Crockpot Yogurt

[SandyMilton]

I made my first batch of crockpot yogurt this weekend. It's pretty flipping good if I do say so myself! As much yogurt as the kids and I go through, it's definitely cheaper to make my own. I will probably be making a gallon every weekend.

Currently making some crockpot granola to go with the crockpot yogurt

[jburke]

Sandy, where did you find your recipe for crock pot yogurt? I've been looking for a good recipe, that someone could validate, to try that out in my crockpot. Thanks!

[SandyMilton]

Originally Posted by jburke

Sandy, where did you find your recipe for crock pot yogurt? I've been looking for a good recipe, that someone could validate, to try that out in my crockpot. Thanks!

I looked up about every yogurt recipe I could and went with a combo of those (many very similar), and what a friend of mine uses.

This is what I did... (keep in mind I made a gallon because the kids and I go through a lot of yogurt, so I had a dozen 8 ounce jars and a quart once I was done)

Gallon of milk
1 pouch of powdered milk
heat in crock until at least 180 degrees (or you could speed this one up by putting it on the stove, double boiler, or microwave) - this kills any bacteria.My crock has a temperature probe and immediately goes to "WARM" once it hits the programmed temperature.

Keep in mind at this point, any utensil you put in the milk should be sterilized by soaking in boiling water so you do not reintroduce bad bacteria into the yogurt.

Allow the milk to cool down to around 115 degrees, ladle out a cup or two in a sterilized measuring cup or bowl (simply let boiling water set inside to kill off any bacteria) and add in one room temperature container of yogurt (store bought - I used Stoneybrook Farms - as long as it has the live cultures in it, it's good). Gently mix the yogurt into the milk in the measuring cup or bowl, then reintroduce that mixture back into the milk in the crock and stir gently to distribute some.

Once it's cooled, allow the crock to cook on the warm temp - as long as it doesn't go above 120 - the time allowed depends on if it's firmed up yet - and taste. I let mine go 8 hours for my first batch, but it was overnight and I wasn't waking up any earlier

Anyway - the yogurt set nicely, had a layer of the whey liquid sitting on top. I poured the whey off (other suggestions is use it for additives to smoothies, pet foods, soups - it's got protein in it). I then took a whisk and whipped up the yogurt in the crock. Still had lumps, but I don't see them diminishing any except for maybe using a mixer or blender. A little too much effort for me. I will keep the lumps lol. I used a ladle to jar up the single servings, and a spatula to get the last quart out.

Let the rest of the setting to take place in the fridge.

I eventually took some of the quart and reduced that down some more by putting a strainer over a bowl, lined with cheesecloth and allowed the yogurt to reduce down to a nice thick batch. Almost like greek yogurt. Yum!

I flavor the yogurt with honey, agave, vanilla, sugar & fat free cheesecake mix, granola, berries - you name it, I try it LOL! The flavoring depends on my moods

[andr117]

Hi! I have already tried it and have good result I like it very much but still cant do it very often! Unfortunatly! Share your results later!

[SandyMilton]

Oh the second batch I made was even BETTER - I replaced a quart of the milk with a quart of half and half. Once I added the "starter" yogurt to the milk, I let it set for 5 hours and that was about it.

It was thicker, less tart (the longer you let it set, the more tart it becomes), CREAMY - omg it was creamy. We've got a winner! It's not low in calories, but it's not all about the calories - it's about eating foods you can pronounce the ingredients to

[happymommy]

I'm going to have to give this a try. Thanks for sharing! I would've never thought you could make it in a crock pot!

[Queen Beez Handbags]

I think I'll try this in the next week or two. I've heard homemade yogurt is delicious. Thanks

[awundrin]

I too made this last week and found it heavenly! It's great tasting and easy to make. I'm totally hooked now and plan to make more for when the inlaws visit in a couple of weeks.

[Queen Beez Handbags]

Finally tried the recipe and it didn't turn out. It never thickened. I think having the old standard crock pot with just a low-high setting killed the magic.

[MrsCyrcus]

I would LOVE to try this, but the only good crockpot I have was used for candles only! I'm afraid to try it with my older one but it sounds like it doesn't work too well.