Homemade Flavored Yogurt

Ingredients:

one quart whole milk
1/4 to 1/3 cup sugar, honey, maple syrup, chocolate syrup, malt, molasses, or artificial sweetener
1/3 cup instant nonfat dry milk (Optional. It produces a thicker texure and increases the protein content by two grams per
one rounded tablespoon plain yogurt or recommended quantity of powdered culture
Flavorings or fruit (see instructions)

Preparation:

Scald one quart of milk and stir in 1/4 to 1/3 cup sugar, honey, maple syrup, chocolate syrup, malt, molasses, or artificial sweetener. If other flavors are desired, after dissolving the sugar or honey, stir in one tablespoon of extract, such as vanilla, lemon, almond, or peppermint, or instant coffee.

Another time, try adding one teaspoon of ground spices, such as cinnamon, nutmeg, mace, ginger, or your own special combination. Add the instant nonfat dry milk, cold the mixture to 110 degrees F, and stir in the culture. Pour in to warm containers, cover, and incubate.

For jam, preserve, and peanut butter flavors, put one tablespoon of the flavoring in to the bottom of 1-cup containers and pour the warm milk-yogurt mixture over. Cover and incubate as usual.

If fresh, canned, or dried fruit is desired, it is best to make such additions to the yogurt after it's incubated. The acid content of some fruits can curdle the milk-yogurt mixture and prevent proper fermentation.

Everytime you are flavoring yogurt, always keep in mind to leave one cup plain, so that you will have fresh starter for the next batch.