Since my kids have finally stopped turning up their noses at yogurt, I needed to make more than a quart at a time. I debated purchasing a 2-quart yogurt maker.

When I heard the new VitaClay Smart Organic Multi-Cooker has a Yogurt Maker function, I was inspired. Could I make yogurt in my original VitaClay Smart MultiCooker?

I was determined to find out. If it worked, I could make 1/2 gallon of yogurt at once. Score!

I know several of you have purchased a VitaClay under my recommendation. If you want to make yogurt in your VitaClay without purchasing the newest model, then you’ll want to keep reading - because it will work!

If you’ve never heard of a VitaClay, you’ll want to read my original review from March. This makes the best rice ever (no scorching!), the best beans (done to perfection!), and the best quick dinner when you toss in all your leftovers along with some chicken broth (really!). NO lead, NO Teflon - just pure, all-natural clay.

The Method

I didn’t want to loose a lot of milk if this didn’t work, so I added just 6 cups of milk.

Let me begin by telling you that I tried this with coconut milk first, and it didn’t come out to my liking. But when I made it with cow’s milk, I neglected to take photos of how I set up the thermometer! So this is the photo from the coconut milk set-up, which explains the discrepancy of the temperature in this photo compared to the next one (the coconut milk was room temp when I added it).

Anyways, you can see that the Accurite probe thermometer I have (below) fits perfectly in one of the steam-release holes in the top of the clay lid. Woo!

NOTE: You don’t have to use a thermometer - just go by the timeframes I give you as a reference.

The lid closes with no room to spare - in fact you need to be sure the probe is at a slight angle, or the lid won’t close at all (of course it will depend on the thermometer you have).

Here is everything all snug and ready to rock and roll. I have the alarm set to beep when the temp reaches 130 degrees because even after shutting off the machine, the temp still rises another 10-20 degrees before dropping again.

Push the RICE COOKING button on the top right four times until the arrow is pointing under “Reheat.” Your machine will beep and you can walk away.

If you don’t have a thermometer, set your timer for 12 minutes.

Beep-beep! Beep-beep! Beep-beep! Your yogurt is now 130 degrees. Shut off the VitaClay (push WARM/CANCEL and it will beep and shut off).

Now set your alarm for 2 hours and 40 minutes. That is how long it will take to drop to 110 degrees. If you have a thermometer, leave it in and you can verify the temp is where you want it.

2 hours, 40 minutes later, your yogurt will be 110 degrees. Now it’s time to add your starter.

Add 1/2 cup of yogurt per 3 1/2 cups of milk.

Gently stir the starter/yogurt around so it’s not in a big clump, but don’t over-stir. Close your lid and leave 12-18 hours.

I added my starter at 3:30 and left it until after breakfast the following morning. Isn’t it delicious-looking? It was simply wonderful. I transferred it to mason jars and placed them in the refrigerator.

Done!

Steps to Making Yogurt, without photos

Here is the quick run-down of making yogurt in your VitaClay:

1. Add your yogurt, up to 2 quarts, in the clay pot. Close the lid (make sure it’s plugged in) and push the RICE COOKING button on the top right until the arrow is pointing under “Reheat.” Your machine will beep and you can walk away. Set your timer for 12 minutes.
2. 12 minutes later, open the lid and add 1/2 cup starter per quart of yogurt added. Gently stir it in. Close your lid and leave 12-18 hours.

That’s it!

If you only want a quart of yogurt, and have a yogurt warmer, then you’ll want to read my original yogurt recipe.

If this sounds like too much work and too many steps (it really isn’t), then you can just purchase the new VitaClay model that has a “yogurt maker” button. I am not sure how much easier it is, as you still have to add the starter, but if you get it, let me know, will you?

 

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Lea Harris founded Nourishing Treasures in 2006. A mom passionate about her family's health and well-being, Lea believes education is power. Encouraging others to take baby steps in the right direction of health for their families, Lea's goal is to raise awareness of what goes into our mouths and on our bodies, providing natural alternative information that promotes health and prevents disease by using traditional foods and nature's medicine. Lea is a Certified Health Coach graduate from Beyond Organic University, and a Certified Aromatherapist graduate from Aromahead Institute. "Like" Nourishing Treasures on Facebook, join the Nourishing Treasures Group on Facebook, follow @NourishTreasure on Twitter, and subscribe to our newsletter. You can also find me on Learning About Essential Oils forum, and Fido Fermentation Facebook group. Disclaimer: I use affiliate links wherever possible. So if you click on a link, and make a purchase, I might make a small commission, but it doesn't cost you any more.