So I always thought that making homemade yogurt was inconceivable...yet lo and behold it is in fact easy! I finally decided to give it a try as it is healthier and definitely cost effective. Let's compare prices before jumping into the recipe below. A quart of yogurt can be found typically for $2-5 depending on brand and whether it is organic. On average, your low cost quart of yogurt is usually $2.50. Now, when I make homemade yogurt I use a whole gallon of milk thus my only cost is the cost of a gallon of milk. For those who forgot your metrics...1 gallon=4 quarts! Thus a savings of roughly 75%!!! Of course there would be a small addition of cost added in for sweetener but in the end it is undeniably a frugal, healthy, and tasty way to go!!
Crock Pot Yogurt
- Turn your crock pot to low and pour in 1/2 gallon of milk. If you use a whole gallon, make sure you cook according to the temperatures below.
- Heat on low for 2 hours and 30 minutes. (180 degrees)
- Once 2 hours and 30 minutes have elapsed turn your crock pot off and unplug it. Let the milk cool in the crock with the lid on for 3 hours. (110-115 degrees)
- After 3 hours remove 1-2 cups of the warmed milk and place in a bowl. To that add 1/2 cup of yogurt with live active cultures and mix very well.
- Pour the yogurt-milk mixture back into the milk and whisk thoroughly.
- Place the cover back on the crock and wrap the entire crock pot in a thick bath towel or two.
- Let it culture overnight, 8-12 hours.
- In the morning stir yogurt (if desired) and store in glass quart jars or a container of your choice.
- For optimum texture, refrigerate for at least 8 hours before using.
- Now, sweeten as desired with honey, fruit, granola, etc. Or blend with fruit in the blender for an awesome fruit smoothie!
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