Yummy Homemade Yogurt

Store bought yogurts are expensive. They contain chemicals for stabilization and many times artificial flavorings. They are harder to digest and lose many of the beneficial bacteria that help the digestive system and kill harmful viruses. It does take some planning, but the prep time before putting in the oven only takes approximately 15-20 mins. Making my own yogurt saves money, is more healthful, reduces waste (eliminates plastic containers from store bought yogurts) and is super easy and yummy.

1/2 gallon milk
2 cups instant dry milk powder
1 cup sugar (or your choice of sweetener)
1 Tablespoon vanilla
8 oz. plain yogurt with active cultures (first batch after that save some of your own)
Kitchen Thermometer
Large pot
**Makes 1/2 gallon

Pour milk and dry milk into pot and stir well.

Heat milk to 180 degrees, stir frequently to avoid burning bottom .

Fill sink with ice and water and place pot inside sink. Add sugar and stir well. Cool down to 110-115 degrees. Add vanilla. Add yogurt and stir well.

Place storage jars on cookie sheet.

Ladle into containers - I use mason jars. They make a nice seal and look pretty.

Heat oven to 110-115 and turn off. Turn on oven light. Place yogurt in oven on upper rack and check oven periodically to make sure it stays between 110-115.

It takes 4-6 hours for the yogurt to set up, but you can let it incubate for up to 12depending on how tart you like it and how much beneficial bacteria you wish it to have.

Be sure to save a batch for the next time you need to make it and use that as your starter yogurt.

If plain vanilla isn't your favorite just add flavors to individual servings. We like to stir in granola and fruits.