Making Expensive Tasting Yogurts for Pennies

The Frugal Way to Have Homemade Designer Yogurt Desserts

Apr 30, 2009 Deborah Aldridge

Do you love those expensive, name brand yogurts with special flavors like Mango and Key Lime Pie? You can make specialty yogurts for pennies at home.

If you have ever found yourself with milk that is starting to turn, you know how tired you get of trying to salvage it by making baked goods before it gets completely unusable. On the A Year of CrockPotting blog, you will find a recipe for making homemade yogurt in your crockpot, which is not only economical, but is also a great way to salvage that milk before it spoils.

This recipe really works, but even by using the suggested packet of gelatin, the homemade yogurt is somewhat thin, and the taste is closer to sour cream than actual yogurt. Still, you are getting a half gallon of homemade yogurt for pennies compared to store prices, so it's well worth the effort and time involved, especially if you are salvaging milk that is turning.

To turn this yogurt into something scrumptious and healthy is very simple. All you need is a box of sugar free gelatin dessert mix in the flavor of your choice, and if you like gelatin desserts, you'll know there are dozens of flavors to experiment with.

This method is for after the yogurt has cooled in the refrigerator, but doing this just as you have finished making the yogurt would probably be better if you have enough containers to hold it all.

How to Make Homemade Specialty Yogurt Desserts

In a microwave safe bowl, heat 2 cups of the refrigerated homemade yogurt on high in the microwave for 2 minutes. This will make it just warm enough to get the yogurt cultures active again. If you are using the just-made yogurt, you will not need to heat it.

In a microwave safe container, stir one package of gelatin dessert mix into 1/2 cup of water, and heat in the microwave on high for 1-1/2 minutes. Stir to completely dissolve the gelatin. Remember, gelatin is packed with protein.

Add the gelatin to the 2 cups of homemade yogurt and whisk until well blended. Pour or scoop into dessert cups or small containers and place in the refrigerator. They are set and ready to eat in approximately 45 minutes.

If you want to add fruit before it sets, wait until it is soft-set and add whatever fruit you desire, then chill until fully set. You can also spoon this into popsicle molds for economical and healthy yogurt pops.

Why Homemade Yogurt is Healthier and Greener

This method may work with store bought plain yogurt as well, but won't save you nearly as much money, or keep the preservatives out of your food. If you love yogurt, but are on a tight budget, this is a way to get those specialty yogurts, without all the additives, at a price you can afford.

By eating from reusable containers, you are saving landfill space, and by using a crockpot, you are saving electricity, not to mention salvaging that milk that is spoiling. Isn't it nice to reduce your carbon footprint, and get something really good out of it for yourself?

The copyright of the article Making Expensive Tasting Yogurts for Pennies in Green/Simple Living is owned by Deborah Aldridge. Permission to republish Making Expensive Tasting Yogurts for Pennies in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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Aug 19, 2009 12:06 PM

Guest :

Wait, what? You want me to put Jello in my lovely homemade yogurt? Sick. That is not even close to "healthy". Jello is PACKED with artificial colors, refined sugar, and artificial flavors! Plus, this is a no-go for vegetarians, because Jello is made with gelatin, which in turn is made from animal connective tissue -- usually pigs, which also makes it a no-go for people who have Kosher or Halal diets.

If you want thicker yogurt, add powdered milk when you add the yogurt starter -- it's still crazy cost effective, and packs more calcium into every serving. Then if you want it sweetened or flavored, try adding honey, or homemade jam, or just fresh, ripe fruit.

Aug 21, 2009 9:20 AM

Deborah Aldridge :

Thank you for your comment. Many people enjoy gelatin, and calling them "sick" is not especially nice. I wonder why you can't post under your real name?

Sep 13, 2009 11:07 AM

Guest :

how about unflavoried gelatin?
Thanks!
Keith

Sep 13, 2009 3:41 PM

Guest :

What a great idea. Jello isn't a crime as far as I'm concerned, and we do the sugar-free kind anyway.
Last time I checked, the hospitals around here were serving jello nightly to their patients.
Wasn't this article posted under wasting less or something -- not necessarily intended for health nuts.
I say 'bravo.' A nice idea. Sounds like a science project for the kiddies, too, on yogurt cultures.

4 Comments