Re: Yogurt maker on the way! Questions...

On Mon, 01 Dec 2003 08:31:00 -0600, "Holly E. Ordway"
<[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:

>I finally decided to get a yogurt maker... the key factor being that I 
>switched to using organic milk, so I want my yogurt to use organic milk 
>too. I ordered the Salton 1-quart machine from Amazon (at a great price: 
>$10.99) and it's on its way. 
>
>Couple of questions for the yogurt gurus:
>
>-- I believe that the normal thing is to use a bit of commercial yogurt 
>as a starter, and that you can then use some of your own yogurt to start 
>the next batch, etc, until it gets weak, at which point you need to use 
>fresh starter. Is it possible to freeze the original starter yogurt and 
>thaw as needed to start new batches? Any other tips about starting it?
>
>-- Any tips for flavoring the yogurt? DH is very fond of fruit-flavored 
>yogurts, and I'd like to make them. It seems the easiest thing would be 
>to "mix as you go": serve the plain yogurt and spoon the desired 
>quantity of filling. Alternately, I could save some yogurt cups and fill 
>those up in advance. 
>
>Other thoughts or suggestions appreciated :) I'm looking forward to 
>playing with my new toy!
>
>--Holly

Hi Holly,
 
I buy my yogurt for  starter by the quart at my local market. Once I
get it home I separate it into approx. 1/3 cup portions and freeze
them. I use starter from previous yogurt batches 2 or 3 times then I
grab fresh starter from the freezer and let it thaw and come to room
temperature before using, which doesn't take long. I know some people
go longer before fresh starter but I am happy this way.
As far as what to add...preserves, jams, maple syrup, honey and
walnuts,fruit and applesauce blends , fresh fruit...etc.
I also like to add a little granola or high fiber cereal right before
eating to make it a filling mid morning snack.
I also agree that the addition of dry milk powder is important to the
thickness of the yogurt... I like thick yogurt...especially if using
it for dips or cooking. I know there are sources online for organic
milk powder. I know off hand that
www.organickingdom.com
has it... I am sure there must be others.
Good luck!
Lorri