I can’t begin to think how much I spend a week on yoghurt (6 of us, each having at least one a day…), and I usually spend the extra on the organic versions because children’s yoghurts especially are so often full of additives and sweeteners. So I was really excited when Lakeland asked if we’d like to review the Lakeland electric yoghurt maker – I thought it would be interesting to see if the children would take to fresh live yoghurt and choosing/making their own flavours.
So, with some trepidation, before I went to bed I added the milk, the live yoghurt, turned the machine on… And returned on the morning to find… Separated milk. Hmph.
So I re-read the instructions, and also used the handy tips from other reviewers on Lakelands own site.
The second time I heated the milk and allowed it to cool to warm. I also remembered to switch on the maker 5 minutes before putting the jar in. Pour the milk into the container, and without much shaking put it in the maker. Next morning? Gorgeous thick natural yoghurt! Oh yes!
So after some playing around, have found a pretty well fool-proof recipe for really thick yoghurt: (look away now if you’re in need of a fat-free version..) 150ml double cream in jug, fill to 850ml with full fat milk. Then use some of the milk to blend up 3tbs of skimmed milk powder, just like you make up custard powder. Add it all together and pop it in the maker.
MMMMMMMMMmmmmmm….
(we’ve also used the boxes of Easi-Yo powders in the yoghurt maker – totally supremely delish also)
The children have thoroughly enjoyed creating their own flavours too – thanks to the grandparents bumper harvest we have a freezer full of fruit & berries, and they simply choose a few, blend them, and stir into the yoghurt. One likes his with honey, one likes his au naturel – and She Who Is Two snaffles it down any which way she can get it.
Needless to say I no longer spend a fortune on yoghurt, and love my yoghurt maker very extremely a lot.
The Electric Yoghurt Maker is available from Lakeland for just under £20. Buy one. You’ll love it.
