When it comes to breakfast, Bossy has this friend who’s all kefir kefir kefir. Kefir with fresh berries and a handful of raw cashews. “Is kefir a grain?” Bossy asked him. “Or is it a yogurt culture? A culture made from grain? A grainy culturey from?”
Bossy can’t remember his answer, but the other day she read something about the benefits of calorie restriction, where read something equals She saw it on Oprah. And this guy on Oprah who has never felt more youthful and hasn’t been sick in seven years was all about eating morning kefir with fresh berries and a handful of raw nuts — because the protein in the nuts help with the absorption of the antioxidants in the berries. Or maybe it was something about carbs. Or maybe the guy on Oprah wasn’t eating kefir, maybe he was throwing his berries and raw nuts into something else, but the point: Bossy is going to try kefir! Come along.
First let’s do a time check:
And now let’s remove the kefir from the refrigerator. Bossy likes pronouncing it Keeeeefer. It’s probably Keh-fer. Kay-fire. Kleleeehhffiir:
Let’s have a look at this close up:
Probiotic. OK, clearly the opposite of antibiotic. Farmer pledged. That’s cute. Bossy doesn’t know what it means, but it’s cute. And Bossy likes the part on the back of the container that explains kefir originated in the Caucasus Mountains where people live well past 100-years-old. Bossy is in with two feet! Two old feet.
Next Bossy busies herself with the fussy preparation of the kefir itself:
And then Bossy empties some kefir into her bowl:
Next Bossy washes and cuts the fresh fruit to put in her kefir:
And then Bossy sprinkles some obsession into her kefir:
And now it’s time to try the concoction, but first a time check:
And now the moment we have been waiting for, where we equals Bossy. And barely.
So? Kefir is refreshing. And tart. And creamy. And Bossy fell head over heels in awe of it. But don’t just take her word for it:
Get-Off says
March 26, 2009 at 8:26 amDid you clean the inside of your fridge for that photo with warm soapy water or with photoshop?
Alison says
March 26, 2009 at 8:39 amInteresting. I just learned about Kefir this weekend. Was running a farmer’s market stand for a friend and when someone came up asking for Kefir, I thought it was a special order for the “Kefir” family as those bottles were marked Kefir. Easy enough. She bought all the bottles. Then another woman arrived asking for her order of Kefir… huh?
Emily says
March 26, 2009 at 8:44 amIs it wrong for me to covet your coffee maker? And toaster? And bowl? And the kitchen’s spiffy paint job?
Ellie says
March 26, 2009 at 8:52 amI’m sorry; I’m too distracted by that cold, empty coffee pot to focus on, um, liquid yogurt? Thick milk? Is the coffee going yet??
Blog Princess G says
March 26, 2009 at 9:05 amMy morning brekkie is this: plain yoghurt, fresh or frozen raspberries, raw almonds, raw pumpkin seeds and ground flax meal. Honestly, it’s like a sundae in the morning… but this kefir has me intrigued. Mmmm… i have to try this.
vuboq says
March 26, 2009 at 9:11 amI used to drink kefir all the time. Then I stopped. I’m not sure why.
I pronounce it “Kay-FEAR.” Like “Cape Fear,” but without the “puh.”
*smooches*
Golden says
March 26, 2009 at 9:23 amYou look good even in the morning, Bossy. 🙂
moosh in indy. says
March 26, 2009 at 9:39 amSo if kefir is still alive, is PETA against eating it?
Beth says
March 26, 2009 at 9:58 amInnn…ter…es..ting! A new version of cereal?!
I’ve bought it for my son before, but I didn’t drink/eat it…maybe I should!
EricaB/CrazyMomma says
March 26, 2009 at 10:01 amI tried it a few years ago and it was very bitter…or was it sour…I don’t remember. Obviously I need to try it again.
Debby says
March 26, 2009 at 10:02 amHmm, never heard of this – will look for it. Thanks Bossy!
Jenni D says
March 26, 2009 at 10:04 amWe (meaning I) need to know how long the kefir mix kept your tummy from grumbling. From the looks of it, my tummy would be happy for, oh, 14 minutes.
janny226 says
March 26, 2009 at 10:04 amI’m sorry, I’m distracted by how cute Bossy’s hair is in the morning. Don’t tell my husband.
Elle M says
March 26, 2009 at 10:14 amI have a kefir recipe in my Nourishing Traditions cookbook. Hmmm…. intrigued.
Grandma J says
March 26, 2009 at 10:15 amWould it be a sin to substitute that kefir stuff for half and half? Maybe just milk? And then maybe, since I haven’t harvested any fresh berries lately, I could just fill the rest of the bowl up with Starbucks.
I have a feeling if I ate like a bird I would be nice and thin like Bossy.
