Sunday, February 27, 2011

Yogurt.

Cream-top yogurt with homemade granola has become somewhat of a staple in our house. We can't get enough of it. I cringe, however, when I go to pick up a $3 32 oz. plain organic yogurt that I know will be gone in a matter of 2-3 days. I just can't justify spending that much on breakfast when I could eat toast or eggs for a lot cheaper.

Considering our habit's expense and my love for making things from scratch, I decided that it was time to start making our own yogurt. It's so easy it's laughable--All you need is a crock pot, some milk, and some yogurt (yes, that sounds weird, but you'll see).

Sunset Hill Yogurt

1. Pour 1/2 gallon of milk (preferably raw or organic and pasteurized. Avoid ultra pasteurized) into your crock pot. Cover and turn on low for 2 1/2 hours.

2. Unplug the crock pot. Let sit for 3 hours.

3. In a separate bowl mix 1/2 c. plain yogurt (w/ active cultures...just look for those in the ingredient label) with 2 cups of warm milk from the crock pot. Pour the mixture into the crock pot. Replace the crock pot lid and wrap the crock pot with heavy towels. Let sit for 8-12 hours.

4. Viola! You have homemade yogurt. Will keep for 7-10 days. Keep some yogurt reserved as a starter for your next batch.

The great thing about homemade yogurt is that it is half the price of the store-bought stuff.

Store bought organic yogurt: 32 oz. for $3.

Homemade organic yogurt: 64 oz. for $3. (I buy gallon jugs of $6 organic milk).

I've been chowin' on this for the last two days and it is yummy. Totally worth it.