Friday, September 09, 2005

Mmmmm.....Yummilicious Homemade Yogurt....

I went to the organic shop yesterday and bought a bottle of Udo's oil and a bottle of coconut oil for my sis, and 3 packets of Hansells yogurt mix for myself. Got pretty fed-up of the plain old natural version i eat everyday. Wholesome they are of course, but after a while i still want a lil bit of sweetness in my food life once in a while. Even Gordon and hubby agrees with me on that.

I made them at 9pm last night. Blackcurrant and honey flavoured. It takes 10 - 12 hours to make a 1 litre batch using the yog-it maker. Very easy to make. First, make sure you have 1 litre of cold water for the yogurt mix. Then, boil about 1 litre of hot water. Next, half-fill the smaller container that comes with the yog-it maker with the cold water (about 15 - 20c. Use a thermometer; dont guess), cut open packet of yogurt mix and empty contents into container. Replace lid and shake. Fill up the container with the remaining cold water until the 1 litre mark. Close lid and press the centre to let some air out.

Then, pour the hot water into the yog-it maker until the level line inside. Put the smaller container immediately into the yog-it maker and close the cover. Do not open or peek inside for the next 12 hours. Done. Easy? Well, if i prefer a creamier version, i' d use 500ml water and 500ml milk. Remove the container with the yogurt inside and place it into the fridge immediately after 12 hours. Keeps 2 weeks.

I usually keep a few 1 litre packs of dutch lady full cream/low fat milk in my fridge to make the plain version using a tablespoon or two of the remaining yogurt. After two batches like that, it'll be really plain. But you can spice it up with honey and fruits. Frankly speaking, i prefer the plain and natural taste of yogurt. It's an acquired taste.

The difference between using full cream milk and the low fat milk version is the consistency of the final product. The low-fat one will be runnier no matter how long you leave it out. Whereby the one made using full cream milk will become firmer the longer you leave it out. I usually leave it out for about 12 - 16 hrs (max). It will not turn solid like the supermarket bluff versions as these do not contain milk solids.

Some health benefits, to name a few are reduction of the effects of anti-biotics, lowering cholesterol, improvement of the overall immune system, prevention of intestinal infections, and prevention of cancer.

Add yogurt to your fruit juice or vegetable juice and make it into a smoothie, simply delicious minus the sin. Use it instead of santan to make curry. Put some on your face as a masque. Give these to your children instead of ice-cream. As a dip for your chips. As a meat marinade or tenderizer. Pasta or salad sauce. The possibility of the humble yogurt is simply endless, so, use your creativity. Or google for more ways.

Yogurt is a good way in increase calcium intake for those who are lactose intolerant as the lactose is already broken down by the friendly bacteria during the fermentation process. Remember, plain yogurts have more anti-lactose activity than flavoured ones.

Go ahead, buy a yog-it maker from your local health food or organic store and make some for yourself and your family. Comes with 2 small containers. Believe you me, you're gonna love it. It's really really different from the supermarket versions.

Simply yummilicious!! Mmmmmmm.... i'm gonna go get myself a bowl after this.

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