Brunch Worthy Yogurt from Scratch

I make this recipe once or twice a month for my family to bring in their lunches to work or school.  It is so silky soft and it makes a great daily treat, and when I dress it up it makes an amazing brunch worthy yogurt from scratch. I love how easy it is and how my family is always fascinated about the chemistry of it. This one is a blackberry, lemon parfait which will amaze your guests at your next brunch. We have other great topping combinations as well.

Yogurt dates back to 6000 BC. It is so delicious, and I often think they had so little amazing food at that time. Want to know more about the chemistry of making yogurt?

I wont hold back the recipe or the amazing yogurt toppings ideas!

Fresh, Yogurt in a Crockpot

Ingredients
1 gallon whole milk
1/2 cup plain yogurt (with live active cultures)

I always prepare this after dinner at night. It takes about 20 minutes to prepare, and will turn to yogurt overnight. Now that I have it down, all I need to remember is heat to 180 and cool to 120.

Instructions
Set your crockpot on high to heat up
Pour a gallon of whole milk into a large pot and set to medium heat
When it reaches 180 degrees F., shut off the heat and let cool. (On my stove this is about 7 minutes.)
Allow the milk to cool to 120 degrees F. It should be warm to the touch.
Unplug to turn off the slow cooker
Pour a cup of the milk into the slow cooker and add the plain yogurt. Stir
Add all the remaining milk to the slow cooker
Unplug the cooker. Wrap the cooker in towels.
Let sit for 8-12 hours
Once the yogurt is made you might want to add fruit, honey or other flavoring. Add it to the bottom of each mason jar, add yogurt, add granola and seal.  These keep for about a week.

Wala! Easy, fresh yogurt from scratch using a crock pot

The parfait pictured here is blackberry, lemon topped with granola and raspberries. It was sublime! Think parfait cups, mason jars (like the ones pictured) or make a yogurt bar with all the toppings.  I never like to make anything too complicated.

Want the list of cool yogurt toppings for your brunch (or lunch)? Check it out.

• Mixed Berry Compote
• Sweet Lemon Pie
• Apple Cinnamon
• Pears and honey
• Bananas and Agave
• Any berries melted into simple sugar
• Raspberry syrup with chocolate chunks
• Nuts, oats or granola on top
• Chia seeds