Just a few months ago I let you know I made yogurt in my crockpot – I used a recipe from Crockpot365, and went to work on a Sunday afternoon.
This past week I picked up 32 oz. of Simple Truth Organic Yogurt at Fry’s for the kids – less than 24 hours later it was all gone.. and while I’d rather them eat yogurt than other less healthy foods, I don’t think I can realistically make it to the store daily to pick up a tub. So today I decided to make some more for the kids.
::: 8 C. of Whole Milk (do not use anything other)
::: 1/2 C. Yogurt with Live, Active Cultures.
::: Thick bath towel or two
::: Slow Cooker
To get started, pour 8 C. of Whole Milk into the crock pot and turn it on low. I set my timer on the crock pot for 2 1/2 hours. Once the time is up, then turn the crock pot off, unplug, and let it sit. Do not open the cover.
When 3 hours have passed, remove 2 C. of the warmish milk, and whisk 1/2 C. of the store-bought yogurt….. and then dump it back into the crock pot.
Put the lid back on the crockpot, leave it unplugged, and wrap the crock pot in 1-2 heavy bath towels for insulation. Then, put yourself to bed for 8 hours.
Once you wake up, the yogurt should be done. Put the yogurt into plastic containers in the refrigerator – but save 1/2 C. as a “starter” for the next batch you make.
Do you know how long does the ‘starter’ last for? Can I freeze the ‘starter’?
I’m not sure :( We have never had time pass too long.. My kids can finish that crock pot in less than 3 days. I figured that, even with the cost of milk, it’s still cheaper than buying it in store ($3.00 for 32 oz. versus the $3.99/gal I paid for Shamrock Organic which I can use to make 2 batches).
I usually run into Fry’s every OTHER day (or send Dave) to check if Horizon Organic is on clearance, and it usually always is.. the store he goes to is in an area that people dont buy organic so their stuff is always on clearance, so I get those gallons and freeze them if I can find them.
Can I use the ‘starter’ from vanilla yogurt? and perhaps add some vanilla extract at the end of the recipe? I just bought organic stonyfield vanilla yogurt 32ozs for $2 after coupon from Sprouts, which won’t last long (like your kids, mine love yogurt, especially vanilla!) Thanks, Sheryl!
just keep 1/2 c. back of the stonyfield. That’s a great price on Stonyfield this week. I have to get some too. My kids can destroy some yogurt. LOL
I do this too. It’s a great recipe. You can even strain some of the whey out (I use a colander lined with coffee filters). This results in “cream cheese” which is great for baking. I usually do half of the batch. Then water your plants and bushes with some diluted whey.
I like your fancy crockpot, I will like one like yours.