How do you take your kefir?

clutterbug · 10-19-2009, 02:52 PM

Looking for ways to enjoy kefir...all I know about now is to mix it with fruit in a blender for a smoothie. What's your favorite way?

DelhiBelli · 10-19-2009, 03:47 PM

I like to let it sit until it turns into curds and whey and then squeeze out all the excess whey from the curds. Then I mix the cheese with some fruit or sweetener and it satifies my cheesecake craving. My husband likes when I mix it with herbs and serve it with lamb or beef.

You could use the whey to lacto-ferment foods or just drink it straight!

clutterbug · 10-19-2009, 04:19 PM

So, drained kefir cream cheese...sweet or savory. I'll have to try that.
I've used whey from draining yogurt before to make my LF foods.

I just had a glass with stevia and vanilla extract. Not bad at all!

DelhiBelli · 10-19-2009, 06:18 PM

You can use it as a substitute for cream, yogurt, sour cream, etc. You just need to adjust for the thickness of the kefir. Mix some with pesto for a creamy pesto dressing for salad...Make a cheesecake (you would lose the bacteria but it would be a more digestible cheesecake)...Kefir ice cream...Cream/fruit popsicles...Make an herb dressing for a cold potato/pasta dish...Squeeze all the whey out, mix with herb, and marinate in olive oil like labneh

What kind of foods do you LF? I mixed some kefir with a LF salsa and my husband loved it with blue corn chips!

clutterbug · 10-19-2009, 07:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DelhiBelli

What kind of foods do you LF?

So far just sauerkraut, beet kvass, and pickles. I'm going to try kimchi soon. We love that stuff!

Thanks for all the ideas. I'll try to be more creative! Creamy salad dressing would work well.

Faia · 10-20-2009, 07:12 AM

I just open the jar and drink it.

butters · 10-20-2009, 09:14 AM

I picked up some kefir for the fist time yesterday, glad this thread was started! I also have a few questions...

1) I think it's going to be an acquired taste for me. I have some sugar free sweetener made with splenda (very similar to DaVinci's) that I use to help me take CO (another taste I have trouble with). If I add a shot of the SF sweetener to the kefir, will it harm the probiotics? I'm willing to switch over to stevia if that's a better approach.
2) If the SF sweetener doesn't negate the benefits of the kefir, I'm considering making my own in the future. It's my understanding that the probiotics lower the amount of lactose in the kefir. For those that make their own, do you track the carbs? If so, how do you do it?

Thanks in advance for any help!

DelhiBelli · 10-20-2009, 03:33 PM

The SF sweetener shouldn't do much to the probiotic that I'm aware, but it doesn't do much good to your body as a whole. Your call but I'd say go with stevia.

The probiotics in the kefir use the lactose as food so there is much less after letting the milk ferment overnight. I don' track the carbs, I just let my kefir sit on the counter for up to 7 days. I take the grains out after 24 hours and start a new batch, just let the grain-less kefir sit out until you're ready to drink it. You can put it in the fridge, but this slows down the fermentation. The amount of time I let it sit out depends on how I want to consume it. If I want to drink it then usually 3-4 days of sitting out. After that it turns to cheese so I'll eat it as such. Some people don't like to let it sit out because the kefir gets more and more sour, but i'd rather this than extra lactose in my tummy.

Hope this helps!

tomswife · 10-20-2009, 04:11 PM

What exactly is the difference, healthwise, between Kefir and yogurt? Which is healthier?

butters · 10-20-2009, 06:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DelhiBelli

The SF sweetener shouldn't do much to the probiotic that I'm aware, but it doesn't do much good to your body as a whole. Your call but I'd say go with stevia.

The probiotics in the kefir use the lactose as food so there is much less after letting the milk ferment overnight. I don' track the carbs, I just let my kefir sit on the counter for up to 7 days. I take the grains out after 24 hours and start a new batch, just let the grain-less kefir sit out until you're ready to drink it. You can put it in the fridge, but this slows down the fermentation. The amount of time I let it sit out depends on how I want to consume it. If I want to drink it then usually 3-4 days of sitting out. After that it turns to cheese so I'll eat it as such. Some people don't like to let it sit out because the kefir gets more and more sour, but i'd rather this than extra lactose in my tummy.

Hope this helps!

This was very helpful; thank you so much! I'm looking forward to trying it out.

46&2 · 10-20-2009, 09:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tomswife

What exactly is the difference, healthwise, between Kefir and yogurt? Which is healthier?

