I never saw that lady again but I'll be forever grateful for passing on such valuable information.
The recipe below is my adapted version of the Cheapskates one. I hope you enjoy it.
2 tablespoons of natural yoghurt
1 1/2 cups of full cream powdered milk
dash of vanilla extract
4 tablespoons of sugar ( optional if you don't want it sweet )
tap water
boiled water
As you boil the kettle, put tap water into the Easiyo container up to the 500 ml mark ( the one you make the yoghurt in, not the thermos part )
Add milk powder, natural yoghurt, sugar and extract.
Blend with a hand blender
Top up the container to the 1 litre mark with tap water
Put lid on and hand shake
Fill Easiyo thermos to the top of the red insert with boiled water
Put the yoghurt container in and put thermos lid on
Leave on the bench for 10 - 12 hours
Take container out and put in fridge.
1 1/2 cups of full cream powdered milk
dash of vanilla extract
4 tablespoons of sugar ( optional if you don't want it sweet )
tap water
boiled water
As you boil the kettle, put tap water into the Easiyo container up to the 500 ml mark ( the one you make the yoghurt in, not the thermos part )
Add milk powder, natural yoghurt, sugar and extract.
Blend with a hand blender
Top up the container to the 1 litre mark with tap water
Put lid on and hand shake
Fill Easiyo thermos to the top of the red insert with boiled water
Put the yoghurt container in and put thermos lid on
Leave on the bench for 10 - 12 hours
Take container out and put in fridge.
NOTES -This yoghurt keeps for up to two weeks after it's made.
If you are making it unsweetened, once it's set, save two tablespoon of the yoghurt and freeze it to start another batch.
Flavour can be added by using jams, toppings and pureed fruit once it's been made.
Full cream milk powder must be used for it to set. Low fat milk powder doesn't have enough fat.
The Easiyo system retails for about $20 and can be bought at Big W and Woolworths. It makes a fantastic present for all occasions.
The Easiyo system retails for about $20 and can be bought at Big W and Woolworths. It makes a fantastic present for all occasions.
Thanks Wendy, i'll be giving this a go tonight. I'm surprised you can freeze the yoghurt to use as a starter.
ReplyDeleteKathleen
I was suprised too. You need to freeze freshly made yoghurt for it to work. I've tried it with yoghurt that was almost two weeks old and it didn't work.
DeleteYes, it is a great way to make yoghurt isn't it Wendy. My hubby has picked up Easi Yo sets from garage sales for next to nothing. Some people don't realise how much money they can save. :-)
ReplyDeleteIt's so creamy. Far better than anything you can buy in the supermarket and cheaper too.
DeleteI've picked up brand new Easiyo makers in Savers for $5. I gave that one away as a present.
Hi Wendy, I use my Easiyo yogurt maker all the time but I have been using the sachets when I get them on special, so I will give this a try. Thanks, xxx Maureen
ReplyDeleteStill use the sachets but freeze most of it into two tablespoon portions and you'll get better value for money.
DeleteWendy, is this only for non flavoured, natural? What if i'm making flavoured? Thanks, Maureen
DeleteI haven't tried using flavours as a starter but it should work the same. The flavour would be very diluted but then you could add your own. I have heard of people using flavours.
DeleteI use the flavoured packets as starter with great success. Just 2 tablespoons as a starter and 1 1/2 cups of full cream powdered milk. I don't add sugar or vanilla.
DeleteIt is even nicer if you use 1/2 of the packet, but my family is happy with 2 tablespoons.
I just use a bag clip to seal the rest of the packet and store in the freezer.
Traci
EasiYo maker is half price at Woolworths until end of today. But I often see them in opshops for about $5.
ReplyDeleteWell worth buying some to give as presents !!!
DeleteI always wondered how much sugar to add. I have always thrown out what I made cause it tasted nothing like shop bought yoghurt. Can't wait to try this! Thanks Wendy!
ReplyDeleteI found that three tablespoons wasn't quite enough and five made it too sweet. Maybe start with four and see how you go. Everyone's tastes are different
DeleteI've just made a batch and will now anxiously wait until morning to then refrigerate. How long should it be refrigerated before it's ready to try? It's good to know you can use just 2 tablespoons of the sachets, that way you can always have some starter on hand.
ReplyDeleteKathleen
I allow three hours in the fridge before eating.
DeleteKathleen, make sure it's two tablespoons of made up yoghurt that you save as a starter. I haven't been succesful in using two tablespoons of sachet powder to make yoghurt.
Wendy, do you use full cream milk? I use 2 tablespoons of the sachets all of the time with full cream milk and have never had a problem. I am in Qld though, so it may be temperature related. I have never had success using skim milk.
