Yogurt in the Crockpot!

27 March 2009

I seriously cannot believe it - I made yogurt in the crockpot! Monday I attempted almond milk yogurt, and it didn't solidify, but my kids have been enjoying honey almond milk all week. Determined to make a go of homemade yogurt, I tried again with cow's milk yesterday and it worked!

I followed A Year of Crockpotting's blog post about how to make the yogurt, and then added Funky Food Allergies' idea of tapioca starch when I added the starter container of yogurt. It is incredibly easy, and had maybe 5 minutes of hands on prep.

Ingredients:

- 64 ounces (1/2 Gallon) of whole milk (I used Horizons Organic)
*I will try almond milk again!
- 1 starter container of yogurt, 4 oz w/live cultures (I used Stonyfield Organic)
- Optional thickeners: 1/4 cup tapioca starch (can be bought at any Asian market), or 1/4 dry powdered milk
- Fruit to flavor
- Can also add honey and vanilla to taste
- Large Bath Towel

Directions:

- Plug in crockpot and turn to "Low." Add an entire half gallon of milk. Cover and cook on low for 2 1/2 hours.

- Unplug crockpot. Leave the cover on, and let it sit for 3 more hours.

- When 3 hours have passed, scoop out 2 cups of the warmish milk and put it in a bowl. Whisk in 1/2 cup of store-bought live/active culture yogurt, and 1/4 tapioca starch. Then dump the bowl contents back into the crockpot. Stir to combine.

-Put the lid back on your crockpot. Keep it unplugged, and wrap a heavy bath towel all the way around the crock for insulation.

-Go to bed, or let it sit for an additional 8 hours.

- In the morning, the yogurt will have thickened---it's not as thick as store-bought yogurt, but has the consistency of low-fat plain yogurt.

- Blend in batches with your favorite fruit. I used bananas and blueberry. Bubbles will form, but will settle

- Chill in a plastic container(s) in the refrigerator. Your fresh yogurt will last 7-10 days. Save 1/2 cup as a starter to make a new batch.

Benefits:

- Cost! (Check out the chart on Year of Crockpotting's blog comparing Yobaby and the homemade)
- No hidden ingredients! You know exactly what is going in it!!!

Servings: (16) 1/2 cup servings, 1/2 Gallon of Yogurt

Cost:

1/2 Gal Organic Milk on sale: $1.50
Starter yogurt (one time cost): $.75
1/4 Tapioca Starch: $.15
Fresh banana: $.10
Fresh blueberries: $.45

Total for 1st Batch: $2.95
Total for Following Batches: $2.20

1 comments:

Anonymous said...

Good Show! Homemade Cro-gurt, yummy. I am thrilled to see that someone else is concerned about their family's nutrition - and budget conscious. You should write a book...let me know if you need an editor :)

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