Coconut Kefir Yogurt

Coconut kefir yogurt is actually a sour tasting drink, but it’s thick enough to also be eaten with a spoon. And because it’s cultured* it has beneficial bacteria, which is said to help digestion and maintain a healthy immune system.

Ingredients:

• 1 (13oz) can organic, full fat coconut milk.
• 2 or 3 vegan and gluten-free probiotic capsules** (totalling 30 to 50 billion active cultures).
  

Directions:

1. Sterilize*** a 14oz mason jar and its lid, as well as any equipment and utensils that will come in contact with the ingredients.
2. Pour the coconut milk into the sterilized jar. Be sure to leave at least 1-inch of space at the top.
3. With clean hands, break open the probiotic capsules and empty them into the coconut milk. Use a sterilized spoon to gently mix well.
4. Cover with a clean cloth and let sit in a dark, warm location for 48 hours. Taste. If it’s more sweet than sour than you may need to let it sit a little longer, but no more than 72 hours. When done, cover with the lid and transfer to the refrigerator for 4 hours or until cool, stir, and serve.

Variations:

1. Once the coconut kefir yogurt is made and chilled, add a desired amount of your favorite berries or fruit, and eat with a spoon. You might try blueberries, strawberries or raspberries, or peeled banana, or peeled and sliced apple or kiwi.
2. If you like vanilla, once the coconut kefir yogurt is made, stir in a little vanilla extract and stevia to taste.

Yield:
Makes about 1 1/2 cups.

* Cultured foods transform the taste of food from plain to delicious. The process causes colonies of beneficial bacteria which enhances the nutrients. Many are familiar with cultured foods such as dairy yogurt and sauerkraut, but there are lesser-known foods that also benefit from the culturing process. Have you ever heard of cashew cheese? It too is cultured.

** If you are a vegetarian or strict vegan, or on gluten-free diet, check with the manufacturer of the probiotic supplement that you are using. You might try Jarro-Dophilus Allergen-Free Probiotic Supplement, or look to Garden of Life. Their Dr. Formulated Probiotics Daily Care Series are vegetarian and gluten-free, and their Dr. Formulated Probiotics Platinum Series are vegan and gluten-free.