I Think I've Lost My Mind

Obviously I've reading too many earthy, frugally, coupony blogs lately. Por ejemplo, I just bought 2 packs of diapers, 2 deoderants, a fancy toothbrush, luxury bodywash, and 8 rolls of TP for $5. For. Reals. Which is good, right, except that it takes about the whole week to plan how you're going to do such dastardly deeds. And you go crazy doing it. And it doesn't stop there....

In the last few months, I've begun making my own cleaning spray, dishwasher detergent, fabric softener, bread, and other things.

But, and here's the clencher....I'm now considering making my own yogurt. Did you even know you could do such a thing? Yeah, me either. Until I got hooked on these weirdo blogs. What is happening to me? Truly, I never thought I'd see the words "heating pad" in a RECIPE, and think, "oh, cool!" But yes, I am definitely going to try it. You should try it with me. To make me feel less insane.

Deb's Homemade Yogurt (oven style)

Alternative method of yogurt making

Makes 1/2 gallon
1/2 gallon milk (I use fat free)
2 cups instant dry milk powder
1 cup sugar or your choice of sweetener
1 Tablespoon good vanilla (I use Mexican)
1 6-8 oz. container yogurt with active cultures (first batch after that save some of your own)
Thermometer
Large, heavy, pot
Electric stove with light or gas stove with non-auto pilot light. Can also use a heating pad/towel/and box to cover)

Place milk in pot and add dry milk powder. Stir well.

Heat milk to 180 degrees, stirring now and then so bottom doesn't burn

Fill sink with ice cold water and place pot insde sink, Add sugar and stir well. Cool down to 110-115 degrees. Add vanilla. Add yogurt and stir well.

Fill containers of your choice and seal. ( I use jelly canning jars) Place on cookie sheet or heat proof tray.

Heat oven to 110-115 and turn off. Turn on oven light.

Place yogurt in oven on upper rack and check oven periodically to make sure it stays between 110-115.

Yogurt will be "done" in 4-6 hours but you can let it incubate for up to 12 depending on how tart you like it and how much beneficial bacteria you wish it to have.

Serve plain or with any kind of fruit. Suggestions: Top with sliced bananas, peach or cherry pie filling, or stir in plain vanilla.