Slow Cooker: Yogurt

So I did it. I've been thinking about making yogurt for a while now...not exactly sure why, well besides that the yogurt in the stores have so much sugar and organic is expensive...I'm on this make-everything-myself-from-bread-to-lotion kick... I have a yogurt maker I was going to try, then I found this slow cooker yogurt recipe that seemed so easy and...most people have a slow cooker and not a yogurt making. I'll make it with the yogurt maker next time and see if there is any difference. The yogurt is great, but definitley not as thick as I read it would not be. I found the recipe link on my favorite blog Passionate Homemaking but the original like comes from Nourishing Days and for counter-top yogurt look here . You'll need to sweeten this yogurt, but you can also you it in place of sour cream.

-Turn on slow cooker to low and pour in 1/2 gallon of organic or raw milk
-Heat on low for 21/2 hours (or add
-Then turn off slow cooker (& unplug)
-Let milk cool for 3 hours (in slow cooker with lid on)
-Remove 1-2 cups of warmed milk and put it in a bowl.
Combine 1/2 cup of yogurt and mix well.
-Pour mixture back into milk in slow cooker and whisk thoroughly
-Again cover with lip and wrap slow cooker pot in a thick bath towel or two.
-Let it culture overnight, 8-12 hours
-In the morning stir yogurt and store in glass jar(s) or other container
-For best results, refrigerate for at least 8 hours
Makes a lot!!!

-Add fruit and sweetener (sugar, honey, agave, whatever), but keep a cup of unflavored yogurt if you want it for your starter again