I love walking barefoot…
Sand would be ideal but even smooth, worn hardwood floors will do.
I love how natural and honest it feels…
If you must puddle jump
Then I guess you need boots…
just make sure you have bare feet in those boots.
I think having bare feet helps you feel grounded, is it the intrinsic feel of the earth beneath your feet?
Like the whisper of natural woven cotton or linen sheets against your skin at night…
And fresh, organic ingredients
or anything homemade.
Today I have whisked up a quick little spin on an earlier recipe..
A fresh batch of yogurt.. but this time I’ve scraped and plopped in a few
Tahitian Vanilla Beans while the milk was bubbling away…
And at the end stirred in a few heaping spoonfuls of Dew Fresh Organic Honey
The result was a yogurt that tasted like honey vanilla custard
an uncontrived pudding.
It felt velvety and soft on the tongue…
And the fragrance…
bliss
♥
So.. slip off that party dress (sorry to any guys who are reading this)
slide on a pair of worn blue jeans.. a t-shirt…
And bare your toes…
Find a pair of welcoming arms…
Slip your spoon into a silken cup of
Honey Vanilla Yogurt
perhaps layer it first with a little of your
Blood Orange Black Framboise Coulis from this post…
then top it with a Smidgen of Home-made Granola…
Close your eyes and dream…
It’s almost like a walking along the beach, not quite… but isn’t ‘almost’ sometimes enough?
Barefoot ‘n Honey Vanilla Yogurt
- Automatic Yogurt Maker
- (my brand is Euro Cuisine)
- 1.3 liters 1% organic milk
- 1 Vanilla Bean Pod, seeded
- 6 oz organic plain yogurt with live cultures and no additives
- (Liberté, Stoneyfield Farm)
- 4-5 tbsp Organic liquid honey
- Timer
- Instant read thermometer
- Every yogurt machine comes with a booklet of recipes and instructions. The following is based on my machine, but is simply to indicate that only two ingredients are necessary and a little bit of time…
- Measure out 7 of your yogurt maker’s jars of milk into a saucepan (mine is approximately 1.3 liters). Carefully slice one side of the vanilla bean from end to end. Open it flat and using the sharp side of the knife, scrape along to remove the vanilla beans. Add beans and the pod to the milk. Heat on Medium to Medium-High temperature until the milk boils. Use your instant read thermometer to check the temperature. Milk will boil at 180 F. Whisk occasionally at first and whisk constantly when boiling. Some prefer to use a digital leave-in thermometer that signals when the temperature is reached. This allows you to do other things while waiting for the milk to boil.
- When milk boils and begins to “climb” the sides of the saucepan, maintain a rapid boil for 2 minutes (set the timer).
- Remove the saucepan from the heat after 2 minutes and allow the milk to cool. The pan may be just set aside, placed outside with a tea towel over it or set in another pan of cold water. This is also when you need to check with a thermometer to know when the milk has cooled to 110 F. The digital thermometer (some even have a voice alert, like this one: http://tiny.cc/5n241 to let you know when it has cooled) can be handy for this. I just used an instant read and made sure I checked often enough until the milk temperature lowered to 110 F.
- In the meantime, measure out one jar (about 6 oz) of your plain yogurt into a small mixing bowl. Stir in 4-5 tbsp of Organic honey.
- Once the milk has reached 110 F, scoop a little of the milk into your mixing bowl of yogurt and stir to warm up the yogurt. Add a little more if needed.
- Then stir the yogurt mixture back into your cooled milk and stir. Mix well to ensure honey has distributed throughout evenly. Pour this milk into a large jug (for ease of pouring).
- Pour the milk into each yogurt jar and place in your machine, without the lids on. Cover with the plastic machine cover and set for the designated time. Mine runs for 10 hours.
- Remove and place the lids on. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours to set.
- I found these instructions worked perfectly and makes yogurt that is not too firm, nor too soft… just right! Your yogurt will expire in 10 days.
