It's summertime which means that although I'm feeling really lazy, I need to be incredibly creative with my meal preparation. Summer also means that the milk kefir grains do their thing a little faster than in the winter so I have lots of it. If you're new to milk kefir, hopefully these ideas will help you branch out. If you've never tried fermenting with your own grains, maybe this will encourage you to give it a try! If you look hard enough, you'll probably find someone locally who's more than happy to pass on some of their surplus, otherwise it is possible to buy them. I do discourage folks from using the packet kefir starter because it's not the same in taste and benefits as it is with using the grains, but if it gives you a start, hey, rock on.
Honey Kefir Drink
This is simple and delicious. It makes a nice breakfast, good sweet-tooth filler or easy meal when you're too hot and not really peckish enough to have a real meal.
Milk kefir: any amount you choose, let's say 12 oz
Honey: again, you know what sweet is to you. I use 1/2 - 1 dessert-spoon
Cinnamon: sprinkle *see note
Put the kefir in a glass, add honey and cinnamon; stir with fork or spoon until combined.
*Note: I don't use the cinnamon that's sold in tins or plastic jars in the supermarket. I buy mine freshly ground from a groovy local place. I also have cinnamon bark that I grate myself as needed. If you use supermarket cinnamon, you may need a little more than I suggest to get some flavour.
Variations
Change yer spice: instead of cinnamon, try freshly grated/ground nutmeg, freshly grated ginger (or a sprinkle of powdered) or allspice.
Get filled: You can add any fruit you like to the kefir! Some of my favourites are peaches, blackberries, blueberries and strawberries. For soft fruits (like the ones mentioned) simply cut the fruits up small, or even roughly mash them and add to the honey-spiced kefir. You can take firmer fruits (apples, melon, pears, etc) and give them a short visit to the blender to make them choppy. Firm fruits don't seem to have the intense flavour that the softer ones have so you may be disappointed or find you need more to taste them. But if you feel the inclination, try what you like - you may discover a new masterpiece!
Add more flavour: It's very easy to add quick flavour with a bit of extract. Almond, rum, vanilla and mint are all good. Just use a tiny bit though, they go a looong way.
