★★★★★
1)a crock pot
2)milk-any kind you wish, I started off with whole milk
3)yogurt starter- you can use the probiotic package kind from a health food store, or just go out and buy an 8 oz. PLAIN dannon for a starter (starters add probiotics to get the culture STARTED. ) save a cup at the end for the next batch. Prep time is approx. 10 min total
STEPS:
1)BOIL WATER TO SANITIZE CROCKPOT-OPTIONAL
2)put milk in crockpot and turn "ON":ANY KIND OF MILK- (1ST TIMERS USE WHOLE MILK)
a)high for 1-1/2 hrs. Or:
b)low for 2-1/2 hrs.
3)turn crockpot "OFF" for--- 3HRS. ----- and let cool to 170 degrees (the purpose thus far is to have killed ANY bad bacteria-personally I've never used the thermometer just strictly followed the recipe (cooling is imperative or your yogurt will not culture.
4)after the three hours take lid off of crockpot and add starter--stir with wisk to get starter thoroughly mixed in. 5)take a clean bathtowel and cover the whole crockpot and let sit for 8-9 hours to culture the probiotics. The longer the more sour the taste( some people prefer more sour)
Milk to starter ratio: 1Gal. milk=1cup starter
1/2gal.milk=1/2cup starter
and so on.......
6)To refridgerate: take a collander and a bowl... (bowl preferably larger than the collander)flip a small salad bowl upside down to elevate the collander-line the colander with coffee filters, or cheese cloth (I used a new t-shirt washed and bleached). And let the whey protein (chock full of amino acids that are good for you)drain out into the big bowl-the longer drain= thicker yogurt (I like it thick like greek yogurt). The amino acid filled whey can be drunk, added to recipes requiring water(baking), boil pasta in it etc.. If you don't like plain, put honey or fruit on top yum! Once you do this a couple of times it is so simple. I wanted to share this recipe with earthclinic readers because of the health benefits to me personally and hopefully to others:
1)reduces acid reflux
2)probiotics loosen stool (not diarreah)like popular yogurt advertised on t. V. Haha!
3)can be used in female remedies
4) so satisfying it can be used in weight control by diabetics who eat small meals.
5)used by people w/ gastrointesinal issues
6)when using lower fat milk(have'nt tried skim yet), can be used as a delicious alternative in soups, casseroles, desserts etc. To lower total fat intake. Aside from being very healthy it is easier on the pocketbook. I make homemade yogurt for approx.. 60 cents a quart versus $6. 00 a quart at the grocery store. God Bless and have fun with it!