Meredith says
March 26, 2009 at 10:16 amHow are you able to cut fruit BEFORE coffee?
g says
March 26, 2009 at 10:23 amMmmm. Just finished some greek yogurt with grape-nuts and a spoonful of preserves.
carson says
March 26, 2009 at 10:27 amThere’s Bossy, looking exactly like Jean Smart even at 6:30 in the a.m.
Julie says
March 26, 2009 at 10:40 amAnd there’s the kefir in the fridge, right next to the heavy cream and the sour cream.
That’s why we love you Bossy.
Domestic Goddess (in training) says
March 26, 2009 at 10:43 amAnd I just finished leftover crap masquerading as fruit salad, but really fresh fruit covered in vanilla pudding and mini marshmellows. Thanks for the added, guilt… like being Catholic didn’t give me enough of that!
dexter says
March 26, 2009 at 10:50 amNot unless I can pour it over coco puffs
SnowWhitemommy says
March 26, 2009 at 10:53 amI think Bossy may have just helped Kefir’s sales jump this morning.
Looks yummy by the way.
kate says
March 26, 2009 at 11:21 amew.
Bellamomma says
March 26, 2009 at 11:24 amLook at Bossy, trying to make me healthier & more of a twigs and berries kind of person – one healthy post at a time. It’s not so much working, but it’s still fun to read!
I am even more impressed by your skillz though – up at 5:30am, taking pics at 6:20am – all with no coffee & living off of water and lemons … my ability to giggle at life would be seriously impared.
Momo Fali says
March 26, 2009 at 11:33 amThat bowl is on the floor. You fed it to Stella, didn’t you?
David says
March 26, 2009 at 11:33 amDairy and me in the mornings go together like a concrete wall and a speeding Impala hatchback. Enjoy.
Jenn @ Juggling Life says
March 26, 2009 at 11:42 amWhen I was a child I was best friends with a girl whose dad had grown up on a kibbutz. Apparently Kefir is big on the kibbutz. I’m glad you like it, but ugh! Just the thought of it is turning my stomach.
Reeb says
March 26, 2009 at 11:52 amI’m still back on “no coffee … Bossy drinks water with lemon … yuck.” YUCK? Then why do you do it? And when do you have coffee? I’m confused = my normal state, it seems.
I always thought kefir was just runny yogurt. Tasty to drink for a snack when purchase in a fruity flavor with lots of sweetening and calories.
Sofia says
March 26, 2009 at 11:54 amI’ve been reading bossy’s blog for a while now and have been too shy to comment, but I’ve been so curious about Kefir, and felt the need to say thank you for showing what it looks like! I just might have to try it.
Adorable Girlfriend says
March 26, 2009 at 11:54 amIt’s good stuff, isn’t it?!
Audubon Ron says
March 26, 2009 at 11:56 amHEY, does your family know you’re doing this? Somebody needs to alert them right away and get you treatment. I’m calling 911, the ambulance is on the way. Stay put. Before laying down on the sofa, first flush all evidence of kefir down the toilet. Ahmygoodness, kefir is illegal in 49 states, not even for small personal consumption, didn’t you know that? Ahmygoodness, what have you done to yourself child? Ahmygoodness.
Stacey Ball says
March 26, 2009 at 11:57 amWeird, I was confused by the thickness of my Key Fur. Now I’m wondering….is there something wrong with it?? Uh oh.
Debs says
March 26, 2009 at 12:02 pmKefir. Yum. If you like a teensy bit of sweetness, just to cut the tart, add a bit of agave nectar. It’s pronounced just like Kiefer, as in Sutherland, as in Jack Bauer.
Have you tried green smoothies? Google them and find out. My newest craze (plus I add kefir to them).
p.s. how exciting. bossy and i have the same coffee maker. maybe it’s because i am pretty bossy myself..
rebekah says
March 26, 2009 at 12:19 pmSomething about milk and little flora and words like “biotic” and “cultured” make my little heave-y reflex kick in. On the plus side, foods nobody can pronounce are interesting. Hmmmm…gag, quirky word, gag, quirky….what a conundrum.
Gretchen says
March 26, 2009 at 12:20 pmCan a lactose intolerant person eat Kefir? Probably not. Just looking at all that dairy in your fridge gives me a belly ache. I wonder if they make a Lact-Aid version?
justjuli says
March 26, 2009 at 12:21 pmYum – Kefir! I love it too. And I sometimes get Strawberry flavored & I drink it like a smoothie.
Also, Gretchen – my friend is very lactose intolerant, yet he can have Kefir.?
swistle says
March 26, 2009 at 12:25 pmOkay, but is it FILLING at all? Because it looks like thick milk.
chrissy says
March 26, 2009 at 12:36 pmI love Kefir too! I love him on 24!
