How do i make my own yoghurt with a yoghurt maker (not easiyo)

[Yael]

Hey guys,

I bought a Breville Yoghurt Maker, but I'm kinda stuck on how to make it. The recipe book they provided says to use 6 cups of milk, 1/2 cup natural yoghurt, and full cream milk powder.

Problem is I can't get kosher milk powder I have tried as i need it for something else, but apparently it is all exported to the USA for use in commercial confectionery making, and there is some watertight deal about not selling it or something.

So the recipe also says you can make it omitting the starter yoghurt and milk powder, but using bacterial yoghurt starter. What is bacterial yoghurt starter (is it just the bacteria, or has it been part of food before - 'cos then i would need to look for a kosher version which becomes complicated!).

Somebody told me you could just use milk and a scoop of a yoghurt which has natural starters listed as an ingredient (which i have), is that true??

What do you guys use to make your yoghurt??

Thanks

[heliana]

yes just use yoghurt and leave the milk powder out. I'm trying to think why its in there and all I can think is a. for flavour and to thicken it, or b. for the extra sugars to feed the bacteria. You could try add a spoon of honey to the mix incase its b.
You've probably made your yoghurt by now but anyway

[heliana]

forgot to say, we drink unpasturised milk, so I just mix a few spoons of yummy paris ck yoghurt in there and leave overnight it in an oven thats been turned off. = yoghurt! Amazing to me. Also if you leave it on the bench another day or two and strain it and mix in some salt = cheese. Yummy soft cheese too. This is only raw milk though I think, normal milk I imagine will go off.