Yogurt (yoghurt) is known for being one of the healthiest foods around. It contains bacteria that aids in digestion, is itself easily digested, and is high in calcium. Pediatricians recommend yogurt as one of the first foods a baby eats, between 9-12 months, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics*. In fact, the active bacterial cultures in yogurt are easier to digest than cow’s milk, which is why yogurt is often introduced to babies before whole milk.
Making yogurt at home with a good yogurt maker takes less than 30 minutes and doesn’t require a lot of work, so it’s perfect to make during baby’s naptime. Parents can control the ingredients with homemade yogurt and avoid the sometimes highly-sugared store brands. Plus, yogurt makers tend to yield more yogurt for less money than the cost of buying a six-pack container of children’s yogurt.
The recipe below is based on using a 4-cup yogurt maker, which can be purchased at any kitchen store or online, as can the yogurt starter. Before using this recipe, make sure to read any directions by the yogurt maker’s manufacturer as time and volume may vary by maker.
Ingredients
· 4 cups of organic, whole milk
· ½ cup of dry milk
· Packet of yogurt starter, such as Yogourmet (or substitute with 6oz of plain organic yogurt with culture)
Start by gently heating the milk in a large pot, stirring in the dry milk. As the milk begins to heat through, begin to note the temperature of the milk. Make sure it doesn’t boil over, but rather, reaches between 195-200 degrees.
Once it has reached 200 degrees, remove the pot from the heat source and immerse in an ice-filled sink or large bowl. This will begin to drop the heat level down. In approximately 5 minutes (depending on the amount and depth of ice used), the top inch of milk should have cooled down to between 110-105 degrees.
With a small spoon, remove approximately 2 ozs of milk into a cup, adding the yogurt starter to the cup. Stir vigorously and pour the milk back into the pot. Stir again. Then, simply pour the mixture into the yogurt maker.
Depending on the level of tartness appreciated, heat the milk for at least 7 hours, then refrigerate overnight.
As your baby’s palate grows and their desire for new taste-bud experiences increases, consider adding fresh organic fruit to the yogurt, such as strawberries, blueberries, peaches or bananas. Be sure the fruit is diced enough for small mouths.
*While the average age for introducing yogurt into a baby’s diet is around 8 months, please consult with your pediatrician before introducing yogurt into your baby’s diet.
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