Shortcut Kefir (Yogurt Drink)

Traditionally, Kefir is a fermented milk drink that is pleasantly tart and slightly effervescent. Here's a simple recipe for making kefir at home. This recipe is very similar to Doogh (pronounced "Doh") from Persia and Ayran from the Middle East.

Shortcut Kefir

-1/3 cup plain yogurt (Greek-style, full fat or low-fat preferred)

-1/3 cup sparkling water

-sprig of fresh mint (optional)

-ice

Crush the sprig of mint and place in a glass. Add the yogurt to the glass, then slowly stir in the sparkling water (if you want a thinner yogurt drink just add more sparkling water). Garnish with a fresh mint leaf.

For a more kid-friendly version, omit the mint and start with a fruit-flavored yogurt like strawberry or peach. 

Hap-pea New Year!

Let's take the bubbly a step further by sprucing up those sparkling drinks for the entire family to enjoy!

Make a fun kid friendly drink to cheers in the New Year.
Mimic an Italian Bellini by using frozen fruit juice concentrate (cranberry, for example) diluted 1 to 1 with water. Put about 1 tablespoon of the diluted juice concentrate into each glass and top with sparkling apple juice/cider.

For the adults, take a tip from the French and make a Kir Royal.
Start with a flute 80% full of sparkling wine, then carefully dribble in a tablespoon of Creme de Cassis liquor. Since the Creme de Cassis is heavier than the sparkling wine, it will sink to the bottom and create a fade of color similar to a sunset.

See you in 2010!