In my lab
In my ongoing round of research in organic chemistry, I’ve “set” my third batch of yogurt. The first time, I followed protocol; scalded milk, cooled slowly to a precise temperature; added the package of prepared culture from the organic chemistry store in the city; waited the prescribed twelve hours. Result? Fair. A bit soupy. Still good to eat.
Round two, in which my rebel spirit intervened, I skipped the scald. Other than that, the same procedure. Result? Good. A bit bitter. Suitable for consumption.
Today, I’m going with the introduction of my own “live” culture, drawn from batch #2. This is not exactly experimental, as I did it for the better part of a year in an earlier life. The only hint of doubt is a disclaimer on the site of the culture factory, where they suggest using a new package of their starter each time, because… that paragraph ended abruptly. I’ll find out sometime later this evening if thousands of years of “grow it from the roots” is still valid, or if we’re into a Brave New World, where yogurt isn’t really a living thing any more. I’m looking forward to seeing/tasting the result.
(several hours later: the milk became yogurt!)
Last evening, a fox came through the front yard. At the same time as the dog was out and about. Some barking. Some stink eye. A photo in evidence. Very cool to see the two animals (one wild, the other not so much) side by each. Mean separation? Not much, at all. Here, judge for yourself.
Could this be the start of a new and inspiring friendship?
