Yogurt is packed with calcium, protein and good bacteria called probiotics. The calcium present in this dairy product helps build stronger bones and it can lower osteoporosis risks, the proteins in turn promote healthy cell and muscle growth while the probiotics help clear away your chances of acquiring colon cancer and promotes good digestion overall.

Commercial made mocha yogurt by Yoplait

However, commercial yogurt or the kind that you see sold in your neighborhood grocery or the nearest supermarket is oftentimes packed with more preservatives, artificial additives and sugars than you can handle. You can make your own at home with clear glass jars, but for convenience, a yogurt maker will help you immensely.

Yogurt is first and foremost is a cultured dairy product and you can mix it with sweeteners like honey and agave or flavorings like pureed fruits of your choice, fresh fruit chunks or chocolate syrup. If you want to make home made DIY yogurt, you will have total control over your ingredients thus you can adjust the sweetness or tartness down to your taste.

Mocha Yogurt recipe (pinterest)

And it is going to be unprocessed, to boot. Here is a recipe for mocha yogurt that you can try out. Nothing fancy, just full of health and flavor.

Equipment

• A stainless steel pot
• A kitchen thermometer
• A small bowl
• A fork
• A clean glass container
• A yogurt maker

Ingredients

• 4 cups of whole milk
• 1/3 cup of powdered milk
• 3 tablespoons of plain yogurt (with live cultures)
• 3 tablespoons of coffee granules (instant)
• 1/3 cup of honey
• 1/3 cup of cocoa powder (unsweetened)

Dash Yogurt Maker

Procedure

1. Scald the milk in the steel pot and bring the temperature up to 180 degrees Fahrenheit. Stir in the coffee granules. Sprinkle the powdered milk on top of the mixture and let it melt before blending it to the mix, making sure to lower the heat so as to prevent boiling.
2. Combine the unsweetened cocoa powder and honey in a bowl, crushing lumps with a fork until smoothly blended into a paste. Add the chocolate and honey mixture to the warm milk and mix it well.
3. Once everything is blended, remove the mixture from the heat.
4. Cool the milk down around 110 to 115 degrees Fahrenheit.
5. Add the plain yogurt to the hot milk and stir until blended.
6. Pour the mixture into the prepared glass container. Cover.
7. Place the container into the yogurt maker then adjust the temperature and time as provided in the instructions.
8. Leave the mixture undisturbed until set.
9. Once it is set, refrigerate the mocha yogurt immediately until ready for serving.

Handy Tips:

• Letting the powdered milk melt into the milk and coffee mixture before stirring will help avoid clumps from forming.
• Keep the yogurt maker away from places with constant activity because this will affect the yogurt during the fermentation process. Avoid shaking or moving the yogurt maker once it’s been set.
• If you want a tangier taste, you can let the mixture set for 24 hours.

Coffee lovers can take their addiction to a new level with mocha flavoured yogurt. No need to go anywhere but the kitchen to get your fix.