Yes & yes you can. I haven't done the half&half, but I did do some heavy cream. Be prepared to "fish" the grains out of the cream when it's done! It becomes kefir sour cream - just as thick as "store bought" and, consequently, not really "strainable." Delicious!

Maggie
5'1" ~~ Atkins since '98 (160)/Maintaining nicely (110) ~~ Redhead until further notice!

At last!!! I have grains to share! 'Course I am overseas but if you are anywhere near Indonesia I can share some grains. Mine are dehydrated so will ship easily.

Connie

[img]//www.lowcarbeating.com/lcesupporter.gif[/img]

Congrats, Connie, on persuading your crew to multiply! Did any particular trick work, or was it voodoo or the phase of the moon??



BC
172/108/108
Zone since 4/98

I think it was the moon, BC!

Actually, I'm not sure if it was one thing or a combination of things. I went ahead and divided the ones I had to share with a friend. Then, I was finally able to find milk that hadn't been heat treated to make it shelf stable -- it is pasturized. Then I was rinsing out the jar with some of the milk to make sure I got all the tiny grains out too. And I started using more milk to grains ratio.

They still aren't getting to be large grains but are multiplying fairly well. And they do make good kefir!

Connie

[img]//www.lowcarbeating.com/lcesupporter.gif[/img]

OKAY, I read some (need LOTS of time) of Dom's website. Intriguing. I used to grow Kombucha 'shrooms a long time ago, but alas, I killed it,

I'm rarin' to try Kefir. I love the idea of doing it in cream and making sour cream. WOOHOO! I also read a little bit about skin applications. I am so excited about that, because I have been making herbal lotion for about 5 yrs (which is the only thing that helps DH's skin condition).......I wonder if I can add Kefir to the lotion........hmmmmm. Will have to experiment.

Bren, I sent you my e-mail address so we can hook up. Hope to meet you for lunch, how fun.

This is so exciting.......home brews. I love it!!!



Barb
Atkins-3/14/03
174/146/135
"A little knowledge is a dangerous thing."

Ok I think I am ready to try this. I live in southern Ohio if anyone has grains to share. I am really curious about kefir since I had never ever heard of the stuff before finding this site.

Thanks guys,

Jen

Atkins since 11/11/03

140/133/115

"Let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we will reap a harvest if we faint not." Gal. 6:9

I'm pretty close to you, Jen, and I'd be happy to send you some grains.

First check out Dom's site, ( Dom's Kefir Site ) so you have some information on how to get started brewing. Then get me your address, by email maggiefries@earthlink.net (don't be concerned if you get a reply from my spam-blocker - I'll watch for your email and put you on my approved list when I get it) or start a private topic on this forum.

We'll getcha going.

Maggie
5'1" ~~ Atkins since '98 (160+)
Maintaining nicely (110 +/-)
~~ Redhead until further notice!

How far can kefir grains be shipped?

If they are dried, pretty much anywhere. I sent some from Illinois to Iowa for 2 day shipping and the recipient said they were great. I shipped them in milk in a water bottle. These ones were not dried. If you are interested, I have another good sized crop and could probably send you some in milk. I think it's about $4 to ship. I figure from Illinois to TN shouldn't be bad either. We're almost neighboring states. And if they sit in the cold in a truck or something, that won't hurt them either. You can slow down the fermenting process with refrigeration. Or I could dry some more and just stick them in a bubble envelope for cheaper shipping. Watcha think? Send me a Private topic and we can exchange info. Do you know how to do a private topic?

Oh and I would suggest you go to the link Maggie posted, it's chock full of info on how to do this. You will want to have your equipement ready to go as soon as you get your grains.

Barb - 30 lbs gone FOREVER!
www.iwsgroupinc.com - website design and development


Atkins-3/14/03
174/144/135 5'2"
"A little knowledge is a dangerous thing."
Knowledge is POWER

I totally forgot about this! I have read Dom's site a few times and think I would like to try this. I am gonna email you Maggie.

Jen

Atkins since 11/11/03

5'3" 140/130/115


I used to be indecisive...But now I'm not so sure!

Barb K - I have sent you a private topic. Thanks, Cinelu.

My babies came today!!

Thank you Maggie! They are now safely placed in my clean empty VCO jar with the whole milk I bought yesterday! I can't wait to try this tomorrow!

Maggie, I tasted the strained milk you sent the babies to me in, and it was very sour! I used it to make a protein shake this morning. Pretty good!

I should be very healthy now with all the stuff I take...ACV, VCO, Kefir, Green tea...
Still only losing a pound a week if I'm lucky, but I'm one healthy loser!

Jen

Atkins since 11/11/03

5'3" 140/129/115


I used to be indecisive...But now I'm not so sure!

Very cool, Jen!

Just remember that the amount of time it will take to "finish" depends on a number of factors, including ambient temperature and the ratio of grains to milk. ... and "finish" is a relative term, too. It's a living thing that continues to change over time.

I like mine very sour, so I look for a complete separation of curds & whey, then give it a shake and let it go a little longer before I strain it. Then I add it to the strained batch I keep in my fridge for drinking.

With practice, you'll know (by eye, sniff and taste) when it's at the stage you like it.

Maggie
5'1" ~~ Atkins since '98 (160+)
Maintaining nicely (110 +/-)
~~ Redhead until further notice!

Good luck with Kefie Jen! This stuff is amazing and I dropped my acidophilus for this product.

I have been making Kefir now for a few months thanks to Maggie too. I have found if you try organic whole milk it turns so creamy and bubbly

Blessings,

Carol

My kefir grains arrived yesterday, thanks to Barb K. I have them in milk now and am very excited!!!