- purchased yogurt starter powder may also be used as the “starter”, just follow package instructions
- ignore the condensation on your yogurt machine, this is a normal part of the process
- yogurt can be made without a machine, but I prefer the accuracy and safety of a machine’s temperature control to ensure proper growth of the yogurt culture
That finished product looks so inviting. I love the presentation with the coulis and the homemade granola. Bliss! I live near the beach but I’m not walking on the sand today because it’s a cold, wet and grey day. And the party dresses are gorgeous!
Thanks, Charlie… You are sooo lucky to live near a beach.. sending you some sunshine:) xo Smidge
Dear Barbara, your photographs fascinate me always… What a beautiful post… This delicious recipe and the little child in pink with her reflection on water… and these vintage touches… Oh, dear Barbara, I am crazy with all these thinks… And also how you weaved this post with your words is another amazing point… Thank you, with my love, nia
Thank you so much, nia… I hadn’t looked at the reflection, your photographer’s eyes are so sharp:) It is beautiful with all those ripples in the water xo Smidge
I love being barefoot, especially important in yoga. Great recipe – looks delicious. Thanks for sharing!
Ooooh, yes, the soft warm wood on a yoga floor… that’s an awesome feeling too:)
I’ve resurrected my yogurt-making since your post inspired me to. Funny that you’d do this just now…i had only 3 days ago decided to add vanilla bean, but I left out the honey! Yours is a definite improvement and I’m anxious to bring mine up to par. I have some lavender honey that will work just right I think. Smidge, every post of yours, a thorough delight. Honestly, a little time spent here is a sure remedy and a moment’s peace. Thank you for that…a barefoot walk was just what was needed.
I’ve had that happen often… someone posts a recipe that I’ve just made or been thinking of making.. Rufus blogged some stuffed peppers with sausage.. I have the photos and everything.. Guess creative minds channel each other:) I love your idea of lavender honey and you have to make this a let me know how it goes, it sounds so fragrant!! xo Smidge
I think I’ve read this post a half dozen times today since it showed up in my inbox. This has to be one of my most favorite things I’ve read in a long time. And the pictures! They’re beautiful. Thanks so much for posting this. I’ll be attempting the yogurt this weekend…barefoot. 🙂
This is just such a lovely compliment that you’ve reread my words and photos… thank you so much! I’m imagining you in your kitchen.. barefoot:) xoxo Smidge
You’re posts are always so lovely…and relaxing and calming!! A combination of your writing and photos. I couldn’t help but notice your measuring spoon…absolutely adorable!
I love that spoon too:) I found it at a local coffee shop here… but I’ve seen others online that I love as well. I think I should start collecting measuring spoons! xo Smidge
All the photos are wonderful but the honey and the vanilla ones are really super.Thanks for visiting Flat Ruthie in Chicago with John and leaving a nice comment today.
But of course!! I love Ruthie;) It’s fun to follow her, but I think I lost track of her a few times… She’s a busy gal! xo Smidge
Lovelovelove all these photos 🙂
You are definitely getting me into yogurt :). And I LOVE all the photos in this post. From the amazing vintage design to the wonderful dresses.. this is just a wonderful collection of visuals and food 🙂
Homemade yogurt with vanilla and honey and coulis and granola. You know how to live! (and there are men who like party dresses)
Sharyn… You’re so right, I stand corrected! I do like to live.. And eat;) xo Smidge
First – that top picture looks exactly like a beach that we’ve been to in Michigan. Just gorgeous. Second – I would love to stay in a vacation home or B&B that you have decorated. Your taste is just so romantic and whimsical. I love it Smidge. 🙂 And of course, I would love this yogurt.
Oh, you’ve totally got me here… I would just love to have a Bed and Breakfast.. Have wanted to for some time now.. Probably since staying in one particular one in Victoria that I’ve blogged about briefly before. I’ll have to do a post on it again with more detail.. Xo Smidge
I love that antique tablespoon in the photo. Where do you find such treasures?
Thanks, Misk! There is a cute (or was) a coffee shop on Edmonton Trail, but I bet you could find something like these on Amazon.. They seem to have everything! Xo Smidge
Ooo la la!! C’est très bon. And it is time to make a new batch of yogurt. AND I have a vanilla bean in the cupboard. Stars are lining up.
