Making Greek Yogurt - Wow, it worked

I came across a recipe last week on how to make Greek yogurt.  I was amazed at how simple it seemed.  I found this recipe using the crockpot on OnGoodThingByJillee website.  It was titled:  Foolproof Crockpot Greek Yogurt {And I mean FOOLPROOF!} 

I thought to myself, what would it hurt to try.  I was a little grossed out to read that the milk was left out for hours at a low temperature but moved ahead with her recipe.  I know, how did I think yogurt was made.   I will tell you that this took LONGER than I ever imagined.  It took a while to get the crockpot to warm the milk to 180 degrees.  I only did a half gallon of milk and I used a full container of plain Greek yogurt as my starter when it called for once the milk cooled back down to 115.  I also used 1.5 cups of powered milk.  I wanted to make sure it was thick.

I kept the yogurt in my oven closed with the light on and a sign to not open the oven or to not turn off the light.  I left it there for about 12+ hours.  Every once in a while, I would put the oven on it's very lowest setting and back off again, to make sure it stayed warm.  Probably overkill on that step on my part.  I kept thinking that this was not going to work.  When I pulled the two glass (not lidded) bowls out of the oven, the mixture was stiff.  hmmmm  Into the fridge for a couple of hours...

 When it was time to be the guinea pig, I spooned some out into a dish.  Thick, check.. at that time it did not need strained.  I didn't see any extra liquid.  I added some honey and maple crunchies... Took a bite and was pleasantly surprised it was thick and creamy.  Hmmm.. I might like this.

I will say, it's not that sweet yummy Greek style yogurt containers I buy all the time.  This is plain, tart yogurt.  I tried more later in the day and when I opened the container, I was surprised by liquid that needed drained.  I just tipped it out of the bowl.  The next time I had some, I added crushed pineapple and a little bit of splenda to taste for me.  I loved it.  I may just be making this for at home more often.

If you are going to try it out, make sure you have all day to try it out.  The next time I make it, I'm probably going to heat the milk in a pot on the stove instead of waiting for the crock pot. 



Thanks for stopping by!  
~*~Trish~*~