The Who, What, Where and Why of Kefir...

In my search to find intestinal balance, I tried every product I could get my hands on and afford.  Using yogurt and other probiotics in my diet was an everyday thing.  However, there were some drawbacks that I did not like, for instance, the added sugar, other sweeteners, and the fact that these probiotics weren't as active as they are touted as being. 

So, I searched for something new and promising.  Well, while not new in terms of existence, I have found something that appears rather promising.  I have yet to try it, however, I am in the process of preparing my kefir for consumption, starting with re-hydrating it.  

For those of you wondering what is kefir, let me explain.  Kefir is a cultured milk grain that  grows from a symbiotic relationship between the yeast and the probitotics.  It's grows much like a sourdough starter, however it does not contain any wheat, or other flour grains of any kind.  Kefir contains beneficial healthy yeast and probiotics that help to replenish and protect your intestinal tract.  This is the best, most economical and nutritive way to obtain probiotics. 

Studies have shown the benefits of Kefir to be substantial.  See the following links for added information regarding this wonderful milk culture.

 kefir

 natural news

yourkefirsource

Kefir Part I

I received my Kefir order three days ago.  I pulled out all of my little goodies and began the process of rehydration.
1.  I opened the package and poured the kefir grains into a glass jar.
2.  I poured 1 cup of organic non-fat milk into the jar.
3.  I covered the jar with a coffee filter and rubber-band.
4.  I let it sit in a lukewarm place for 24 hours.

The next day at the same time of day I poured off the liquid into a strainer and kept the grains. 
I placed the grains back into the jar and added 1 Cup of organic milk and covered it.  I placed it in a warm place for another 24 hours.  The liquid that I poured off was just like regular milk, no coagulation or thickening.
On the third day, which is today, I went to pour off the liquid and to my surprise there was lots of coagulation and thickening.  I poured the contents into the strainer over a bowl.  It was so thick, that I had to use my wooden spoon to gently stir and press the gooey substance through the strainer as I stirred.  But, not too much so as not to disturb the Kefir grains.  I then repeated the process.  Added 1 Cup organic milk to the grains and covered for another 24 hours.
I realized that the reason for the thickening was that I had used my oven last night, which was very close to where these grains were sitting.  It smelled fine, so I figure all is good.  I will keep you posted on the rest of the processing.
Sorry for no pics, as my camera is under repair.  I will post pics a.s.a.p.

How True Lemon Helps Support Your Urinary Tract Health

 I have always had problems with high oxalate foods.  In my twenties, my kidneys were always giving me problems.  I had frequent kidney infections and would constantly push myself to drink water.  In my thirties, it got worse.  The only remedy that I found to reduce the pain, with what I determined as kidney stones, was pure lemon juice.  If you have problems with some of these same things, check out this site.  See the link:

How True Lemon Helps Support Your Urinary Tract Health

3 Wet Ways to Lose Weight

3 Wet Ways to Lose Weight

Posts to come...

It's been a troubling time without my deluxe digital camera.  It's broken and now I have to wait to post my foodie images.  But here is a tantalizing taste of what I'll post next...
Hawaiian Kabobs with Sweet-N-Sour Salad, and Coconut Smoothies.
Fabulous Chicken Curry...Hot & Spicy just the way I like it. 
Quinoa Mexicana Ensalada...a more exciting version of the one on my recipe blogs. 

Stay tuned for the follow up recipes...

Spicy Shrimp Ceviche

Spicy Shrimp Ceviche

1-2 Cups Cocktail Shrimp (in the cold section at the meat counter). 

2 Cups of diced cucumber, 

3/4-1 Cup diced tomatoes (I used Roma, however, a juicer tomato would be great), 

1/2 Cup diced Red Onion, 

Juice from 2-3 Lemons, 

Juice from 1 Lime, 

2 Tsp. Cilantro, 

*optional: 1 small, firm, diced avacado. 

Snowy's Bumble Bee All Natural Clam Juice 8 oz. bottle, 

*optional: 2 tsp. Olive Oil, 

1 tsp. Sea Salt (use more or less according to your liking), 

dash of pepper, 

1-2 Tbsp. Tapatio Chili Sauce.

1 Cup Cooked Quinoa or GF Crackers or GF Bread

Fold ingredients together and serve on a bed of cold cooked Quinoa. I loved this because it's practically fat free, low sodium, gluten free, and no sugar.

How to make milk Kefir

I just ordered from the Cultures for Health company and can't wait to try out their Kefir cultures for the first time.  I'll post my experience as soon as it ships.  Enjoy!