Many people never think about making their own yogurt when it seems so easy to just purchase it at the store. However, making your own yogurt is not difficult at all - if you can boil milk, you can make it yourself!

Making your own yogurt is not only better for you because you can control the ingredients and there are no preservatives added, but you can also help the environment as well by reducing the amount of little plastic yogurt cups that are used.

To make your own yogurt with a heating pad and thermos, you will need the following:

heating pad that allows you to adjust the temperature
metal container with lid that holds up to 2 cups liquid
1 1/2 cups milk
1/2 cup of your favorite plain yogurt with live cultures
Double boiler

Directions:
1. Place water in the bottom pan of a double boiler and milk in the top pan. Wait until the milk reaches its boiling point and then allow for it to cool.

2. Plug-in the heating pad and set it to heat at around 110 degrees. Be sure you put it in a place where it can safely sit without risking damage to furniture or floors.

3. Mix in the yogurt starter or plain yogurt with the milk and put it in the steel container with lid. Wrap the heating pad around the thermos and allow it to sit for 6-8 hours.

4. After 6-8 hours, unplug the heating pad and mix your yogurt and place into a container and allow it to refrigerate for 2-4 hours.

5. Flavor your yogurt with your favorite ingredients such as fresh fruit or vanilla extract and enjoy!