Baby Favorite says
March 26, 2009 at 12:37 pmI need to try that! I have been on a big yogurt/fruit for breakfast kick anyway, so that would work just as well.
You hair is so darned adorable. It’s a good thing you’re so cool; otherwise, I’d have to hate you. Lucky for you! 😀
Little Miss Sunshine State says
March 26, 2009 at 12:45 pmI’m stuck on the fact that Bossy gets up at 5:30AM, has no coffee, and can function well enough to make a healthy breakfast AND blog about it with photos AND have a cute hairdo.
well read hostess says
March 26, 2009 at 12:51 pmThere’s one thing I don’t understand (OK, you got me, there are a lot of things I don’t understand):
Do you put on a hemp bracelet and douse yourself in patchouli BEFORE you eat the KeyFlyer or AFTER?
Also…what’s with the calorie restriction? Isn’t that called starvation or punishment or something else? Something else BAD?
Ms. Cranky Pants says
March 26, 2009 at 12:56 pmKefir, donuts — eh, same difference
Stickman says
March 26, 2009 at 1:02 pmCorrect me if I’m wrong, but isn’t this just a fancy pants version of Captain Crunch? You got your crunchy, brown stuff…you got your fruity stuff…and you got your creamy stuff. Same diff, right?
bossy's friend martha says
March 26, 2009 at 1:18 pmOK, Ms. Bossy. I went out and got some. Only I got the strawberry kind. And it may come as no surprise to you that I love it as well. Because, guess what? It tastes exactly like a smoothy, only without the blender and the mess.
sjp says
March 26, 2009 at 1:34 pmhm. i may have to give it a shot. i’ve never heard of it, but never give up the opportunity for my husband to make fun of me 😉 (he’s of the biscuits & gravy-type breakfasts.)
Cactus Petunia says
March 26, 2009 at 1:47 pmNever thought to eat it with a spoon…We’ve been drinking Kefir for years out here on the left coast. It’s kinda like thin yogurt. I Love it!
But I’m never, ever giving up coffee.
Robynn's Ravings says
March 26, 2009 at 2:22 pmBossy can buy raw milk (from a reputable dairy), and buy kefir grains (those little living organisms) online, and make her own on the counter at room temp. I keep my grains resting in milk in the fridge when I’m not using them. Spring and summer are best. But if you heat the kefir grains they can die. Too bad, so sad. Funeral.
Franca Bollo says
March 26, 2009 at 2:36 pmMaybe I haven’t been paying attention but why are you not drinking coffee?
Camille says
March 26, 2009 at 3:11 pmThat’s funny, BOSSY! I’ve never heard of it before, but you’ve inspired me. Can’t eat nuts for another 6 weeks, though, or I might get dry sockets where once my wisdom teeth resided (2 weeks ago).
tuesday says
March 26, 2009 at 3:44 pmto think we just drink Kefir anytime!
FYI kefir comes in many great flavors!
Shawn/Lifeatbuttercupfarm says
March 26, 2009 at 3:46 pmOnce again, I am laughing out loud at your story….Salud….with Kefir!
foolery says
March 26, 2009 at 3:46 pm“Kefir: Breakfast of Lumberjacks (Or . . . those who just dress like them at 0 dark thirty)”
Sarah Streett says
March 26, 2009 at 4:41 pmI am not buying it 🙂 It looks yucky
Ree (The Other One) says
March 26, 2009 at 5:15 pmExcuse me, but does Bossy’s kefir (kay-fire? keeee-fur?) get thicker as time goes by? Because I thought it looked like my cereal without the, y’know, cereal.
heyjoe says
March 26, 2009 at 5:28 pmMorning ritual: about 5 oz. of vanilla Kefir with one little bottle of vanilla Dan Active. Mix well and guzzle.
Manic Mommy says
March 26, 2009 at 5:48 pmNever heard of it but I too am intrigued. Gotta admit, I was pretty sure you were going to say it tasted like yak’s milk after you’re done picking out the hairs
Jen says
March 26, 2009 at 6:02 pmI love kefir! I think it’s sort of like runny yougurt…
Dawn in Austin says
March 26, 2009 at 6:29 pmSorry, Bossy, but that just does’t do it for me. Liquid yogurt? How can you tell if its bad? I just read that coffee is good to help prevent Parkinson’s, diabetes and colon cancer, so I’ll stick with that for now. Tonight, I’ll have some healthy fermented grapes in my glass.
Professional Critic says
March 26, 2009 at 6:56 pmBossy, I have the same bowl! But I don’t understand what makes kefir not yogurt.
Dorrie says
March 26, 2009 at 7:34 pmI drink it every day but don’t tell too many people because it is often hard to find in the stores. They seem to sell out fast and I am selfish. Thanks for sharing and giving me more competition for my kefir – pronounced keh fer.