DeleteI also put my easi-yo thermos in my cupboard above my hot water system and put an insulated bag over the top. I have heard that some people also wrap them in a towel.
It usually takes about 8-10 hours to set, sometimes I have to leave it closer to 24 hours.
I hope this helps.
Traci
Yes I always use full cream milk. I don't have skim milk in my home.
DeleteI think I'll add the maker to my Christmas list! Can anyone tell me does it taste more like greek yogurt, or is it more like yoplait or ski etc? (I mean with the sugar added)
ReplyDeleteYou can get sachets that make greek yoghurt. The recipe above tastes more like yoplait but much mch better. Since making my own yoghurt, store bought yoghurt tastes way too sweet and artificial.
DeleteIf you make natural or Greek (don't add the sugar and vanilla), if you strain the whey off in cloth in the fridge, you can make labna.
DeleteTraci
I use this same recipe and have for years. We love it. I buy yoghurt starter from cheeselinks.com.au now as I find it more convienient. It seems expensive, but it makes 200L. I also found that my yoghurt didn't set in cold weather. I wrap my thermos in a towel and then blanket. Since doing this, I have never had a flop!
ReplyDeleteWow was the response I got this afternoon when my kids got home from school and served some for afternoon tea with fruit even requests for seconds, they were very surprised how well it set and how creamy it turned out, I was a bit worried cause they can be a bit fuzzy but they really enjoyed it and said it was better than the vanilla yoplait. This recipe will definitely become a regular.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing Wendy.
Kathleen
I'm so glad they liked it. I'll never eat store bought yoghurt again.
DeleteI made yoghurt last night (bought the easiyo on special). It is delicious and the kid's and hubby love it. The texture is not as firm as I would like it to be ( a bit runny) and I am wondering if I should use less water?
ReplyDeleteI have always been frugal, but decided that I can do more to cut costs after seeing your story on ACA. I am following your and the cheapskates blog to get more ideas. Thanks so much for sharing.
Tricia
Thankyou for your comment Tricia. I might be able to help you. Did you make the yoghurt with a Easiyo sachet or the recipe above ? Did you fill it up to the top line in the inner container ( the smaller one ) ?
DeleteIf you find the yoghurt a little thin for your liking you can either leave it to set for another few hours (you can safely leave the yoghurt in the thermos for up to 24 hours before needing to refrigerate) or you can add another 1/2 cup milk powder. You also need to make sure the starter and milk powder are completely dissolved before adding to the thermos - Wendy uses a stick blender, I get the boys to shake, shake, shake and then shake some more to make sure everything is dissolved and thoroughly mixed.
DeleteHi Wendy,
ReplyDeleteYes, i used your recipe and I filled water up to the top line , up to the words "fill to top".
The only time my recipe didn't work is when I tried shaking the milk powder and yoghurt starter to blend. I now use a stick blender.
Deleteyes, may that's where I went wrong. I will use the stick blender next time.
DeleteFor anyone who may not have a stick blender, a whisk works well too.
DeleteHTH - Traci
1 1/2 cups full cream milk powder = 165 grams. 1 kg costs $6.69 cost of powder $1.10
ReplyDelete4 tablespoonds sugar 65 grms. 2kg sugar $1.99 sugar 6 cents
Electricity to boil kettle. Made this yoghourt yesterday, Family quite liked it.
Hi Wendy. When will you be putting up another post? (Hopefully today) Cant wait to read what you've been up to this week and to get some tips off you!
ReplyDeleteSteph
Hi Steph, I post every Tuesday and Saturday.
DeleteThank you for your yoghurt recipe Wendy.
ReplyDeleteI have an Easiyo that I picked up from an op shop. I was using the sachets but they work out to be way too expensive.
I have been using one cup powdered milk to two to three tablespoons of yoghurt and it turns out fine, just not as thick as the sachets. I don't add any sugar or vanilla.
Thank you for the tip to freeze the tablespoons of yoghurt, I tried that this time and I have a batch of yoghurt sitting on the bench as I am writing this. I mix mine with a fork and then shake like crazy :)
xTania
Using the stick blender do you mix the starter,milk powder.vanilla and sugar together or put water in then use the stick blender.sorry for dumb question.I haven't had much luck with homemade yogurt. Thank you for posting
ReplyDeleteMix water and other ingredients with the stick blender.
