Yogurt is more than just a dessert treat or snack; it’s a powerhouse of nutrients other than calcium and protein. Studies and tests have shown that the humble dairy product has plenty of benefits that promote wellness and good health. It is full of probiotics, which are popularly known as “good bacteria”. This group of good bacteria help regulate the natural balance between organisms in our intestines, which makes the digestive system work in an efficient manner.
A lot of doctors also suggest eating yogurt if you’re under antibiotic treatment since those antibiotics can wipe out the good bacteria that already thrives in your stomach. The dairy product’s probiotics can help in replacing the good bacteria that were destroyed by the medicine.
In addition, recent studies have shown that yogurt is also connected with weight loss and those who eat the stuff on the regular also get a boost of interferons, proteins that can make your immune system stronger.
Yogurt can be eaten plain or with fruit, frozen, drunk or even added in sauces, dips, marinades and other savory dishes. The most popular among products though is the flavored variety, however the store-bought kind is at times loaded with sugars, high levels of fructose, artificial sweeteners and flavorings and stabilizers. If you make your own yogurt, you will know exactly what goes into what you’ll be eating.
Here’s a homemade strawberry yogurt recipe that you can try out at home.
Equipment
-
A double boiler
- A kitchen thermometer
- A wire whisk
- A glass container
- A yogurt maker
Ingredients
- 5 cups of milk
- 1/2 cup of plain or regular yogurt
- 2/3 cup of strawberry preserves (jam)
- Strawberries, whole or in pieces, as garnish
Procedure
- For this recipe you can use plain or regular yogurt from the store or make it at home with a yogurt maker. Check for for homemade yogurt makers here.
- Make sure that you get the plain or regular yogurt out of the fridge to make it room-temperature ready. Heat the milk and strawberry preserves or jam in the double boiler until it reaches the ideal temp of 185 degrees Fahrenheit. Be careful not to boil it.
- Let the milk and preserves mixture cool down to a good 100-110 degrees Fahrenheit before stirring the yogurt in.
- When it finally cools down, mix the yogurt and use a wire whisk to blend until the mixture has a smooth consistency and there are no signs of lumps.
- Pour the mixture into a container and then put it in the yogurt maker. Set the timer on according to the guidelines to set the mixture. Leave it undisturbed.
- Once the fermentation process is done, put it in the fridge for a few hours until ready to serve. Garnish with the strawberries.
Extra Tips:
Remember that the longer you leave the mixture to set, the tangier the yogurt will be. You might find some yellowish stuff lying on top of the mix but you need not worry since this liquid is known as whey, a substance rich in the proteins yogurt is famous for. Stir it back into the mix.
You can serve your yogurt with nuts and cereals too. It’s quite versatile, and the kids are going to love the taste! Who says eating healthy have to be about bland, unflavorful foods? They haven’t heard about strawberry yogurt, obviously, that you can make in your own kitchen.
Summer tip:
When it’s really hot in summer, try out making frozen strawberry yogurt! Try out these recipes and surprise your kids! They will love it!
