i also use my oven's pilot light for yogurt making. I make it 2-3 times a week. the best tip i have is just when the milk has boiled up, sprinkle about 3/4 ts (per quart of milk) of powdered agar-agar on top of the milk. make sure you beat/mix it in very well. the agar-agar makes a firm, if slightly viscous, yogurt...very much like a commercial product. experiement to see how much to use. i buy it in a little envelop (1.29) at asian grocery stores. coops have it, but it's outrageously expensive. you can also simmer the milk until it losses much of it's water or add powered milk. last week it was warm in minesota so i tried putting my yogurt in my car and let the sun do the work...beautiful. you can add a good cocoa power and confectionary sugar to yogurt to make a lovely puddding. i also like adding grapenuts, chopped peanuts, raisons and maple syrup. good luck. and don't forget to always save 2-3 tablespoons for your next batch.