ReplyDeleteThankyou for this wonderful recipe Wendy. My previous attempts at yoghurt were flops but went out and bought the easiyo containers last weekend and made my first batch straight from your recipe last Sunday, adding pureed strawberries from my freezer. It is absolutely delicious, thick and creamy. Made my second batch yesterday with passionfruit from the freezer. I love your tip on freezing the starter too. It warms my heart like yourself, making delicious & nutritious food from scratch for my family. Nothing tastes as good as home made. Keep up the good work Wendy, you're truly an inspiration.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad the yoghurt worked out for you and welcome to my blog. I hope to hear from you often.
DeleteCan you use store bought natural yoghurt as a starter? I usually buy the Jalna brand...but low fat
ReplyDeleteYes you can use store bought. Make sure you get a good use by date and use it within a few days. You can freeze the rest of the yoghurt to get value for money.
DeleteMy yoghurt didn't set. Used fresh starter. Let it sit for 12 hours.
ReplyDeleteDid you use full cream milk powder and use a stick blender to mix everything together ?
DeleteHi Wendy,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your yoghurt recipe. I have made it 5 times now and the yoghurt is amazing! I will never buy store bought again.
Just a quick question - Can I freeze 2 tablespoons of this fresh made yoghurt to use as a starter for my next batch? I only ask, because you mentioned that the yoghurt needs to be unflavoured for this to work, and your recipe contains sugar? Or did you just mean if it contained additional flavouring? Many thanks, Jill.
Jill, I generally only make the natural yoghurt with a sachet then freeze into portions as a starter. I'm not sure if the sugar would affect the good cultures in the yoghurt. Have a go at freezing the two tablespoons and see how you go.
DeleteFrom what I've read, the culture in the yoghurt will weaken after about 3 or 4 batches of making, saving then making.
Hi Wendy,
ReplyDeleteHave read your blog from the start and really enjoy everything you post. Have made many of your recipes and really like them. I am having a bit of trouble making yogurt in the colder months, after the 12 hours in the yogurt maker, which i wrap in a blanket and have it in a thermal shopping bag, i find that it is still liquid. I then change the water to freshly boiled water and leave it again for another 4 or 8 hours. I then find however that it's not creamy ans silky but rather dense (like cheses cake) and somewhat grainy. Please help!
Thanks heaps Wendy!
Regards,
Andrea.
Andrea, I have a few questions for you.
DeleteAre you only using 1 1/2 cups of full cream milk powder? Some recipes use 2 cups but I find it's way too thick.
Are you using a stick blender to blend all the ingredients
together before setting it in the boiling hot water ?
I leave the yoghurt container in the yoghurt maker for up to 24 hours. The other trick you can try is when making up the yoghurt, use a little boiling water ( approx. 100mls ) with the cold tap water. As we know tap water in Winter can be really cold.
Hi Wendy,
DeleteThanks for your reply. My yogurt turns out fabulously in the warmer months. I do use 1 1/2 cups full cream powder, and I'm using the Nutribullet to blend which I find works really well. Can I ask you, when you leave yours in the for 24 hours do you change the water to freshly boiled water after 12 hours? Will try the boiling water rather than all tap water.
Wendy, I absolutely love your blog, I have 4 children and make as much as I can from scratch, I make bread, yogurt, pizza bases, bake all our cakes, muffins, slices, cakes, etc. Just started making your orange cake into muffins in the school holidays, super easy and everyone loved them, cook all meals, make washing power and miracle spray (love it!), check catalogues every week for specials, buy from Aldi what I can and is Australian made, never pay full price for anything. Thanks for sharing everything that you do, reading blogs like yours keeps me motivated, and I wouldn't have it any other way!
Take care and thanks Wendy.
Andrea, I don't change the water during the 24 hours. I just make it as per the above recipe with maybe a little of the boiling water added.
DeleteI'm so glad my blog is helping you. There is always something new to learn and we can all help each other.
Hi Wendy, i make my own lactose free yoghurt with the easiyo, i got a dairy free culture from sinchies when i got my reusable pouches (another money saver) it makes over 100 litres, with lactose free milk, 2 tablespoons of sugar for the culture to feed on and an itty-bitty amount of culture. I think it worked out at $2.20 for 1 litre of dairy free yoghurt instead of $7 to $12 for a litre of store bought yoghurt and tastes so good.
ReplyDeleteHi Wendy,
ReplyDeleteI have just started to make yoghurt again, I just wanted to ask, you say you freeze portions of yoghurt to use as a starter for the next batch, I did this but the result was very watery and thin and didn’t use it as a starter as I didn’t think the yoghurt would set. Does yours set with the thin starter? Fi
I've been freezing portions of store bought yoghurt to use as a starter. It does defrost a little runny but works fine to make thick yoghurt.
ReplyDeleteThankyou, have a lovely day, Fi
ReplyDelete