Kefir ;)

My husband was first introduced to kefir when he lived in Spain 30 years ago. He really enjoyed it there and brought some home but didn't keep it up. I had never tried it till recently. I was at a class and heard about the benefits and gave it a try and liked it.

I had been curious to get some kefir grains, but had not gotten any. I went over to a friends a couple months ago and she mentioned that she had gotten some kefir grains from a friend. She gave me some. Since then I have used it in my morning drink for my husband and myself. When I first started it, I loved the calming effect I felt as It went through my system. I know everyone's system is different--what works for one person doesn't work for everyone--but I have felt the health benefits. I am not a doctor and don't claim to be.

Kefir tastes most like plain yogurt, and has similar health benefits, only better. It's full of probiotics!

This is what kefir looks like after the 24 hour process.

This is the grains that make milk turn into kefir.

A closer look at the grains.

This is the bottles I make it in it. This is what it looks like after you pour the milk in.

I put the plastic over and the process begins.

I love to read the health benefits of kefir. Here are some I have found.

1. It is helpful for yeast infections, great for the intestines, and digestion problems.
2. I like the way I feel after drinking it.
3. I like that I can make my own. I know what's in it.
4. Kefir has also been around a long time and has a good track record.

So you can do your own research and see what you think. This was a site that had good info. The health benefits to kefir are similar and better than yogurt, according to the reports I have read. I have also cooked with it and have been happy with the results. It has been fun to have a new thing to experiment with.

Directions on How to Make Kefir:

I have about 1 T of kefir grain to 1 C of milk. I use whole milk. (I know some people use goat milk or raw milk. It will not work as well with low fat milk.) So It is about 4 T of grain to 4 C of milk in my glass quart jar.

1. Get a clean quart jar put in about 4 T of kefir grain. Pour in 4 C of whole milk.

2. Cover the jar with plastic. Seal the plastic and poke some holes into the plastic, to let some air into it.

3. Then I place it in my cupboard away from the light. Let it sit for 24 hours.

4. I then pour the kefir mixture into either a glass or plastic bowl and scoop out the grains with a slotted spoon. You could also use a plastic colander. The recommendations I have seen have said no metal.

5. I then put the grain back into the jar and start the process over again. (Wash the bottles every couple times.) Any kefir I don't use will store up to 3 weeks in the fridge. You can keep it in the fridge in milk for a little while, but then you have to wake it up again when you want to make more. I have not done this yet.

Kefir Fruit Smoothie
Serves 2

3 1/2 C kefir
1 C frozen blueberries
3 T protein powder
1 1/2 frozen banana
4 T flax and chia and oatmeal
1 1/2 C spinach (I sometimes use spinach I have frozen)

Blend it all up and enjoy. I do different variations. It does help to put frozen foods in it to get it cold, or the mixture will be warm. You can have fun with it. You can buy it from the store to try it out. Give it a try. :)