Homemade Yogurt

My friend Heather recently taught me to make my own yogurt.  LOVE it!  LOOOOOOOOOOVE it!  It's super easy to make too!  Here is how:

1/2 gallon of milk (I use raw, farm fresh milk).  let is sit out until it's room temperature.  Get a large pot, add milk and boil/scald it while whisking---(takes about 20 minutes).  Once it starts to froth, remove it from heat and let sit to cool (about 2 hours).  The easiest way to explain how to test the tempature is to stick the tip of your pinky finger and you should be able to hold it there about 10 seconds (very scientific, I know!).  It should still be warm, not cold.  If it's too cold, set it back on the stove-top and heat till you can do the fingertip test.  Whisk in your starter (a little bit of yogurt from you previous batch---OR you can use store bought plain yogurt to start it if you can't get a better starter).  Place in your containers (remember to save out some for a starter for the next time you make it).  Let it sit for 24 hours.  DO NOT MOVE IT, OR PEEK INSIDE TO CHECK ON IT.  Keep the lids on.  After 24 hours, your yogurt is ready to eat!  I add either honey, or jam to flavor it.  It is SOOOOOOOOOO  yummy!  You will fall in love!  :)