DIY Crockpot Greek Yogurt - Part 1

Do you like yogurt?

Do you know,

you can make your own

 for a fraction of the retail price!

Here's what you'll need.

 I've doubled this recipe and it works great!:

1/2 gallon Milk 

I am using 2% with no RBF. 

You can use organic or non-organic. 

You can use full fat or any percentage.

 I'm not sure if fat-free works, as I've never tried it. 

I have HEARD this recipe will work for soy yogurt, 

but I have not tried it.

1/2 cup Instant Dry Milk

The dry milk is optional. 

To me, it gives the yogurt a thicker, creamier texture that I like.

You can use organic or non-organic.

1/4 cup of live yogurt 

I like the Greek Yogurt - seems stronger - 

but any PLAIN yogurt with live cultures will work.

Cooking thermometer

I have an old glass candy thermometer, 

but any cooking thermometer will do. 

A digital type is especially nice.

Crock Pot 

I have found for yogurt, 

the type that works best is the old style with a removable crock.

 I find the newer models get too hot.

Thick bath towel

This needs to be a nice, thick towel. You will use this to wrap up the crock overnight to keep it warm.

Spoon to stir

Any clean spoon will be fine.

Mason Jar with Lid or Bowl

For mixing the dry milk

Instructions:

Pour the milk into the crock pot. 

Hold back about 2 cups. 

I didn't measure, I just poured and left a little in the carton. 

If you are using an entire gallon of milk, 

you may not be able to put it all into the pot. 

Remember to leave room for about 1-2 cups 

of milk.

1/2 gallon milk in the crock pot.

Pour 1/2 cup of dry milk into the remaining 1-2 cups of milk and mix well.

I use a mason jar and shake the heck out of it. 

You can also mix it up in a bowl.

This step is OPTIONAL. 

Your yogurt will be fine without it, 

but this seems to make the yogurt a bit thicker and creamier, 

which I like.

I use a mason jar to shake up the dry milk with fresh milk

Pour the dry milk mixture into the crock pot. 

If you like, you can use a strainer.  

Stir well, put the lid on, 

and set the crockpot on LOW heat.

Bring the milk up to 180 degrees F.  

This will take between 1 and 2 hours, 

depending on your crockpot.  

Use a cooking thermometer to measure the temperature. 

A digital is nice, but I have an old-timer.  

My finger is at the 180 degree mark. 

It is on the LEFT, not the right.

My old candy thermometer

Now wait... 

I'll post part 2 in about 2 hours, 

Santiago Seafood

The seafood you see along the main restaurant street in Santiago is enticing. Displayed so all you have to do is point and choose, it's quite a tourist attraction. 

But the truth is, you can take a train to Muxia or a bus to Finisterre and eat seafood while you watch the waves breaking on the shore for about the same  price you will pay in Santiago for your dinner!

Inside Santiago Cathedral

This is another post for Vonda, my cousin.  

When pilgrims arrive in Santiago, they have certain rituals they perform at the Cathedral. 

One is to simply stand out in the giant square and look up at the Cathedral, thankful you have arrived alive after your six week journey. Some pilgrims fall to their knees. Some lie on their backs and just look up. Some sit in a circle of friends. There is back slapping and joyous laughter and often, tears. 

Next, in the past, the pilgrim would enter the Cathedral and beneath the Portico de la Gloria (Google it) they would place their fingers in the depressions on the Tree of Jesse pillar. The Portico was created over a twenty year period by the master sculptor, Mateo, who finished it in 1188. 

The depressions have been worn into the stone pillar by thousands of pilgrims over the years. 

As they touched the pillar, they repeated the prayer or petition that brought them on the pilgrimage to begin with. 

Next, they would walk around to the other side of the pillar and would touch their forehead or 'knock heads' with the statue of Mateo three times. This was supposed to give them some of the Master's wisdom!

I have been lucky enough to have done these rituals before the area was roped off to protect it. Pilgrims are no longer allowed to touch the pillar or knock heads with Mateo. They can only stand behind a rope, look and take photos. 

After this, the pilgrim gets in line to walk up some ancient stone steps that lead behind the altar to the gilded statue of St James. More New World gold and silver! 

