon. $15 bucks...Totally worth it IMO :)

Good luck with your next batch. I use mine for pinkberry duplicate, just toss in a icecream maker with a little vanilla and sugar 30 minutes later you have an exact match...:)

[sara f]

thanks for sharing! it's one of those things i really wanna try making :)
when i was a kid, my parents had this machine (?) for making yogurt. it kept the milk+yogurt mix at the right temperature, i guess.

[Erin]

The trick to making it thicker? But a paper towel on top of your container (it works best if you has a flatish container). When you remove the towel to get your yogurt the top layer will be thick like greek yogurt. Replace the paper towels every time you get some yogurt and it will keep being tick. Warning the paper towls soak up a lot of liquid it will most likely look yellow and gross but no worries. It's still yummy underneath!