Hi
Just to let you know emom and spooky and I am sure many others know much more than I but here goes.
I use the yogourmet yogurt maker. To keep the temp perfect you will need to buy a light dimmer plug in switch as it will run hot. You can buy any big box hardware store (Home depot, Lowes...). Put the yogurt on and for the first few times, check it every 4 to 6 hours if you can. I now have mark on the switch so I get it right every time.
Some use and suggest Yogourmet starter. I used that with good results, but have switched to ProGI starter. As I read someplace it is better and it is SCD compliant. Also, as you only use 1/8th of a teaspoon for a batch it is cheaper and I like that also. I only use organic cow milk. It tastes way better than regular and sets up better.
I like to make the yogurt and let it sit for a couple of days. Using the above I get a really thick and creamy result. If you like it thick and creamy do this also. When you scope the yogurt do not stir it. Scope on one side all the way to the bottom of the container. The clear whey will fill this space and keep your yogurt really thick. I have read about the health benefits of whey. Some say it is great others say keep it and make rochatta cheese. That is for another post. I usually just pour out a bit and I eat the really thick and creamy yogurt because that is how I like it.
I LOVE this with frozen fruit and eat this breakfast and for dessert after supper. I peal and cut up apples. I cook them with Penzys Vietnamese cinnamon. This cinamon if fantastic and is recognized in a bunch or gourmet sites as the best. Add water when cooking, but not too much. Near the end I add home made vanilla extract (another post). I use lots of the cinnamon and then after cooking I freeze in a container where the apples are thin. After being frozen I cut into small cubes. The water that turns to ice has sugar from the apples and this great cinnamon flavor and it tastes like the best candy.
I also freeze organic bananas in small pieces, pineapple and other fruit.
I take a bowel fill it with the frozed fruit and yogurt and have the best breakfast/ dessert ever. I also have taken this and put in a blender for a smoothie. I have tried adding honey but honey and I do not get along that well and for my taste buds it does not need it, but you might want to try it.
Also, you can strain the yogurt and it will be very thick like Philadelphia cream cheese. I add herbs to this and put on my salad. Wow.
I gues you can tell I really like this..lol.
My advice is too look out for others thoughts, because although this really works for me I keep learning from others here and more and differnt perspectives is the best.
If you try it let us now how it goes for you
Cheers
David
Yogurt Starter
http://www.giprohealth.com/giprostart.aspx
Penzys for the Cinamon
http://www.penzeys.com/