Once there, they give him a hug, thanking him for a safe journey. When you are up there hugging the huge statue, you can see the people down on the floor of the cathedral. It's the strangest feeling!

A green light indicates when the entrance is open and a red light marks the exit. 

Next, you visit the saint's casket under the floor of the cathedral. Supposedly, the remains of the Apostle James are there. But again, if you Google the history, it's doubtful. Even so, everyone goes to the crypt where his (or someones) relics (bones) are kept in a beautiful silver casket. 

Last, you attend a pilgrim mass. If you  are lucky you will see the huge botafumeiro (incense burner) swing. I think I have an entire blog post on this a year ago. 

You can see Martin Sheen performing these traditions in the movie, The Way, which is worth watching if you haven't seen it. 

The statue of St James Matamoros (the Moor Killer) is purposefully covered with flowers on the bottom these days so you can't see the dead Moslems. I've added a photo of what the statue looks like without the flowers. That statue is in a church near the coast. I wonder why they feel they must cover it up?  It's a part of their history and everyone knows what's down there?

Photos of Santiago Cathedral

Following are photos I took this morning for my cousin, Vonda. She wondered why I hadn't been posting. I was surprised and pleased to know she was following my blog!

So here you go, outside first. Once I'm home I can caption them, but my iPhone won't allow it.

You also would be shocked at the beggars sitting outside every door if the Cathedral!  

Do a Google search on the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral for interesting history. Or it might be in an earlier blog from a few years back.   I will add it once I'm home and don't have to type with one thumb.  :)

Hospederia San Martin Pinario

I decided to spend my last night in Santiago at San Martin Pinario, the monastery which has become a favorite of mine.

Built for Benedictine monks, construction began in the late 1500's and took over 200 years to conclude. 

Elegantly simple, I've attached photos beginning with the entrance. Notice the yellow arrow?  That is the first thing to catch a pilgrim's eye, we are so used to looking for them to guide our way along the Camino. 

Next, I took photos of walking down the hall, and included are photos of my monk cell room. Each room has a tiny but sufficient bathroom with toilet (complete with pull-chain flush, sink, and shower). 

Price for a pilgrim room is 24 euros and that includes a large buffet breakfast making this the best deal in town. Wifi is free in the comedor and you can purchase computer time if you didn't bring electronics. 

Regular rooms run 45 for a single and 60 for a double. They are larger and more luxurious. 

Another Transition

Two mornings ago, a bird came to my window and tried to get in. 

In my family this is an omen of death and whether you believe in omens or not, it is very real to us. We are a superstitious lot in many ways. 

I emailed my ex and asked him to please call my mother to be sure she was alright. I was also worried about my 96 year old aunt. He emailed back that all was well at home and the bird made a mistake. 

I haven't rested easy. The bird isn't frivolous. It doesn't make mistakes. 

I just received the sad news this morning that my sister in law, Pinky, is in the Hospital and they do not believe that she will last another 24 hours. 

Prayers and energy for an easy transition are requested. 

Also, please send her daughter Siobhan and son Jared energy to deal with their mother's transition. 

This has been a difficult Camino for me on so many levels. First Methodist Pilgrim, now Pinky. 

Birth and death. Joy and sadness. Tranquility and frustration. Change.  All are a part of this adventure we call Life. 

It's difficult being so far away when the family needs you. I'm torn. I'm weary. I'm sad. I'm struggling. 

Maybe it's time to stay home for a while. 

I love you, Pinky!  

You are one strong red-headed wonder!  What fun we have had!  We've raised some hell and had some good laughs!  Remember all those May dances? Bonfires at Panorama? Getting my tattoo? 

Siobhan's Fairy Godmothers will help her. Don't worry. She will be fine. So will Jared. I'm sorry you didn't get to see your newest grandbaby. 

Now get on that boat and cross that river!  I'm lighting candles all day to help you find your way. I will even pay the boatman! 

May you have peace, and freedom, and reunion with Adele, Gwen, Pat, Juliana and all those others who have gone on before. 

Go gently, Lady.