Yogurt Making made super-simple!

I have been experimenting with a new yogurt recipe and would like to share my Super Simple Yogurt recipe for all to enjoy.  I make 3 quarts at a time since we use a lot of it but I'll write the recipe for 2 quarts.  It's easy to scale up or down depending on how much you use.  We use yogurt a lot for our homemade peanut butter smoothies (see recipe below).


Super-Simple Homemade Plain Yogurt

*Note: This recipe uses powdered milk.  The recipe using regular milk is different.  Only use powdered for this recipe.

Ingredients:
2 quarts water--hottest you can get it from the tap
Powdered milk--use DOUBLE the amount of powder that they say to use when making regular milk)
3 Tbs. plain yogurt (store bought or homemade)

Tools:
Clean jars for yogurt (glass mason jars work great)
Thermometer (I use my candy thermometer)
Dehydrator (I have an Excalibur) or other device to keep yogurt at a constant temperature

1. Measure 2 quarts hot water from your tap (or just heat water above 110).  Mix in milk powder.
2. Cool milk mixture to under 110. (I stick mine in the fridge for 20-30 minutes.)
3. While cooling milk, leave yogurt on counter to come to room temperature.
4. Add yogurt to milk mixture and stir well. 
5. Pour into jars and place lids on jars.
6. Place into dehydrator and set to 105.  Leave in for 12-14 hours.  Do not disturb it during this incubation period.  It can destroy the cultures that are being built.  Place in refrigerator when done.

Tips:
* I've left my yogurt in the dehydrator for a few hours longer than that without any negative effect.   
* I use Country Cream powdered milk.  We even drink this brand & think it's the best powdered milk we've ever tasted.  (Marty doesn't drink it but he's the milk-connesseiur of the family.)
* You can also use a heating pad or other heating methods but I have had the best luck with methods that can keep it at a constant temperature for that length of time.  You could also try a heating pad.
* Add honey or jam for sweetened yogurt.
* Add honey and defrosted berries (we get the big bag from Costco) for a yummy breakfast treat.


Peanut Butter Smoothie

2 cups yogurt
2 bananas
1/2 cup peanut butter (don't actually measure it--just plop a bunch in)
lots of ice (about 2 cups)

Blend until very smooth.  You can also add chocolate or honey.  Enjoy!