Homemade Yogurt

4 c. very warm water (not over 120 degrees)
1 3/4 c. regular nonfat dry milk (3 c. instant)
1/3 c. plain yogurt with active cultures and no additives (if bought from the store to use as a starter), OR 1 packet of yogurt starter (available at Good Earth or Wild Oats stores)

Mix well with hand mixer or in blender at the lowest speed. Pour into a ceramic or glass dish with a lid. Put a heating pad on your counter and turn it on low. Cover it with a kitchen towel; put the yogurt mixture on the towel and cover the entire thing with a large bath towel to retain the heat. (Do this just before bed and it is perfect in the morning.) Do not disturb the incubation. During the incubation period, the cultures multiply and thicken the milk.

After incubating, refrigerate the mixture for 2-3 hours until completely cooled and cold throughout. Set aside 1/3 c. as a starter for your next batch. Divide the remaining in half, or as you wish, and flavor using cannery jams. Mix the yogurt and jam together with a hand mixer until well blended. You can add chunks of fruit if you wish.