Homemade Counter-top Yogurt

by MomLaur83 on June 8, 2011

So easy-peasy! Unbelievably so! And cheap! And healthy! And did I mention easy? ;0)

Check out Kitchen Stewardship’s post on why homemade yogurt is so great!
You only need these 4 things:

  •  4 quart crock pot
  • 8 cups of milk (I used homo, but you can get away with 2%)
  • 1/2 cup yogurt starter (could be any yogurt with LIVE BACTERIA, or 1/2 cup yogurt reserved from a previous batch – *UPDATE – I’ve been using Greek yogurt and I end up with a MUCH THICKER yogurt in the end!))
  •  Towel
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla (Added this because my kids don’t like it unless it is vanilla :D)
Measure out 8 cups of milk into your crock pot. Set it on low for 2 1/2 hours.

Unplug the crock pot and let sit, covered with the towel, for 3 hours. (*EDIT At this point add in the vanilla.)

Take out a cup or so of the warm milk. Stir in your yogurt starter, cover with lid, wrap towel(s) around the crock pot, and let sit for 8 hours. Unwrap and enjoy!

Presto, change-o – YOGURT! It is smooth, creamy, plain (sweet if you add vanilla!), and slightly tangy.

If you don’t like straight-up plain, add in some pureed or fresh fruit.
Or drizzle on some honey or maple syrup.
My favourite combo? Honey and toasted almonds.
Yum!

Store in the fridge in a covered container. I plan on making some using the yogurt culture - you can buy them flavoured or just different styles of yogurt – but for now, this is gold! 

Tagged as: countertop, crock pot, easy, greek, homemade, slow cooker, vanilla, yogurt

  • http://www.darbyjane.blogspot.com Darla

    does any store bought yogurt have live bacteria in it? how do you know? I have been wanting to make my own for awhile now, but haven’t given it the research it needs I guess, to do it right. I’ve heard how easy it is (love that), and of course the health benefits! Just wanting a place to start I guess. You used milk from the store (pasturized, homogenized)? Not from a farm/cow etc. So curious. I want to do this! Give a few tips!! I just tried to ask you via fb, but I wasn’t your friend anymore, not sure if you are using that anymore. But you can comment here, I’ll check back, thanks!

    • MomLaurM

      Check the ingredients on the yogurt – I used Astro original natural yogurt. I could have gone organic, but didn’t have the time to search. It will say on the label though if it has active/live bacteria. Another good reason why I want to try the packaged variety.

      I used milk from the store – you can use any milk though (farm fresh if you want). It all depends on how expensive and fatty you want your yogurt ;0) In Canada, our milk is hormone free, I know it’s much different down in the states. 

      PS I’ve been off facebook since January, considering getting back on for the summer….

  • http://www.darbyjane.blogspot.com Darla

    Thanks. I’ll look into here. Yes, the dairy thing here is different than it is there, for sure. Something to figure out and try this summer! Thanks for the help!

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