Kiselo Mlyako

Yogurt Kiselo Mlyako is commonly served with traditional Bulgarian cuisine. It has a thick, sour flavor and is said to be a fantastic method to keep your gut bacteria healthy. According to legend, Ilya Ilyich Mechnikov, a Nobel Prize-winning zoologist and immunologist, examined Bulgarian peasants and the Bulgarian cuisine they eat. He then ascribed their longevity to how much yoghurt they take!

Ingredients:

• 1 gallon of milk (1%, 2% or whole milk)
• 1 lb plain yogurt (make sure that the label says "with active bacteria")

Instruction:

1. Put milk in a large saucepan and heat it over medium heat till boiling. Put the milk aside and let cool for about 35-45 min. You can check the milk with a small finger -- it (the milk) should be warm, but not very hot (If you wish you can use a thermometer: 43-45 C).
2. Beat yogurt with a fork or steel whisk in a bowl. Add 1 cup warm milk, mix well. Little by little add yogurt-milk mixture to the rest of the milk. Mix again. Pour milk into glass jars or ceramic bowls with lids. Put jars on a flat surface. Cover with something that will keep it warm, such as a folded blanket or a sleeping bag (I am using a sleeping bag). Let it stay for 2 hours and 30 min. Check "kiselo mlyako" - it should be thick. Let stay uncovered at room temperature for 30 min. Put in the refrigerator for 3-4 hours.
3. Enjoy the results.