I love when I read someone’s post and that happens… I might just have to blog about that… Xo Smidge
The whole post was dreamy and delicious looking!
I was hoping to accomplish that… Success! I wish I was sitting in that chaise right now:) xo Smidge
You’ve inspired me to go barefoot today and reminded me of childhood barefoot puddle hopping! Thanks for a trip down memory lane, and the yogurt looks delicious, too!
You’re so welcome, nothing better than those childhood memories:) xo Smidge
OH, my word, this looks SO GOOD! I LOVE real vanilla beans. And I love yogurt. I think I need to buy a yogurt machine thingy…
You wouldn’t regret it:) I love that machine, I think because “making yogurt” isn’t a hugely popular hobby any more that they are still relatively inexpensive. And there couldn’t be an easier recipe… Heat, plop in jars and leave for 10 hours! If you do, let me know how it goes xoxo Smidge
I have written it on my list of things to do…or at least investigate!!
You really make me want a yogurt machine – and to go to a beach – and to get a party dress – and perhaps a frilly apron, too. 🙂 Gorgeous.
Hahaha! Me too!! I wish I were able to all of that right now:) thanks! Xo Smidge
Sent from my iPhone
What a lovely recipe. I have greek yogurt in my fridge and vanilla beans and raw honey in my cupboard, how perfect!
Though barefoot is only an indoors option here in the land of large, biting insects, burrs and cacti, and triple-digit-baked earth and concrete, I agree in principle (or in milder climates!). I do indulge happily in the bare feet on our Mexican tile floors when the heat outside makes the tiles’ cool curvy tops feel heavenly against the soles.
That’s a magnificent yogurt-coulis combination you’ve concocted, and my darling, you have *no* problem putting the text to your edible hymns: pure poetry every time!
Truly scrumptious. 🙂
Looks blissfull!
Stunning…I feel like I have been wrapped in silk whilst listening to the crash of waves!
Lovely images…especially that linen cupboard…and lovely words to accompany them. Yogurt looks good too!
Your yogurt with the coulis topping would be wonderful.
Oh that does look delightful! And the photos are lovely. t
I’ve been thinking about getting a yogurt maker since our trip to Morocco this past November. Our Riad served fresh home made yogurt every morning and it was extremely delicious. I prefer mine without sweeteners or a little splash of vanilla or vanilla beans.
Beautiful post! I can’t wait to try that yogurt recipe.
PS – I “liked” you on facebook!
Thanks so much! Liking you right back! Love your Facebook page!
Beautiful shots!
‘Honey vanilla custard’ sounds yummy to me. The picture of the yogurt, in the jar with twine twisted around it, and flooded with coulis and topped with granola is a feast for the eyes.
Beautiful…
I totally agree. Bare feet make you feel so much more grounded.
Just like riding a horse bare back you are one with the amazing horse. Walking barefoot in the sand is like taking you back to nature and making your own homemade yogurt well is the cherry on the top. I’s so relaxed after reading your post. BAM
What a wonderful analogy, Thanks:)
Smidge, reading your posts is like flipping through an incredibly elegant designer magazine – your photos and text are always so evocative, yet gentle. Thank you! (She says, kicking off her slippers to wander on the floorboards in bare feet for the rest of the day). Celia x
I think I’m just about to do the same!
Coming here is always a joy. Your pictures and words are enchanting and your recipes are a perfect match for them. Thank you for being a ray of sunshine Smidge 🙂
Sighing and chilling a little, as I wander down your post, pausing to peek in the linen cupboard and think about sitting on the day bed. I remember the cookie exchange going on one Christmas in Edmonton, and thinking that we should do that sort of thing here at home. In the meantime may I just have a few of yours to be going on with? x Joanna
Now that’s an awesome idea:) xo Smidge
this post make me wish it was summer…. an just sit and enjoy the weather and your yogurt. 🙂
I just was planning to make yoghurt on the weekend ! I actually make mine savoury and into a Greek tzatziki but might make some of them into honey vanilla to eat in the mornings. Will let you know how it goes 🙂
Thanks, Greg… Have a wonderful day! Xo Smidge