We’ve been hearing about the health benefits, the live cultures, and the soothing properties of yogurt for a minute now. And from what I can tell, it’s all true.  Yogurt is a miracle food.  And it’s a lot easier to make that miracle in your own kitchen than you might think.

You should note, however, that homemade yogurts are looser, since unlike store bought brands, they contain no gelatin.

Ingredients

1 quart milk (can pick your preference: non-fat, low-fat, or whole)

2 tablespoons of fresh plain regular yogurt or Greek-style yogurt (again you can pick your preference)

Yes only two ingredients!

Directions

Pour your milk into a large, heavy stock pot and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.  Stir regularly.  When the milk becomes foamy, pour it into a large bowl, and place the bowl into a sink full of cold water.  You want you milk to be 110 degrees.  You can purchase a food thermometer at the market when you pick up your ingredients.

Whisk a ¼ cup of the now 110 degree milk with the 2 tablespoons of yogurt.  Whisk this mixture into the remaining milk.  Pour the mixture into two large glass jars (i.e. mason jars) and cover with towels.  Place jars in cooler.  Fill a few more mason jars with hot water and place in the cooler as well. This keeps the milk warm.  Let the jars sit (with the cover on the cooler) for between 8 to 12 hours to set.  Though it will be looser as mentioned, it will look like yogurt. The longer you let it sit, the tangier the flavor will be.

If you so choose, mix in your favorite fruit preserves, dried fruit, or nuts.

-Arianna Schioldager