Authentic Homemade Yogurt

Ingredients

• Servings: 8
• 3/4 cup plain yogurt, preferably greek-style, with live cultures
• 1 quart whole milk
• 1 quart half-and-half
• 1 pint heavy whipping cream (optional)

Recipe

Preparation Time: 40 mins Cook Time: 5 mins Ready Time: 8 hrs 45 mins


• 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.