1/2 gallon whole milk (organic, if possible)
2 tablespoons plain yogurt (label must say “live, active cultures”)
1. In a heavy saucepan over medium-high heat, slowly heat the milk to 180°F. Turn the burner down as low as possible, and “hold” the milk at this temperature (it may climb a bit, which is fine) for 5 minutes. Remove from the stove.
2. Cool the milk to 115°F. You may wait for this to happen naturally or set the saucepan in a sink filled part-way with icy water.
3. Stir a bit of the now lukewarm milk into the 2 tablespoons plain yogurt. Scrape this milky yogurt back into the saucepan. You’ve just inoculated your milk with the starter culture.
4. Cover the saucepan and find a way to keep it warm (110°F-112°F) for 6 to 12 hours, or longer, until thick. This is the incubation phase. (You may wrap the pot in a blanket or heavy towel and set it someplace warm in your home. You may wrap it in a towel and set it in the oven with nothing but the oven light on. Or you may set the covered pot on a heating pad on the lowest setting after confirming that the temperature hovers around 110°F.)
5. Transfer the yogurt to a clean container. Chill for several hours before eating. If you like, strain off some whey to thicken (keep it!), and whisk until smooth.
[Story: To change the flavor and texture of homemade yogurt, use a different type of milk]
Adapted from Yogurt Culture (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2015) and TeamYogurt.com.
Each week, The Splendid Table brings you stories that expand your world view, inspire you to try something new and show how food brings us together. We rely on you to do this. And, when you donate, you'll become a member of The Splendid Table Co-op. It's a community of like-minded individuals who love good food, good conversation and kitchen companionship. Splendid Table Co-op members will get exclusive content each month and have special opportunities for connecting with The Splendid Table team.
Donate today for as little as $5.00 a month. Your gift only takes a few minutes and has a lasting impact on The Splendid Table and you'll be welcomed into The Splendid Table Co-op.