Why Homemade Raw Milk Yogurt Changed My Life (And Yours!)

Grocery shopping feels like I’m navigating a minefield of labels and ingredients. You too?

All you see are LABELS "low-fat," "sugar-free," and "naturally raised" but you read the actual ingredient list and you don’t understand half of the words. What are we feeding ourselves?

And frankly, I don’t trust any of it anymore. I learned I have to do my own research or find people I trust and ask them.

Somewhere along the path of raising my kids, homeschooling, and searching for a healthier way of life, I stumbled upon a truth that changed everything: “we are what we eat”.

Our son, Gabe, became our living experiment. As we swapped processed foods for whole, unadulterated ingredients, we witnessed a transformation. He stopped being so crabby, if you know Gabe at all his mood can change faster then you can flip a light switch and we knew something had to change.

He’d go from being off the charts happy to the grumpiest kid just because I said no to a bag of chips.

I’m not going to lie the first week was…. NOT FUN.

But now he is happy, his energy levels are better then ever, and he can actually focus in homeschooling. It wasn't magic, it was food – honest, nourishing food feeding his body and mind.

This journey of finding REAL, WHOLE foods has led me down the path of making as much as I can from scratch.

So, I ditched the store-bought, saccharine versions of yogurt.

But it wasn't just the taste that won me over. Raw milk yogurt is pack with the bacteria that keep our gut happy and healthy.

It's packed with calcium, protein, and vitamins, and a nourishing treat that leaves you feeling satisfied and energized(my kids love it frozen).

And the best part? Making it is easier than you think! Forget fancy equipment or complicated techniques. All you need is a few simple ingredients, a warm spot, and a s little patience.

My go-to recipe requires just Wholesome Family Raw Milk (the creamy top is worth the drive to the farm!), some plain yogurt with live cultures, and a trusty mason jar.

This recipe is seriously foolproof, even for someone like me who's more of a "throw it together as fast as you can before someone interrupts me" kind of cook.

Easy Raw Milk Yogurt

Here's what you'll need:

• ​1 quart Wholesome Family Raw Milk​

• 2 tablespoons plain yogurt with live cultures (make sure it says "live" or "active" on the label, I like the Fage brand....then I just save 2 T when my yogurt is gone so I don't have to buy it from the store anymore)

• Mason jars or other glass containers with lids

• Thermometer (optional, but super helpful for the first few times)

Optional extras:

• Honey, maple syrup

• Fresh berries, nuts, or granola for toppings

Ready to get scooping? Here's what to do:

1. Heat the milk: Gently warm the milk in a saucepan over medium heat until it reaches 110°F. Don't let it boil! If you have a thermometer, this is the perfect time to use it. Otherwise, keep an eye on it – you'll see tiny bubbles starting to form around the edges of the pan.

2. Cool it down: Let the milk cool slightly, until it's just warm to the touch (around 100°F or 38°C).

3. Stir in the yogurt: Whisk the plain yogurt into the milk until it's completely incorporated.

4. Jar it up: Divide the mixture evenly between your mason jars or containers. Seal them tightly and put then in the oven with the light on.(if you have a large dehydrated you can also use this set to 95 degrees for 8-12 hrs)

5. Patience: This is the hardest part! Let your yogurt sit for 12 hours. The longer it sits, the thicker and tangier it gets. Trust me, it's worth the wait! I've even waited up to 24 hours. I prefer right about 12.

And voila! You're the proud owner of homemade raw milk yogurt.

My kids like it with fresh berries, a drizzle of honey, or a sprinkle of homemade granola. But honestly, I eat the stuff right out of the jar.

And the best part…this yogurt keeps for weeks(actually even months, one time I forgot a jar in the back of the fridge and 3 months later it tasted the same,)

So I make a bunch at a time to save myself all the clean up.

So, I invite you to ditch the store-bought stuff. Not just for the incredible taste, but for the life-changing impact it can have on your well-being.

Seriously though, if you're looking for a fun and healthy way to whip up your own yogurt, give this recipe a try. It's so easy, even I can do it (and that's saying something!). Let me know how it goes, and don't hesitate to ask if you have any questions.

Happy yogurt-making!

Rachelle

Hi, I’m Rachelle Meyer fellow mom and farm wife.

I help moms feel confident nourishing their families.

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