Easiyo failure- help please!

seraphina

Board Guides: I've had a peek through the previous yoghurt threads but I can't find an answer - please feel free to merge if you think this sort of thing should be in the big yoghurt threads - thanks!

I have been trying to make yoghurt in my Easiyo from a frozen starter, without success. Usually, I put in 1 litre UHT milk (usually skim, sometimes whole), 1tbsp dried milk and 2tbsp yoghurt starter. However I have run out of fresh yoghurt starter so I tried to use some frozen yoghurt I had stored in an ice cube tray for this.

It hasn't worked and I have tried it twice, each time I am left with a thin, curdled mess that smells of cheese. What am I doing wrong? I have added the yohurt cubes frozen and I have left them to defrost, it doesn't seem to make a difference.

Also, if I want to make half the amount of yoghurt (ie only 500ml milk instead of 1litre) would I need to change the water level in the Easiyo?

All help appreciated!

fudgem

I've never tried using frozen yoghurt as a starter so I'm sorry I can't help. Although I've used the easyo flask to make my own, I never fill it with boiling water as they recommend for their mixs, I just put a little in the bottom to help keep mine warm. Do you start your yoghurt from cold milk?

mrs_baggins

How long did you leave it? I am sure I read a thread somewhere to say that this persons was curdled and she (?) found out it was because she wasnt leaving it long enogh and if you get it before its done it does curdle. I am sure i didn't make that up! maybe!

seraphina

Thanks for the replies!

I'm using cupboard-temperature UHT milk, but I have used chilled milk before (ie fridge temperature, and it worked fine). Maybe boiling water + cupboard temperature milk is too warm?

I've been leaving it overnight so for at least 12 hours. I do remember someone saying that they were told to leave it longer and it sorted itself too.

I have just finished sterilising the Easiyo pot (in case of nasty bugs) and am off to try again - will check on it at bed time and if it's not looking good leave it until tomorrow.

Thanks again:T

fudgem

I warm my UHT milk slightly in the microwave before using it, never had a failure yet touch wood

seraphina

Well, this morning I have yoghurt! :j

I sterilised my Easiyo pot with one of those baby's bottle sterilising tablets to make sure everything was very clean, added 4 cubes of frozen yoghurt and let it soften. I added a bit more milk powder than usual and then mixed it gently with some skim UHT milk at cupboard temp. I topped it off with the rest of the milk and stuck it in the easiyo.

I read yesterday that overvigourous mixing can delay the yogging process so I tried to stir rather than shake. Next time I might try warming my milk slightly. Anyway, my faith in Easiyo has been restored - it was getting expensive!

Thanks for all your hints and tips!