Kefir, Kefir, Kefir

Move over yogurt, I have a new love in my life- and it's name is Kefir. 

Not to be confused with Kiefer, but wow can I not get through talking about Kefir without breaking out in that lady's accent!! Anyways, I digress... Let's move on.

Time to make some Kiefah! Gotta talk about my boyfwieeeenndddd.... 

Alright, seriously, here we go: 

Kefir is a fermented food which I'm all about these days. It's made by placing kefir grains in milk and then left out at room temperature until it thickens and takes on a consistency similar to thin yogurt.  Yogurt drinks/smoothies are pretty popular now so this fits right in with that. Also, did I mention how EASY it is to make this? Even easier than making yogurt!  

I drink it for the probiotics, same as with yogurt, but if you'd like to hear about some of the other benefits, lookie here. I'm super shocked that I haven't tried this stuff sooner! If you don't have access to kefir grains or want to give it a try before committing to making it yourself, you can find kefir (flavored or unflavored) at most grocery stores and for sure at your local health food store or co-op.

If you wanna be adventurous please continue reading: 

Everyone, please meet Kefir.

I think they look like cottage cheese. They're kind of spongy and wow do these puppies grow after a few ferments! The grains will continue to grow and multiply so when you get overwhelmed with the amount you have, give some away to friends!


To prepare your kefir grains for fermentation, simply toss the grains in a clean mason jar, top with milk, give it a stir, and then cover with cheese cloth.







I cover with the cheese cloth and then put the ring back on the jar to hold it in place. Then you just leave it out on your counter for 24-48 hours until the liquid thickens.








Oh well, you can't really tell from this photo but, it's thick and barely moving when I tilt it. Trust me.







You'll need to drain the kefir grains out so you'll want to get a mesh sieve and put it over a bowl. I just pour it into the sieve and then stir to remove most of the milk product from the grains. This is secretly my favorite part because I like seeing how much the grains have grown in just a day or so! I'ma nerd, I know.







Here you can better see it, sometimes it gets bubbly like this..





Then I just pour it into a glass with some honey and vanilla extract- instant vanilla smoothie!

Step by step: 

1. Put kefir grains in clean mason jar
2. Cover with any cow's milk (organic is best, I use pasteurized and they grow well, any fat content works)
3. Stir with clean spoon to disperse grains
4. Cover opening of jar with cheese cloth
5. Secure cheese cloth with rubber band or canning ring 
6. Set out of the way on a counter for 24-48 hours
7. You'll know kefir is done when it has a pleasant tangy smell and is thickened 
8. Strain kefir grains out using sieve, repeat steps

Important things to know:

1. It's very important that the milk be at room temperature and be exposed to air for it to ferment in a decent amount of time. 
2. If you want to slow down fermentation, cover the grains with milk, put a lid on it, and then put it in the fridge. The cooler temperature slows down the fermentation but they'll still have milk for food while you're taking a break! I've left my grains in the fridge for up to a week before I have to feed them again. 
3. You have to make sure your kefir grains have food or they will die. They're kind of like having a pet. 
4. Kefir grains are very resilient but extreme heat WILL KILL THEM!! 

After you've been making kefir a while, you may build up a surplus if you don't drink it everyday or perhaps don't know what all you can do with it. Here are some ideas:

• Smoothies, (Der, but you can do vanilla or fruit or CHOCOLATE or PEANUT BUTTER *blows into a paper bag* You get the drift, experiment!) 
• Overnight oats (Just replace the yogurt and milk with allll kefir baby) 
• The most amazing waffles you will ever eat
• Salad dressings (Such as these)
• Soaking your flours or grains if you're into that sorta thing
• Also, this is on my list: Banana Bread
• Adding to soups, stir into cereal, whatever dude

So anyways, that's the schpeal on my new love.

But let's not forget an old love of mine....






The cutest little nugget I have ever seen.

Awesomeness On My Horizon

Well, my friends, I have several exciting things to look forward to this week!!! Yes indeedy!

For one, my early birthday gift to myself is coming... an elliptical machine!! Woo Woo! I have always, always wanted one for the home and NO it's not particularly homesteady but it's most likely the only way that I will ever commit to working out. All other methods have failed and there's something terribly fun about pretending to run while blaring dub step through the room.

Next on the list of my amazing week, we are picking up the 1/8th of beef that we ordered from Jubilee Hilltop Ranch!! That's right, just another step in the right direction of eating all natural, nourishing foods. The cows are 100% grass fed, organic, free range, and cruelty free- just the way it should be! Now if you're thinking that 1/8th a cow is a wimpy portion, you're wrong- it's fifty pounds!!!

In the package I'll be getting:

• 2 Delmonico steaks
• 2 Sirloin steaks
• 2 packages of beef tips
• 2 Roasts
• 4 packages of Chip steak
• 3 packages of Swiss steak
• 2 round steaks
• 25 lbs of ground beef
• Soup bones

Truth be told, I did want the 1/4th a cow but I just plum didn't have the space in my freezer. Oh well, perhaps next time. Just to show the difference, in the 1/4th cow you get:

• 3 Delmonico steaks
• 3 NY strip steaks
• 3 Sirloin steaks 
• 5 packages of beef tips
• 2 Chuck roasts
• 1 Rump roast
• 1 Shoulder roast
• 6 packages of chip steak
• 6 packages of Swiss steak
• 2 Round steaks
• 45-50 lbs of ground beef
• Soup bones 

Next up, the dried foods sampler I ordered: the Dried Veggie Variety Sample Pack from Mother Earth Products!! I plan on writing a more thorough review of this company but so far, I'm already impressed and I haven't even received the product yet. I emailed them to request a substitution in the variety pack because of my allergy to mangoes, they got back to me in less than 24 hours, made the switch easily, and had my ordered shipped within 24 hours of me ordering. What SERVICE. You just don't see that anymore... 

And lastly on my list, I've been jonesing to make a bulk purchase of some brown organic rice and found something that fits the bill! 

I'm doing my best as I continue to make my transition slowly but surely, using up what I have before I commit to more so when I do get to buy something in that regard, it's super exciting. 

Upcoming posts to include: Cheese making, Kefir making, Kombucha making, and Sauerkraut!