Crockpot vs. Yogurt Maker

Crockpot

                                                                           VERSES

Yogurt Maker

A friend asked if I could make yogurt in a crockpot? Good question, as you know I have made yogurt different ways.
1)
http://domesticatedengineer.blogspot.com/2009/01/yogurt-making.html
2)
http://domesticatedengineer.blogspot.com/2009/11/easy-yogurt-making.html
 3)

http://domesticatedengineer.blogspot.com/2011/02/quick-easy-home-made-yogurt.html

Today I will show you yet another way, but no I didn't invent this. Sharon did. Her website is here:
 http://crockpot365.blogspot.com/2008/10/you-can-make-yogurt-in-your-crockpot.html
And if you want another idea go here, to Sofya's site:
http://girlsguidetobutter.com/2010/02/crock-pot-yogurt/
I really liked both of their blog sites.
 8 cups whole-milk (1/2 gallon)
1/2 cup Dannon plain yogurt (1/2 cup from a previous batch of fresh yogurt or package of starter)
 thick bath towel
 4 quart crockpot
Plug in crockpot on low.
Add milk, cover and cook on low 2 1/2 hours.
Unplug crockpot. Leave the cover on and let sit for 3 hours.
When 3 hours have passed scoop out 2 cups of the milk and put in a bowl.
Whisk in 1/2 cup of the yogurt (or stater).
Then dump the bowl contents back in the crockpot. Stir to combine.
Put the lid back on and keep it unplugged.
Wrap the towel around the crockpot for insulation.
Go to bed, or let it sit for 8 hours. In the morning, the yogurt will have thicken--- it's not as thick as store-bought yogurt.
This will last 7 to 10 days. Save out 1/2 cup to start new batch.

Can eat plain or

add some fresh fruit and sweetener of your choice. 

My verdict: I think I like the yogurt maker better as it is thicker and creamier. The crockpot will do if you can't find or afford a yogurt maker. It did taste good and there are many recipes you can use yogurt in, especially baked goods.
ENJOY!

Quick Easy Home-made Yogurt

These are the only two ingredients: Whole milk and Greek Plain Yogurt,that's it. Make sure there is not gelatin in it or it will not set.

Follow your manufacture manuel for the yogurt maker.
Basically you take 1/2 gallon whole milk and heat it, until it reaches 180 degrees (F), 100C on the thermometer. Take it off the stove and let it cool down until 110 degrees (F), 40C. Stir in 4 tablespoons of Greek plain yogurt. Put in it your yogurt maker and in about 3 hours it's done!! Wasn't that easy. This makes a creamy yogurt, nice and smooth.
This is the best yogurt that I have made and tasted thus far!!!  I do like the whole milk for yogurt verses 2% or powder milk. No culture packages to buy, they were getting too expensive for me and the yogurt isn't a bad price, about $1. The box of 3 packages are about $5! You use to get 5 packages to the box, then they went down to 4 packages and now 3 packages, all for the same price.  Also I wait for the milk to be on sale.