I make mine the way dothey4(3) makes hers. I have been doing this for at least 40 years, and it never fails. When my grandmother taught me, she said to bring the milk (usually at least 1/2 gallon) up to a soft boil, immediately remove it from the heat, and when you could circle the pot 10 times with your baby finger, it was done. That's when you would add some of the warm milk to about 1/2 C of yogurt to temper it, and when the mild was warm, you then stirred it in the pot. She had a blanket she used to wrap the lidded pot, and then put it into the oven, overnight. In the morning, drain the whey, and it's done. Note: the yogurt takes on the same sour taste as the starter you use, so be sure you like the brand you buy. Interesting note: when you cook with yogurt (entirely a different subject: fabulous soups using yogurt as the base, you only stir in one direction. I can't remember why, but it was something about the strands setting in one pattern. Anyway, it won't curdle if you follow that, and be careful not to bring it up to a rolling boil.

Congratulations! You have joined the ranks of the converted! Now, for your next project, these little balls of yogurt "cheese" are wonderful spread on nice crackers, toast points or toasted baguette slices. Be sure and drizzle a bit of the herb laced oil over each piece when serving. Yogurt Cheese in Olive Oil w/Herbs Make a batch of yogurt. Line a colander or sieve with muslin or a clean, lint free dishcloth. Pour the yogurt in, fold the cloth over the top of the yogurt & put a weight on top. I use a plastic bowl with a tight fitting lid, filled with water. Put the colander or sieve in the sink or over a bowl to catch the liquid (whey) as it drains. The timing differs depending on how liquid the yogurt was to start with and how heavy the weight is, but leave it until the yogurt has become stiff, like cold cream cheese. It could be a couple of hours, or maybe 5 or 6...just check once in a while. Then, roll the "cheese" into inch-round balls. Put them in a sterilized jar, sprinkling each layer with your choice of herbs & spices. When the jar is full, pour in olive oil until the "cheese" is covered. Store in the fridge. My original recipe said it would keep for 3 weeks, but I have noted that it keeps much longer than that as long as all the balls remain covered with oil. This is a wonderful spread on good quality crackers, baguette slices or toast points...make sure to drizzle a bit of the herb flavored oil on each serving. I like to use fresh marjoram, rosemary and chives from my garden, with the addition of some salt and chili pepper flakes. But really, follow your tastes, it's a very forgiving recipe.

M3D's, this is the first time I've seen a pic of your bathroom. How beautiful and charming it is! I especially love your wall sconces, medicine cabinet and all your lovely transferware. The Queensway fabric looks like it'll work wonderfully with your loveseat for Spring. Just how close are you to Spring up there in Maine, anyway? I've heard it comes June-late there. I've always been taken with your Winter mantle. With the metal wreath, it looks like it could easily grace any magazine cover. BTW, did you make that wreath?!? I don't recall ever seeing another one like it. It's elegantly simple and I love it. And then the lamps . . . I am SUCH a lampaholic that I literally drool over your beautiful ones! Your newest find is such fun. It'll certainly brighten up your study when it arrives. Don't forget to post pics when you get it. And it looks as though you've finished the barley twist ones. What a great idea that was! As for the Chinoiserie, I can see from your picture that they're terribly jealous and upset that they're being replaced by the barley twists. I think what they need is a respite away from those little upstarts for a while, don't you? To New Mexico, perhaps? Lynn ;^P

I recently finished a kitchen budget update, I love my new kitchen, enjoy drinking a cup of coffee, cooking for the two of us or cooking a large meal. DH loves when we have breakfast or just sitt in the back, he loves the pool and privacy too. I cherish the memories of my daughter's growing up in our old house, unfrotunatly I never liked that house. For 20 yrs I knew DH wanted a summer house, and for 20 yrs he knew I wanted a new winter house, it's so nice that this house made both our "wants" come true. When anyone tells us how our small ranch style house is perfect for 2 people, we look at each other, since this house is larger than the house we raised our children in. I always wanted a formal livingroom, am so glad to have a separate den. I remember when I had to ask my daughter's if I could sneak in and use the bathroom, it's nice to have 2, and one of them is in my bedroom!!! another dream come true. I love everything about my new house. Yes, I enjoy making things the way I want, and hope to update the mud/laundry room next year, but if I don't that will be ok too....(Please don't tell DH I said that).