How To Make Yogurt With Your Yogurt Maker

If you have recently purchased your yogurt maker I am sure you are eager to get started on your first batch of healthy, delicious yogurt. Before you begin, carefully read the instructions that come with your yogurt maker. Be selective when choosing your ingredients.

The two basic ingredients when making your own yogurt in a yogurt maker, is the milk and the starter. If you like for your yogurt to have a thin consistency then use a low-fat milk. If you are using milk that has been refrigerated, heat it until it comes to a boil. Let it cool before continuing or the heat will kill the bacteria cultures. When the milk reaches room temperature, then you can add your starter.

When choosing your starter, pick a container of plain yogurt from the store and make sure it has live bacteria cultures. Make sure the yogurt has not expired because the bacteria will weaken with time. You can also use dry yogurt culture which comes in little packs and can be purchased at most health food stores.

Once you've added the starter to the milk, stir it carefully. If you stir the mixture too vigorously or not enough, the bacteria's ability to grow will be affected and could yield bad results. At this point you can pour the mixture into your pre-heated yogurt maker.

It usually takes between 8-10 hours to make yogurt in a yogurt maker. The longer you leave it in the yogurt maker, the thicker the consistency. But be careful. If left in the yogurt maker too long, the curd will separate and the yogurt will have a more tart taste.

Once the yogurt is done, place it in the refrigerator to cool for 4 to 6 hours. Now you can have fun customizing your yogurt to your tastes. You can add honey, maple, fruit, nuts or jams. Or you can have it plain!

Eat the yogurt as soon as possible because over time the bacteria will grow weak. Refrigerated, plain yogurt is good for up to two weeks. Any flavored yogurt will not last as long. Yogurt makers are easy and fun to use so don't hesitate and just dive right in!

The author's website Yogurt Maker Enthusiast features tips on yogurt, using a yogurt maker, yogurt starters and homemade yogurt recipes.