How to make home made yogurt

It is very easy to make your own yogurt.  I make 2 quarts at a time and put it up in 1 pint jars.  Here is how to do it.

You need:

1. Half gallon of your choice of mile (I use fat free)

2.  One small container of plain yogurt, cheap brand, Walmart is fine

3.  Thermometer and various bowls or pitchers

4.  Four pint jars with lids.  (Some plastic wrap - Optional)

Pour the milk into a large bowl and heat it in the microwave until it is between 160 and 200 degrees.  In our 1000 watt microwave, I heat it for 18 minutes.

Remove the milk from the microwave and skim the skin off the top of the milk using a wisk and discard it. (The skin not the wisk)

Place the thermometer into the milk and let it cool until it reaches 120 degrees.  This takes about 30 minutes.

Pour the plain yogurt into the milk and stir it for about 2 minutes until it is completely dissolved.  

Pour the mixture into the clean jars, place a small piece of stretch plastic wrap over the top of each jar and then screw on the lids.  The plastic is used to protect the lids so you can reuse them over and over.

Place the jars in a room temperature dark place for 48 hours.  I simply put them on the top shelf of a cabinet.  Write yourself a note so that you don't forget to remove the yogurt after 48 hours.

When the time is expired, remove the jars and place them in the refrigerator until you are ready to use the yogurt.  When served, add in some of your favorite fruit if you wish.

Note:  You can use a flavored yogurt as a starter but don't expect it to flavor the end result.  The difference is insignificant.  Fancy expensive starter yogurts may not work as well as a cheap plain yogurt.  I buy milk when it is on sale and try to purchase 4 half gallons at a time.  I use 1 half gallon jug and put the other 3 in the freezer.  I purchase 4 starter yogurts at the same time and keep them in the fridge.  Do not freeze your starter yogurt.