If only I knew German

Or, "How to (attempt to) make yogurt"

Last time I thought about posting this tutorial, the yogurt ended up on the floor. We'll see how it goes this time (cue prophetic music: dum dum DUM)
Since I get milk every week as part of my WIC allowance and can't seem to go through more than a half-gallon a week (jealous, mom?), I have about 3 gallons of milk in the freezer any given day. Next time I have an appointment, I'm asking if I can get dry milk some of the time instead, but that's not until December. Until then I'm trying to find as many recipes that use a bunch of milk as I can. My favorite by far is yogurt, because it's easy and yummy. I haven't made any in quite awhile, not since I broke my candy thermometer in a pregnant moment a few months ago, so when I picked up a replacement thermometer this weekend, I knew exactly what to do with it. Step one: Re-read the directions.
1)heat 5 c. milk in pot over medium heat to 185 degrees.
2) Let cool to 110 degrees.
3)add 1/4 c active culture yogurt to milk slowly with whisk.
4) cover with saran wrap, poke a few holes for ventilation, and let sit until set, about 5 hours.
5) refrigerate at least overnight, up to 2 weeks.
EasyPeasy, right?!
Step two: get some milk out of the freezer and thaw it in cold water in the sink.

Step three: heat it up, remembering to stir every now and then so as not to burn the bottom.
Step 4: turn off the heat under the pot so it can cool down.

Step 5: decide that this is taking WAY too long and it's time to make some cookies.
Step 6: look around the kitchen and snort as you realize that your husband is right, you do tend to open every single cupboard door and leave them open until further notice.





Step 7: wash your hands before actually handling the dough and realize that your towel holder is no longer listening to the running commentary on how to make peanut butter cookies rolled in cinnamon and sugar and is, in fact, about to pass out from sheer boredom. At least the cookies are yummy.






















Step 8: add yogurt, being careful not to add the fruit at the bottom.










Cover with saran wrap and forget.













Go play on the floor with the boy.














Step 9: put the yogurt in the fridge overnight, ignoring the fact that it still looks a little...liquidy...
Step 10: contemplate making homemade granola as you open the fridge to check on the yogurt the nexxt morning. Realize it is not even remotely set and come to the conclusion that the active cultures must not, in fact, be active in this particular brand. I woulda read the label, but turns out it's in a language only the do-it-all cousin knows. bummer. Well, yogurt flavored chocolate pudding is good, right?