easiyo yogurt maker any good? or make your own? (merged)

cjb02

I want to have a go at making my own yogurt.

I found an instruction guide here (I want to use instant as I have some in the cupboard that I want to use up)

I am thinking about using actimel or yeo as my starter (which ever is cheaper but both contain different live culture).

I intend to use a thermos flask as the incubator.

Has any one got any tips or pit falls to be aware of?

Ta

glitterkitty

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/717089

I find this thread has loads of hints and tips for all kinds of yoghurt making!

cjb02

I did search and didnt find that. thanks

cjb02

An update on home made yogurt success.

I used a starter, a candy thermometer, a wide necked thermos flask and milk/dried milk .. which made great yogurt. Several times

what I did...
Bought some live yogurt from sainsbury.
Warmed milk with a bit of dried milk in up to 180°F
Cooled milk to 110°F
Put in a couple of tablespoons of live yogurt. Gave it a good stir.

Whilst this was going on, I put just boiled water in the flask to warm it up. When I was ready to put warmed milk in I pour hot water out.

I then put warmed milk/yogurt starter into thermos
Put top on and sealed up
Left in living room for 8hours or so.
Went back and poured out , needed wooden spoon to get all out as very thick in parts and runny in others
Poured in to a jug and gave a good whisk, so it was all the same consistency
put in fridge for several hours to cool and thicken up even more

Ate

Tastes great!

Left over yogurt form starter I put in fridge in ice cube tray and when i want another batch, pop one out.

Made numerous batches using all low fat dried milk, all full fat milk, mix of semi skimmed(which was just going off) and full fat milk..

Success every time!
Made yogurt , cant believe how easy and simple it is.

toni_

thanks for the update, this is something ive wanted to try for ages, looks simple enough is it ok to keep using the yoghurt you've made to start off a new batch?

cjb02

toni_ wrote: »

thanks for the update, this is something ive wanted to try for ages, looks simple enough is it ok to keep using the yoghurt you've made to start off a new batch?

Quick answer: Yes but no more than 5-6 times.

long answer:

I read up on doing that and there are mixed messages

Most sites suggest you can about 5 or 6 times before it loses its potency. then they have to buy a new starter.

1 person I found said yes as long as you always made a new batch with in a 5 or 6 days. using a couple of tables spoons from last batch, then they have just kept on using it.

because I have been using the frozen yogurt, I have had no problems at all. (most posts suggests though that frozen yogurt should be used with in 5-6 weeks though)

what I want to try though in future is when I make a batch and freeze it in ice cubes straight away to maximise bacteria content. thats the plan anyway.

cjb02

oh and since making the first post and now, I have I think made 4 batches may be 5 of 2 pints at a time. as milk is 99p for 4 pints from lidl and 2pints of milk make 2 pints of yogurts that works out at 24 1/4p per pint. The original starter cost £1.09p and I still have lots left.

Eenymeeny

I freeze a couple of spoonfuls of starter into ice lolly moulds (6 at a time as that's how many are in the set!) Less messy than trying to fill ice cube trays.
When my yogurt starts to age (go 'gloopy') I have a fresh supply of frozen starter available. Just remember to stand it in a small glass or cup to defrost a couple of hours before making)
No problem as yet with freezing it for months and I just refill the whole set when I use the last one. HTH

cjb02

I have been sticking it in to the pan as a frozen block and just stirring it in. Turned the heat on now and then and made sure it didnt go above 110°F.seems to work as I am not organised enough to get it out a couple of hours before.

Eenymeeny

cjb02 wrote: »

I have been sticking it in to the pan as a frozen block and just stirring it in. Turned the heat on now and then and made sure it didnt go above 110°F.seems to work as I am not organised enough to get it out a couple of hours before.

Thanks for that, didn't think that it would work from frozen! I always thought that the starter yogurt had to be at room temp before adding. Means that I can make a batch first thing in the morning now, always worried about leaving it out to defrost all night:)