Homemade Kefir

Kefir is like yogurt, but it's healthier for you and easier to make. Put it on a counter and let it go. How easy is that? UPDATE: According to one review, if you store kefir in spring water, they will die. You can store them in spring water for short periods in the fridge. OR you can store them in a little milk. I've done both and both work fine. I've heard you can store them in the freezer even, for longer periods of time.

• Ready In: 24 hrs 2 mins
• Yields: 1 quart

Ingredients

• 1  tablespoon  kefir, grains (looks like little pieces of cauliflower)
• 1  quart  whole milk

Directions

1. Put kefir in glass jar and fill almost full with the whole milk (organic, non-pasteurized is preferable).
2. Cover with a clean cloth and place on the counter.
3. Wait 1 to 2 days, stirring periodically with a PLASTIC spoon (not metal).
4. When thick, strain out the kefir grains with a plastic strainer. Don't smash the grains.
5. Place grains in a clean jar and repeat.
6. You can cut down the tang of the kefir by '2nd fermenting': After removing grains, put 1-2 slices of lemon or lime peel or a vanilla bean back in the jar with the kefir. Cover and let sit on counter another day. After removing the peel/bean, taste the kefir. If it is to your liking, then cover with a plastic lid and put in fridge until ready to drink. If not, let sit a little longer with the peel/bean.
7. NOTE: If you run out of milk or will be out of town, place grains in a glass jar and cover with milk. Put a lid on jar and keep in fridge until ready to use again (they should be okay for a week or two, but will need fresh milk to feed on then.).