Kefir Kommunity

Strawberry Banana Smoothie

Adapted from Sensual Appeal

Serves: 2

1 Lifeway ProBugs Frozen Kefir

½ banana

4 strawberries

1/3  c vanilla almond milk

dash cinnamon

3 ice cubes

Instructions:

Blend all ingredients together on high.

But if you have ever worked in an office, you’ve already played that game! To shake things up, let’s take a peek in your fridge. What kefir flavor do you love and which character from The Office embodies its spirit?

Is your BioKefir just like a pint sized, probiotic packed Angela?

Does your Ryazhenka root you to the old world as strongly as Dwight?

Do you let your kefir hang out in the refrigerator until it gets extra bubbly like Erin?

What flavor of kefir will you use to fill the void in your heart that a Dunder Mifflin employee once occupied?

• 15 oz cream of coconut
• 13 oz coconut milk
• 3/4 cup Lifeway Greek Style Plain Kefir
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon coconut extract
• 5 large egg yolks
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut

• 18-20 shortbread cookies
• 5 tablespoons softened butter

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 3 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon coconut extract
• 1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut

The phrase “GMO” gets tossed around a lot these days, usually in articles with scary titles like “Are you serving Frankensalmon to your kids for dinner?” A GMO (genetically modified organism) is a food, seed, plant or animal that has had its genetic material altered in a lab for some perceived benefit – typically to help it resist insects, viruses, or pesticides. That means a tomato can be tinkered with to flourish in harsh conditions: More pesticide can be used on that tomato during growth, or it may have toxic substances inserted into its cells to kill off pests when they nibble on it. And then…you eat it.

Despite the fact that a majority of Americans have claimed they would not buy food that had been genetically modified, more than 80% of the processed foods in American supermarkets contain genetically modified ingredients. According to the World Health Organization, “GM foods currently available on the international market have passed risk assessments and are not likely to present risks for human health.”Yet a number of studies have linked GM foods to fertility problems, organ damage and more. And labeling is not required, so even conscientious consumers will have difficulty distinguishing between, say, a cookie made with genetically modified sugar and one made without.

So we at Lifeway were thrilled to hear about the The Genetically Engineered Food Right-to-Know Act, introduced this week by Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) and Congressman Peter DeFazio (D-OR). The bipartisan legislation would require food manufacturers to tell customers when packaged food contains genetically engineered (aka genetically modified) ingredients.

According to the Just Label It coalition, more than 1 million Americans have petitioned FDA to require labeling on packaged food containing GE ingredients. Lifeway is one of over 600 partner organizations who have joined together to support the FDA petition and the mandatory labeling of genetically engineered foods. Our entire lineup of probiotic Kefir, Frozen Kefir, Helios ™, ProBugs ™, and BioKefir ™ beverages has been enrolled in the nonprofit Non-GMO Project, honoring our rigorous avoidance of GMOs. Unfortunately, the majority of manufacturers and industries can make no such claim: 

Eighty percent of American corn has been genetically engineered for resistance to pesticides and herbicides; with high fructose corn syrup, the number jumps to nearly 100%. Genetically modifying corn allows farmers to spray more pesticides, but that corn is then used to feed the cows and chickens that will one day wind up on your grill. Whether you are starting your day off with cereal, noshing on popcorn during Real Housewives, or dunking tortilla chips in salsa, look for non-GMO sources of corn with brands like Late July, Mary's Gone Crackers, and Nature's Path. Fun fact: Popcorn is non-GMO!

Frankensoy?

A staggering 90+% of global soy has been genetically modified. That includes soy milk, tofu, soy sauce and edamamae beans, not to mention soy lecithin, which is used as an emulsifier in everything from chocolate to salad dressings, chips to granolas. Since soy can be a valuable component in your diet -- it’s a complete vegetarian protein that is rich in omega 3 fatty acids, fiber, and cancer-reducing phytonutrients – you may want to consider purchasing non-GMO soy products, such as Silk soy milk,

Earth Balance, Eden Foods soy sauce. 

Frankenfish?

Companies are seeking FDA approval for genetically modified salmon – salmon injected with genes from other types of salmons in an effort to speed growth and enable it to survive colder waters. Some experts fear that cancer and faster aging of cells could be side effects from these 'Frankenfish.” To avoid it, buy organic or wild caught fish, or seek out seafood from Henry & Lisa's Natural Seafood or Blue Horizon Seafood. For fish oil, try brand New Chapter’s Wholemega. Learn more about GM fish here or here.

Frankenfruits?

To date, very few fresh fruits and vegetables for sale in the U.S. have been genetically modified.  However, about half of Hawaiian papaya has been genetically modified.  Zucchini and yellow crookneck squash have also likely been altered. If you choose to steer clear of GM foods, keep in mind that even if a fruit or vegetable is non-GMO, it may have been packaged, frozen, or canned using GM additives. The same goes for pasta sauce. Want non-GMO produce? Buy organic.

