AUTHENTIC HOMEMADE YOGURT

AUTHENTIC HOMEMADE YOGURT image

Categories Game

Number Of Ingredients 4

3/4 cup plain yogurt, preferably Greek-style, with live cultures
1 quart whole milk
1 quart half-and-half
1 pint (optional) heavy whipping cream

Steps:

On a work surface, lay four clean cotton towels in a cross pattern, each with one end overlapping a few inches in the center. Position a large baking dish or glass mixing bowl in the center of the towels.
Set the plain yogurt on the counter to warm to room temperature while preparing milk mixture.
Combine milk and half-and-half in a large, heavy, non-aluminum pot. Heat over low to moderate heat, stirring constantly, until mixture just comes to the boil. Immediately remove from heat and pour mixture into the waiting bowl.
Add 1 pint whipping cream, if desired, for added richness.
Allow mixture to cool to 112 degrees F (44 degrees C). Gradually pour 1 cup of the warm milk into the yogurt, whisking constantly. Return the yogurt-milk mixture to the bowl and stir well.
Cover bowl with plastic wrap; wrap kitchen towels up and over bowl, covering completely. Let stand at room temperature until firmly set, 8 to 12 hours.
Refrigerate yogurt several hours or overnight to chill completely.
Note: Be sure to reserve 1/2 cup or so of this batch of yogurt to use as a starter for your next yummy batch. Each generation you make becomes just a little more tart.