Coconut Milk Yogurt

This recipe is still a work in progress. This was my first ever attempt at yogurt making. This recipe has good flavor, but was a little thin for my liking. With my next attempt I will double the amount of gelatin I used. I plan on using what I have as smoothies. Once I get a yogurt that is at the consistency I would like, I plan to play with flavoring of the yogurts! UPDATE: I recently made my second batch of coconut milk yogurt. It was the perfect consistency, and tasted like plain yogurt with a slight hint of coconut. The recipe now reflects the changes I made.

The recipe I used:

Step 1: Make sure all your supplies have been sterilized (jars, lid to yogurt maker, pot, candy thermometer, whisk, etc)

Step 2: Combine the following ingredients into the pot

2 cans coconut milk
1 small carton coconut cream
1 Tbs honey
1 2/3 cups water blended with 1/2 scoop children's protein powder (I used Kids' Life Basics Pea and Rice Plant Protein powder)** See note

Step 3: Bring to simmer, whisk frequently. I let this mixture reach about 180 degrees

Step 4: (still working on desired amount) Mix 1 packetTbs Gelatin with 1/2 c. hot water and add to the pot. Whisk well.

Step 5: Pour into another container and place into bowl of cold water. Whisk regularly. Allow the mixture to cool to 95-100 degrees.

Step 6: Add 1/4 rounded tsp vegetal yogurt starter. I found the packets I ordered don't have quite 1/4 tsp of powder in them, so I added a little of my son's infant probiotic powder that has the same cultures to complete the 1/4 rounded tsp. Whisk WELL.

Step 7: Pour into fermentation containers and leave undisturbed 12 9 hours with lids off. I've read varying options for the fermentation process; however being a beginner yogurt maker, I purchased a yogurt maker so I didn't have to monitor the temperature. NOTE: I'm sure you could ferment longer if you like. This was simply the length of time I allowed it to ferment before putting it in the fridge.

Step 8: After allowing to ferment, place lid on containers, shake well to mix the liquid that settled to the bottom, and put in refrigerator for 8 hours. The contents will settle again and a liquid will form at the bottom of the jars. During the first couple hours I shook the jars a couple of times to keep it well mixed. As long as the smell is like yogurt and there are no off colors on your yogurt (pink, black, or gray), then it was a success.

**Note: some recipes I've read state that they have added flours to aid in thickening. I decided to use my son's protein powder to make sure my yogurt has some important nutrients that I feel is lacking in many store yogurts, but also to aid in the thickening process. This particular powder contains chia seed.

This is a great yogurt for fruit smoothies. I mix it with frozen berries, a chunk of banana, and a tsp of honey to sweeten. With my improved recipe I plan to eat this as yogurt is intended to be eaten, with a spoon and fresh fruit and maybe a little honey to sweeten! ENJOY!