My sister is responsible. For all of it. She gets on a health kick, or a food storage kick, or a whatever kick, and I just can’t help myself. I have do it too. The latest one is Kefir [kuh–feer].It’s really an amazing little grain. Just stick it in some milk, let it ferment on your counter for about a day, and BOOM…health drink. Who knew? Think yogurt on steroids, but even better for you. It kind of freaked me out at first, but I trust my sister, and after reading more about it online, I’m a believer. My sis gave me some grains (so this is totally free for me!) and these little puppies will live forever if I’m good to them. Plus they multiply, so you can give some to all your friends too! And some of them will even thank you for it. But really, this is great stuff. Spendy and less healthy if you buy it ready to drink, so find a friend willing to share!
And then I had to buy some agave when I saw some in my sister’s kitchen. Costco sells it way cheaper than the grocery store, so I couldn’t help myself! Agave is a liquid sweetener, 25% sweeter than sugar, so you need less.
I like to make smoothies with my kefir (the name refers to the grain and the drink, here I mean the drink), and my kids have no idea. I love it. This is one of my favorite smoothies.
kefir (up to 1 1/2 cups, I use about 1/2-3/4 cup)
milk (to bring total amount of liquid to 1 1/2 cups)
6 oz frozen oj concentrate
3 T sugar OR 2 T agave nectar
1/4-1/2 t vanilla
8 frozen strawberries
Add all ingredients except strawberries to blender. Begin blending and add strawberries one at a time until smooth.
*I use powdered milk in this smoothie. Add water to bring total liquid to 1 1/2 cups, and then add powdered milk. I usually put in about 3 T powdered milk.
*I just made this smoothie again, and this time I added some ground flax seed (I bought it at Costco and haven’t really used it much since I opened it). This is a great way to disguise even more healthy food!