CUTTING COSTS: HOMEMADE YOGURT

With the economy the way it is, I have been searching for ways to cut costs on almost everything, the next few posts will outline some of my ideas that have helped.  First, yogurt, my family consumes vast amounts of yogurt.  Why, its fast, its easy, it tastes great and is healthy!!!  A big part of my monthly food budget has gone to yogurt, that is, until I did some research and purchased a yogurt maker, and now I make all our yogurt.  The yogurt maker has already paid for itself!!!

Pictured is the yogurt maker I purchased, the Yogurmet, which I highly recommend.  You can make 2 quarts at a time, or just fill the container half full and make 1 quart.  This gives me the option to make large amounts which is good for my situation, you might like to shop around for other yogurt makers, there are many on the market.

I have a vanilla yogurt recipe that my family loves.  Just add your favorite jam or jelly and flavor it your way!

                                                                                   VANILLA YOGURT

1/2 gallon milk (I like to use 1%, whole milk makes a very creamy yogurt)

2 cups instant dry milk powder

1 cup sugar

1 tablespoon vanilla

3/4 – 1 cup plain yogurt(starter)

Mix first three ingreidents until sugar and podered milk are dissolved.  Heat mixture to 180 degrees.  Cool down to 110 -115 degrees.  Add vanilla, and starter, stir well.

Fill containers with yogurt, place in preheated yogurt maker and leave until set, 4 – 6 hours.

Note:  The temperature must remain between 110 – 115 degrees, you can use your oven, dehydrator, or yogurt maker.  This recipe makes a creamy nice yogurt.               

                                                  VANILLA FROZEN YOGURT (Pinkberry style)

3 cups strained whole milk plain yogurt. (strain 6 cups yogurt to get 3 cup strained in cheese cloth in refrigerator for 6 hours)

3/4 cup sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla

Stir ingredients until sugar is dissolved, refrigerate 1 hour.

Place in ice cream freezer and freeze according to manufacturer’s directions.

Tastes yummy fresh frozen.  You can also add your favorite flavoring just before freezing.