Greek Yogurt

Today I have an awesome recipe for you all!!! Have you all jumped on the greek yogurt bandwagon? well if you haven't you need to!! Greek yogurt not only is thick and creamy but it is oh so good for you. It is packed with calcium and protein(i mean it has 2x the protein regular yogurt has) and lets not forget how good yogurt is for our digestive systems. Anyway, I switched my family over to greek yogurt a few months back but as many of you may know it is really pricey especially for those of us on a tight budget. So I was so happy to find a recipe to make yogurt or greek yogurt at home on one of my friends blogs. Go here to see her blog she has a lot of  great recipes and info on there!! I tried it out last night and it was so easy and so cheap and so creamy and yummy. All it takes is time people so you have to be patient but it couldn't be easier!!  It is so important for us all to be more self sufficient so get up and make yourself some yogurt!!

Greek Yogurt/Yogurt

(makes about 6 cups greek yogurt but would make way more regular yogurt)

3/4 of a gallon of milk(anykind fat free, 2% or whole doesnt matter)

3/4 cup plain yogurt(for a starter to get the process going)

1/2 cup powdered milk(optional) it makes the yogurt creamier especially if you are using a no fat or lower fat content milk

Crockpot

blanket

thermometer

mesh colander/strainer and cheesecloth or I used a flour sack towel(cause I didn't want to have to spend money on cheesecloth)

Pour your milk into your crockpot.(I have a 4 qt one that I used if you want to make more yogurt use your bigger crockpot just make sure your milk and yogurt ratio match up)

Heat the milk until it reaches 180 degrees(this took about 2 hrs for me) when it reaches 180 unplug your crock, take the lid off and let cool until it is around 110 degrees. In a seperate bowl mix together the plain yogurt and powdered milk and stir well. When your milk reaches 110, add your yogurt mixture and stir well. Place the lid back on and wrap the crockpot in a blanket till it is all covered with it. Let it sit on the counter for about 6 hours(i only had to let mine sit for 5)just until it is thick like yogurt. You will notice a watery substance on the top, this is the whey You can mix it in and put your yogurt in the fridge and it is ready to eat when chillled.

If you want Greek Yogurt you will need to place your flour sack towle or a couple layers of cheesecloth in a mesh strainer and place it over a bowl. Pour your yogurt into the lined strainer, put it in the fridge and let some of the whey strain out. Check it after a few hours to see if it is thick enough and if not, let it sit and strain some more.

You can make the yogurt or greek yogurt exactly how you like it. Add pureed fruit to it or chopped up berries or add a little agave or honey for sweetness because it is plain yogurt and will be a bit sour. I added honey and pure vanilla extract to mine and it was wonderful.

THis is how I ate if for breakfast with a little sprinkle of granola and a cut up banana. So good

This is what it looks like. believe me it is really creamy and smooth despite what the picture looks like and if you want it to look really smooth just whip it with a wire whisk for a few minutes.

Oh and don't throw your whey away. The liquid left in the bowl use it to replace the liquid in your bread or pancake recipes or to replace the buttermilk in biscuit recipes. Or add to smoothies. This stuff is oh so good and protein packed as well!!!