Crockpot yogurt

1/2 gallon (8 cups) milk -I use whole
1/2 c plain yogurt (individual size for the first time)
sweetener of choice (1/2 c honey)
1 T vanilla (optional)

Pour 8 cups of milk into crockpot. Turn it on low, put lid on and heat milk for 2 1/2 hours.

Then turn crockpot off and let it sit covered for 2 1/2-3 hours.

Then, remove 1-2 cups of the yogurt from the crockpot. Add plain yogurt, honey and vanilla whisk. Add back into crockpot and whisk good. Cover the crockpot and wrap it in a thick towel (beach towel works good) to insulate it. Now let it culture by letting it stand for 8+ hours or overnight.

* I don't make this to eat plain, I don't really like the taste plain like this. But I haven't played around with it to much by adding fruit or jam or more sugar?? But it is awesome for smoothies and popsicles. This usually gives me 2 quart and 1 pint jars worth of yogurt. I make smoothies for breakfast or snack and pour the extra into popsicle molds.

I usually start it late afternoon 3 or 4 oclock.