How to make Yoghurt (with no Yoghurt Maker/Easy-yo)

[Netix]

I read a recipe a while back that said how to make yoghurt, but don't know where, or the finer details. I don't even know if it was on bellybelly or not!

I only remember something about hot water, and putting some of the already existing yoghurt into the 'new' yoghurt tub/container (even the exact type of vessel eludes me).

Can anyone help me here? Thanks.

[Bloom]

Hey Netix,

I know there has to be a thermos involved somewhere as you have to keep the combined milk and yoghurt warm. I also know you have to heat the milk to the right temperature before adding the yoghurt and if its too hot then it kills the yoghurt but if its too cold it won't set... I know that's not terribly helpful...

Personally I have an easi-yo which I think is great...

Hope you find answers soon,

Ruth

[Netix]

I was thinking of buying an easy-yo. Do you use it often? (Like once every week or two, depending on how much yoghurt you and your family eat I suppose.. )

Are the easy-yo mixes nice? If I get one, I think I would choose the no-sugar ones, as its for the Bug mainly, and we all have enough sugar in our diets without needing more...

Thank you for your help though, it seems an easy-yo might be the easiest thing.

[Bloom]

Well, my DH doesn't eat yoghurt so it's just for me (at this point in time) and yes, I use it about once every 10 days. I prefer natural yoghurt and I use the skim variety which is quite tart but I find it's a nice natural flavour. The greek yoghurt is great too but lots of fat in that one! I've made greek yoghurt to serve instead of cream with dessert. It lasts for about 10 days in the fridge or so (maybe longer but I always eat it before then!)

I have never ever had a batch not work out and it's quite flexible with the amount of time you leave it in the thermos for (between 8-24 hours) so that's handy if you are forgetful or out and about a lot.

It's super easy to clean, you only need hot water for the thermos bit, cold water in the jar and a sachet (which I buy from coles). Easy! If you have yoghurt often, you'll make your money back pretty quickly because store bought yoghurt is pretty dear.

[Netix]

Yeah, I know its dear! I only ever buy the one litre tubs, and only if they are on special. I also try to make them last a week.

I have just never spoken to anyone with an easy yo before, so wasn't too sure how good they were, but I think I will get one now.

I think I would probably make it about as often as you, maybe more. I eat it, the Bug its it, and the Boy might, not sure, as I never let him know its in the fridge , as he would eat the whole tub I think. A sachet makes about a litre of yoghurt, doesn't it?

Thank you.

[Bloom]

Yep a sachet makes 1 litre. My coles sells the sachets for about $2.70... pretty good value!

[kellsbells]

I normally live in East Africa in an area where you can't buy yogurt so all of us 'Wazungu' (white people) have figured out a very easy way to make yogurt from powdered milk. This is by far the easiest way to make yogurt I have seen because you never have to worry about getting the temperature right. It's perfect for a beginner and for busy mums. It takes about as long as it takes for your kettle to boil. I make 2 litres at once and here it is:

Put the following ingredients IN ORDER in a container with a lid:
2 cups room temp. water
4 cups just-boiled water
3-3.5 cups milk powder (we only have full cream powder available so haven't tried skim)
4 Tbsp natural yogurt (the fresher the better)
2 cups room temp. water

Stir and cover. Wrap a couple towels around container and leave out for 4-12 hours, then refrigerate.

Stir and remove 1 or more 4 Tbsp. servings and put in freezer for next batch. You don't need to defrost but if you prefer to defrost, do it overnight in the fridge and not the microwave to reduce risk of killing the yogurt.

TIPS:
1. The longer you leave it out to incubate, the stronger the flavour will be.
2. By varying the amount of milk powder you put in, you can obtain your preferred thickness. I find 3.5 cups to be closest to the thickness they sell in Australia whereas 3 cups is thinner like in Europe.
3. If you live in a cold place, you may need to use a more insulated container.

Enjoy!

[kellsbells]

I forgot to mention that after the initial purchase of store-bought yogurt, each batch of 2 litres will cost you about $1. We buy Home Brand powdered milk

[Netix]

Thanks Kell. That is pretty much what I read from memory. As it just so happens, I bought a bag of (full fat) powdered milk the other day. Might make half the amount to begin with to see how it goes. Thank you!