Mr Farty says
March 26, 2009 at 8:07 pmWhy, yes, I did look it up.
“Kefir (alternately kef?rs, keefir, kephir, kewra, talai)”
Talia?
“Traditional kefir is fermented” – ah, now we’re getting somewhere.
“yields a sour, carbonated, slightly alcoholic beverage”
Ah, alcoholic. ‘Kay, I’m in.
Surcie says
March 26, 2009 at 8:20 pmSurcie drinks goats milk kefir, along with a handful of raw almonds, and loves it.
Maria says
March 26, 2009 at 8:34 pmI thought this was going to be about KEIFER Sutherland.
Darn.
junebug says
March 26, 2009 at 9:55 pmHave you ever tried keifer cheese? It is delicious. And you can eat it with tortilla chips. Alta Dena makes it. It is hard for me to find. I used to buy it at the health food store. It is well worth the search.
Julie says
March 26, 2009 at 10:30 pmYou’re hilarious! And my favorite part of the kefir is that it’s “Real”! That is just awesome.
Brindi says
March 26, 2009 at 10:47 pmMy nutritionist recommended Kefir to me this week. I currently have the blueberry – I don’t think I could eat it – I swirl it in the blender with other fruit and smidge of Splenda (does that make it less healthy?) and slurp it through a straw. I feel full until lunch. I also used it in a cake the other night.
Amber Lee says
March 27, 2009 at 3:13 amHow many husbands do you have now? We need a running list.
Beth says
March 27, 2009 at 10:10 amMy 3-yr-old wakes up starving at 6:00 AM, and she gets a half a cup of strawberry kefir while I stumble around getting my coffee. She loves it, and at least I know there’s some protein in her body even if she rejects her entire breakfast, as she usually does. I love it too but it’s too expensive for everyone in the family to get to eat it, sadly. Once we found it at Costco, O joy, but that was a passing thing.
jp says
March 27, 2009 at 11:43 amHey I saw that Guy on Oprah too, I think he also added just the peel from 3 apples too?
I saw “Maple Bacon Cupcakes” on FOX this am. Did you know there has been a big Bacon resurgence reacently??
They looked yummy!
jp
ps #25……….HAHAHAHAHA I almost spit my Raisin Bran out!
joeinvegas says
March 27, 2009 at 12:02 pmI am impressed that you function well enough that early to do such a complete documentary. Good work!
the cheap chick says
March 27, 2009 at 2:05 pmHow expensive is Kiefer? Is Keapher more expensive than the obscene amount I spend on All Bran Bran Buds? Which, by the way, is $4.50 for a VERY SMALL box. And does Keefor have 100% of my daily allowance of fiber? Because in the end, it’s all about the fiber. Pun intended.
Karen in DE says
March 28, 2009 at 8:12 amKefir isn’t expensive when you do as Robynn says get the cultures and make it yourself – and then throw the kefir and berries and some raw honey into the blender – one good smoothie – only selling raw milk in PA is illegal I believe, so Bossy would have to come to DE . .
judy says
March 28, 2009 at 12:50 pm“Traditional kefir was made in skin bags that were hung near a doorway; the bag would be knocked by anyone passing through the doorway to help keep the milk and kefir grains well mixed.”
Thank you, wikipedia. I like Bossy’s description better.
CJ says
March 28, 2009 at 5:56 pmI have strawberry kefir from Trader Joe’s. I like it; the taste is similar to yogurt. My husband took one sip and said it was absolutely disgusting. He hates yogurt too. Oh well, just means I get to drink the whole container myself.
zelzee says
March 28, 2009 at 10:18 pmI just can’t eat anything that doesn’t sound good when I am saying it…………
like teryaki (sounds mean)
like asparagus (sounds whistley)
like kefir (sounds fuzzy)
sista #2 says
March 29, 2009 at 12:31 amYou do not want to see me at 5:30a.m.
You are a very brave woman.
peace
#2
Helen E. H. Madden says
March 29, 2009 at 9:55 amWow. Not only does Bossy get up at the same time I do, and not only does she have the same coffee pot I do, but she also obviously shops at the very same lingerie shop where I by all my fine flannel delicates! Holy cow!
But I don’t do the Kefir thing in the morning. I go with yogurt and wheat germ. Enjoy your breakfast, Bossy!
kirida says
March 29, 2009 at 10:22 amI just taught my mom how to pronounce kefir. This is a woman pronounces the “h” in herbs.
Marinka says
March 30, 2009 at 7:18 amI can’t believe Bossy ate kefir! How rude! Kefir looked so adorable in the pictures. “Don’t eat me!” it called, “I want to be friends”.
Cheri @ Blog This Mom! says
March 30, 2009 at 10:04 pmOnly one thing came to mind: Sutherland.