Frankendairy?

Your and your children’s milk may come from cows injected with genetically modified bovine growth hormone. Some U.S. dairy farms inject the genetically engineered hormone rbGH, also called rbST, into their cows to boost milk production. But due to consumer demand, many companies have changed their ways. Walmart, for instance, will no longer buy milk produced from cows injected with rbGH. Many dairy products are labeled to show they are rbGH- or rbST-free, but their cows may still be fed GM corn and soy. The best way to ensure hormone-free dairy? Buy organic dairy products, which are not allowed to intentionally use rbGH or GM grains as animal feed. Look no further…that’s Lifeway!!

For help shopping GMO-free, try this comprehensive guide from ResponsibleTechnology.org

If you were lucky enough to reserve a table for dinner last night at Chicago's gorgeous Nellcôte Restaurant, you may have seen a familiar name on the dessert menu... 



Nate Meads, pastry chef at Nellcôte and RM Champagne Salon, created a decedant dessert with our Whole Milk Kefir - Kefir ice cream with  caramel, pineapple, and brioche croutons. Now, if you can't make it to Chicago to try Nate's handiwork, you can try making his recipe at home: 
 

• 1 quart whole milk
• 2 vanilla beans, split and scraped
• Zest of 1 Meyer lemon           
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 cups egg yolks
• 2 cups sugar
• 1 quart Plain Whole Milk Lifeway Kefir

Bring milk, vanilla bean, lemon zest and salt up to a boil.  While milk is coming up to a boil, whisk yolks and sugar until pale and thick. When the milk boils add it to the yolks and mix thoroughly. The mixture needs to be thick enough to coat a wooden spoon.  If the mixture is not thick enough, warm over simmering water until finished.  Chill and pass through a fine sieve, then add Lifeway Kefir and churn into ice cream using an ice cream maker or attachment. 



Shortcut Alert: 
Grab a pint of Original Frozen Kefir (our store locator can help you find it in a freezer isle near you) and go to town with fresh fruit, chocolate chips and splrinkles - just eat it straight out of the pint! You can even sign up for money-saving coupons right here on our website. 




 

The El is Your Friend
There’s no need to spring for a cab when Chicago offers a mass transit system that can quickly and safely get you where you need to go. The system is on a logical grid, but people in Chicago are friendly and most people you ask will be happy to tell you how to get to your destination.
Bonus tip:Take the Brown Line from one end to the other for a super chill tour of some of Chicago’s most diverse neighborhoods. Hop off at Merchandise Mart downtown and grab a frozen kefir at the Starfruit Cafe located inside! 

DIY Taste of Chicago
The Taste is an institution. It’s also hot, crowded, and between you and us, not really the best way to eat your way around the city. Those in the know skip The Taste, and opt for neighborhood fests instead. Chicago hosts over 400 individual neighborhood festivals each year - celebrating the food, culture and customs that make Chicago’s diverse neighborhoods so great. Check out the city’s official site for guides to all the fests.
Bonus tip: While they’re plenty to eat inside the festivals, keep your eye on the perimeter where food trucks cruise around. Follow @StarfruitCafe on Twitter to see where the #KefirTruck is this summer! 

Meh, the Mag Mile
Want to know a secret about Chicago’s famous Magnificent Mile? There’s nothing there you won’t find at a decent mall. For truly unique shopping experiences, head to neighborhoods like Wicker Park, Andersonville and Lincoln Park. Each one is filled with cute boutiques, vintage shops and dining options you won’t find in the ‘burbs.
Bonus Tip:Wicker Park and Lincoln Park each boast their own Starfruit Cafe! For people watching, sit on the patio at our Division St. store while you sip a raw, probiotic juice. If you’re with the kids, head to our Halsted shop where there’s plenty of room to run around and a coloring station, too! 

Take Me Out to the Ballgame
Chicago boasts not one, but two professional baseball teams - The Cubs and The White Sox. We’re also home to the Chicago Bears, the Blackhawks, the Bulls, and the Chicago Fire for you soccer fans. Alternative action fans will love to catch a Windy City Rollers bought - Chicago’s own women’s roller derby league.
Bonus tip: Avoid stadium food fatigue at Wrigley Field - head to the Main Concourse Concession area and look for Starfruit frozen kefir! 

Explore the Loop
Chicago’s downtown area is a great place to soak up the bustling, big city experience. With lots of public art installations there are plenty of photo ops, and the Loop is home to dozens of theaters and museums, so there’s a learning experience around every corner. Pop into Block 37, a somewhat hidden mall with a surprise in the underground pedway - another Starfruit location
Bonus tip:  The Chicago Crown Fountain in Millennium Park is a fun place to cool off in hot weather, but don’t miss the park at night. Strategically placed spotlights make Millennium Park’s unique architecture shine, and concerts after dark in the Jay Pritzker Pavilion will leave you with goosebumps. 

Have you visited Chicago? What were your favorite places to shop and eat?