To make yogurt, you need to start with a little store-bought yogurt. Choose one with live and active cultures; they need to be present for homemade yogurt to set. If you like Greek-style yogurt, let the finished product drain overnight in a cheesecloth-lined sieve set over a bowl to thicken.
Recipe: Homemade Yogurt
Summary: MAKES 1 QUART
Ingredients
- 4 cups whole milk
- 3 tablespoons thick yogurt with live and active cultures
- Special Equipment
- A deep-fry or candy thermometer
Instructions
- Heat milk in a medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring and scraping bottom of pan often with a heatproof spatula (for a smooth yogurt, take care not to incorporate too much air), until thermometer registers 185°.
- Reduce heat to low and cook milk, without stirring or letting it heat above 185°, for 20-25 minutes (it will be slightly thicker at the longer cook time).
- Place pot in a large bowl filled with ice water. Stir constantly until thermometer registers 110° (don’t go below). Immediately and gently stir in yogurt. Pour mixture into a 32-ounce jar. Cover jar and place in a warm spot in kitchen. Let mixture sit for 10-12 hours (do not disturb jar).
- Taste yogurt. If you prefer a thicker, tangier yogurt, let it stand 5-8 hours longer. Refrigerate. Remember to reserve 3 tablespoons for your next batch!
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