Kefir has 30-something different beneficial bacterial cultures and yeasts, yoghurt usually contains 1 or 2.

tomswife · 10-21-2009, 08:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 46&2

Kefir has 30-something different beneficial bacterial cultures and yeasts, yoghurt usually contains 1 or 2.

Oh, ok, Thanks so much :-)

annamacd · 10-21-2009, 09:17 AM

I think it depends on the kefir as far as how many probiotic strains you're getting. I love the tang of kefir, but I find taking a probiotic supplement is the most low-cal way to get my daily dose of good bugs - especially over the holiday and winter season when digestion and immunity take a hit.
- Anna M
blog.nutri-health.com

Faia · 10-21-2009, 10:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by annamacd

I think it depends on the kefir as far as how many probiotic strains you're getting.

Do you mean 'which brand' from the store, or do you culture your own?

lynnport · 10-22-2009, 08:50 PM

8 oz. kefir, a scoop of protein powder, a tablespoon of flax oil, Torani flavored syrup.... breakfast everyday!!!!

GS-Rob · 11-19-2009, 08:24 PM

HI all, I like to sprinkle a little stevia, nutmeg,all spice, and lots of cinnamon.. Redwood Hills Plain Kefir blink twice and the quart is gone.

very good stuff.

clutterbug · 11-20-2009, 07:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GS-Rob

HI all, I like to sprinkle a little stevia, nutmeg,all spice, and lots of cinnamon.. Redwood Hills Plain Kefir blink twice and the quart is gone.

very good stuff.

Kefir-nog, huh? Sounds delish!

tomswife · 11-20-2009, 08:04 AM

Does anyone have a recipe for a ranch type dressing made with kefir?

clutterbug · 11-20-2009, 09:10 AM

I feel like I've made something like this before, but I can't find the recipe

Sorry.

ETA: Found this online here
Kefir Ranch Dressing Flavors of Home

1 1/2 cups kefir (to make a thicker dressing replace 1/2 cup kefir with cultured cream)
1/2 tsp parsley
1/2 tsp chives
1 clove garlic, chopped very fine
1/4 tsp dill
1 tbsp onion, chopped very fine
1/8 tsp sea salt
1/4 tsp fresh ground pepper

Mix all together and chill for 30 minutes to blend flavors.

Never made it, but bet you couldn't go wrong with it!

10-19-2009, 02:52 PM	#1
clutterbug Senior LCF Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Amongst children and clutter! Posts: 443 Gallery: clutterbug Stats: postpartum 235/224/172 WOE: Atkins OWL...25 carbs Start Date: March 2008~had a baby~August 2009	How do you take your kefir? Looking for ways to enjoy kefir...all I know about now is to mix it with fruit in a blender for a smoothie. What's your favorite way?

11-19-2009, 08:24 PM	#16
GS-Rob Junior LCF Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 1 Gallery: GS-Rob	Kefir HI all, I like to sprinkle a little stevia, nutmeg,all spice, and lots of cinnamon.. Redwood Hills Plain Kefir blink twice and the quart is gone. very good stuff.

11-20-2009, 09:10 AM	#19
clutterbug Senior LCF Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Amongst children and clutter! Posts: 443 Gallery: clutterbug Stats: postpartum 235/224/172 WOE: Atkins OWL...25 carbs Start Date: March 2008~had a baby~August 2009	I feel like I've made something like this before, but I can't find the recipe Sorry. ETA: Found this online here Kefir Ranch Dressing Flavors of Home 1 1/2 cups kefir (to make a thicker dressing replace 1/2 cup kefir with cultured cream) 1/2 tsp parsley 1/2 tsp chives 1 clove garlic, chopped very fine 1/4 tsp dill 1 tbsp onion, chopped very fine 1/8 tsp sea salt 1/4 tsp fresh ground pepper Mix all together and chill for 30 minutes to blend flavors. Never made it, but bet you couldn't go wrong with it! __________________ B. ~Crazy mama to some wee ones and one of those "natural" types (be forewarned!) ~Check out my journal! ~~~Induction...No matter what!~~~ Last edited by clutterbug; 11-20-2009 at 09:14 AM..

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10-19-2009, 03:47 PM	#2
DelhiBelli Junior LCF Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Seoul, Korea Posts: 25 Gallery: DelhiBelli WOE: SCD/GAPS/ERFYT/Body Ecology Start Date: 3 August (SCD/GAPS), 24 August 2009 (Body Ecology)	I like to let it sit until it turns into curds and whey and then squeeze out all the excess whey from the curds. Then I mix the cheese with some fruit or sweetener and it satifies my cheesecake craving. My husband likes when I mix it with herbs and serve it with lamb or beef. You could use the whey to lacto-ferment foods or just drink it straight!

