Homemade Yogurt & Kefir

Book excerpt: Probiotic-rich foods are essential to gut health, and yogurt and kefir are great sources of beneficial bacteria as well as protein. In Homemade Yogurt & Kefir, cheesemaker and small-scale dairy producer Gianaclis Caldwell shows you how to make and use yogurt and kefir at home. She explores how to choose a culture and explains techniques for working with cow, goat, sheep, water buffalo, and even some plant milks. Step-by-step instructions cover the basics of making dairy ferments, from getting the right equipment to myriad options for thickening, sweetening, and flavoring. Along with foundational recipes, you’ll find instructions for different styles of yogurt and kefir as well as other traditional milk ferments from around world, including Icelandic skyr, Asian koumiss, and Finish viili. Techniques for making simple cheeses, butter, whipped cream, and other dairy products using yogurt and milk ferments are also included, as are creative recipes for using fermented dairy products in sauces, soups, and even cocktails, while preserving their health benefits and flavor. Includes wisdom from pioneering yogurt makers, kefir crafters, and chefs who are tapping yogurt’s potential for meals and libations. This publication conforms to the EPUB Accessibility specification at WCAG 2.0 Level AA.