Do any of you have a yogurt maker? I am trying to decide between the electric one or the Yogotherm(sp) nonelectric. Our main problem with the non-electric one is that we keep the house so darn cold that I'm not sure if it would work here- I even have problems raising bread.

-- Trisha-MN (tank@linkup.net), February 13, 2001

Answers

Trisha- Save your money- you don't need a machine to make yogurt. I just heat the milk to just below boiling; let cool a bit (as per starter instructions); add starter; then I pour the milk into canning jars, lid them, and stick them in an empty cooler overnight. By morning the yogurt has set and I put the jars in the fridge.

-- Elizabeth (ekfla@aol.com), February 13, 2001.

I put the jars of milk in warm water and wrap it up in blankets or winter coats- this works just fine - even in a very cold house

-- kelly (kellytree@hotmail.com), February 13, 2001.

I set the jars on a heating pad, but next time I think I'll try blankets.

-- Cindy (SE In) (atilrthehony_1@yahoo.com), February 13, 2001.

Thanks everyone. I think I'll save my money then. Where do you purchase the starter or do you use some of the yogurt like you do for sour cream?

-- Trisha-MN (tank@linkup.net), February 13, 2001.

I purchase a small container of plain yogurt from the grocery store and use it for starter.

-- diane (gardiacaprines@yahoo.com), February 13, 2001.

I'm glad you posted this as I have considered the same thing. I've never had homemade yogurt before. Does it taste the same as store bought or is it better? How do you add the fruit?

-- Denise (jphammock@msn.com), February 13, 2001.

I buy a box of acidophulus starter at the health food store- around $4.50 for 10 packets. They last forever because once you make the first batch you can use some of your own yogurt as starter for subsequent batches. After a while, though, I use a fresh packet of starter- usually if I am going to be out of town for awhile, I'll use up the last of the yogurt before I leave, then make up a fresh batch when I come home weeks later. Homemade yogurt is far superior to storebought, especially if you use goat's milk. If I want to add fruit, I wait until I am ready to use the yogurt- fruit is fresh that way and doesn't get mushy. Just add fruit and stir to mix it in. BTW- if you haven't made yogurt before, it might sound compicated- it is much easier than it sounds.

-- Elizabeth (ekfla@aol.com), February 13, 2001.

I have the Yogotherm and if you would like it send me your address, just send me my postage back after you receive it. First come first serve. I like using my crock that sits on my water heater better. I start a batch with the culture, it makes much better, and makes batch after batch with saving some of itself, than using the yogurt from the stores. My health food store in town carries it. Vicki

-- Vicki McGaugh TX (vickilonesomedoe@hotmail.com), February 13, 2001.

Denise emailed me for it already. Thanks....Vicki

-- Vicki McGaugh TX (vickilonesomedoe@hotmail.com), February 13, 2001.

Wow, I've never made yogurt, but I think I will now. We buy it to eat, but after all the rave reviews, I guess I'll go look up a website on making yogurt and try it out. Thanks for the ideas!

-- Marty (Mrs.Puck@Excite.com), February 14, 2001.

I use the bottoms of the electric yogurt makers to keep the water in my rabbit cages from freezing. Anyone got any they want to get rid of? Dianne

-- Dianne (yankeeterrier@hotmail.com), February 18, 2001.

I make yogurt. Be sure not to use too much starter - about a teaspoon in a quart of scalded milk is way plenty. Too little is better than too much - too much will get yucky. Be sure to scald the milk first (same as making bread) to kill off the enzymes that'll interfere. Also, cool it back down to below 120 before adding the starter. I just use a little leftover yogurt from a container of the plain store-bought stuff. Then save some of your homemade batch for making the next one.

I use my oven with the gas pilot light inside, turned on to its lowest setting, which doesn't get over 120, until it gets done. Overnight, it turns into creamy wonderful yogurt that tastes far better than any storebought brand.

I use it to make fruit smoothies - blend with juice and fresh fruits, or for fruit salad - just add the fruit afterwards and a little honey. I don't add any fruits or honey beforehand... not sure how that would affect it.

Good luck and DO make some. You'll love it. Then, try making waffles with yogurt instead of milk. The flavor will knock your socks off!

-- Anna Ravenscroft (revanna@hockey.net), February 18, 2001.