10-19-2009, 04:19 PM	#3
clutterbug Senior LCF Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Amongst children and clutter! Posts: 443 Gallery: clutterbug Stats: postpartum 235/224/172 WOE: Atkins OWL...25 carbs Start Date: March 2008~had a baby~August 2009	So, drained kefir cream cheese...sweet or savory. I'll have to try that. I've used whey from draining yogurt before to make my LF foods. I just had a glass with stevia and vanilla extract. Not bad at all!

10-19-2009, 06:18 PM	#4
DelhiBelli Junior LCF Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Seoul, Korea Posts: 25 Gallery: DelhiBelli WOE: SCD/GAPS/ERFYT/Body Ecology Start Date: 3 August (SCD/GAPS), 24 August 2009 (Body Ecology)	You can use it as a substitute for cream, yogurt, sour cream, etc. You just need to adjust for the thickness of the kefir. Mix some with pesto for a creamy pesto dressing for salad...Make a cheesecake (you would lose the bacteria but it would be a more digestible cheesecake)...Kefir ice cream...Cream/fruit popsicles...Make an herb dressing for a cold potato/pasta dish...Squeeze all the whey out, mix with herb, and marinate in olive oil like labneh What kind of foods do you LF? I mixed some kefir with a LF salsa and my husband loved it with blue corn chips!

10-20-2009, 07:12 AM	#6
Faia Senior LCF Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Paragon City Posts: 218 Gallery: Faia WOE: LC/Avoid Frankenfoods Start Date: March 2009	I just open the jar and drink it.

10-20-2009, 09:14 AM	#7
butters Senior LCF Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Philly Posts: 156 Gallery: butters Start Date: 02/03/09	I picked up some kefir for the fist time yesterday, glad this thread was started! I also have a few questions... 1) I think it's going to be an acquired taste for me. I have some sugar free sweetener made with splenda (very similar to DaVinci's) that I use to help me take CO (another taste I have trouble with). If I add a shot of the SF sweetener to the kefir, will it harm the probiotics? I'm willing to switch over to stevia if that's a better approach. 2) If the SF sweetener doesn't negate the benefits of the kefir, I'm considering making my own in the future. It's my understanding that the probiotics lower the amount of lactose in the kefir. For those that make their own, do you track the carbs? If so, how do you do it? Thanks in advance for any help!

10-20-2009, 03:33 PM	#8
DelhiBelli Junior LCF Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Seoul, Korea Posts: 25 Gallery: DelhiBelli WOE: SCD/GAPS/ERFYT/Body Ecology Start Date: 3 August (SCD/GAPS), 24 August 2009 (Body Ecology)	The SF sweetener shouldn't do much to the probiotic that I'm aware, but it doesn't do much good to your body as a whole. Your call but I'd say go with stevia. The probiotics in the kefir use the lactose as food so there is much less after letting the milk ferment overnight. I don' track the carbs, I just let my kefir sit on the counter for up to 7 days. I take the grains out after 24 hours and start a new batch, just let the grain-less kefir sit out until you're ready to drink it. You can put it in the fridge, but this slows down the fermentation. The amount of time I let it sit out depends on how I want to consume it. If I want to drink it then usually 3-4 days of sitting out. After that it turns to cheese so I'll eat it as such. Some people don't like to let it sit out because the kefir gets more and more sour, but i'd rather this than extra lactose in my tummy. Hope this helps!

10-20-2009, 04:11 PM	#9
tomswife MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Elgin, Oregon Posts: 1,295 Gallery: tomswife Stats: 251/180/120 WOE: Atkins Start Date: June 2008	What exactly is the difference, healthwise, between Kefir and yogurt? Which is healthier?

10-21-2009, 09:17 AM	#13
annamacd Junior LCF Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 3 Gallery: annamacd	I think it depends on the kefir as far as how many probiotic strains you're getting. I love the tang of kefir, but I find taking a probiotic supplement is the most low-cal way to get my daily dose of good bugs - especially over the holiday and winter season when digestion and immunity take a hit. - Anna M blog.nutri-health.com

10-22-2009, 08:50 PM	#15
lynnport Senior LCF Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: San Diego,CA Posts: 86 Gallery: lynnport	8 oz. kefir, a scoop of protein powder, a tablespoon of flax oil, Torani flavored syrup.... breakfast everyday!!!!

11-20-2009, 08:04 AM	#18
tomswife MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Elgin, Oregon Posts: 1,295 Gallery: tomswife Stats: 251/180/120 WOE: Atkins Start Date: June 2008	Does anyone have a recipe for a ranch type dressing made with kefir?