Monday, October 08, 2012

Almost lost all of the kefir grains :(
Somehow I left the strained bowl of kefir on the kitchen counter and put the fermenting bowl in the fridge. And fed the pooches from the bowl in the fridge the next day. Imagine my shock when I straine...d the fermented batch on Monday evening and found no grains! Luckily I didn't finish the entire bowl of kefir in the fridge - there was about half a teaspoon of the precious grains left in the mixture. Looks like I will need to stock some up as insurance. In case of another unforeseen accident.

Add kefir grains to the milk and stir gently to agitate the mixture. Cover loosely with a kitchen paper towel secured with a rubber band.

DIY Kefir


A friend introduced kefir to me recently. Kefir contains several major strains of friendly bacteria not commonly found in yogurt and is rich in vitamins, minerals and amino acids. It is also known to have a relaxing effect on the nervous system and contributes to a healthy immune system.

The creamy goodness of homemade kefir for humans & pooches.
The creamy goodness of homemade kefir for humans & pooches...thanks Suzanne Toh!


Kefir can be made from any type of milk: cow, goat, coconut, rice or soy. I use organic cow (full cream) milk.
Kefir can be made from any type of milk: cow, goat, coconut, rice or soy. I use organic cow (full cream) milk.

Use a glass container for the fermentation. Do not fill to the brim or capped the container tightly. Allow sufficient room for gas produced during fermentation to escape.
Use a glass container for the fermentation. Do not fill to the brim or capped the container tightly. Allow sufficient room for gas produced during fermentation to escape.

Add kefir grains to the milk and stir gently to agitate the mixture. Cover loosely with a kitchen paper towel secured with a rubber band.
Add kefir grains to the milk and stir gently to agitate the mixture. Cover loosely with a kitchen paper towel secured with a rubber band.

It is recommended to ferment at temperature between 20–25 °C for about 24 hours.
It is recommended to ferment at temperature between 20?25 ?C for about 24 hours.

The fermentation will result in soft curds with a nice aroma. This batch was made in 22 hours.
The fermentation will result in soft curds with a nice aroma.

After 20-24 hours, stir gently before straining the mixture.
After 20-24 hours, stir gently before straining the mixture.

Use a wooden or plastic spoon to stir gently to avoid damaging the grains.
Use a wooden or plastic spoon to stir gently to avoid damaging the grains.

Strain the mixture using a plastic sieve.
Strain the mixture using a plastic sieve.

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The end result: yummy, nutritious home-made kefir.
The end result: yummy, nutritious home-made kefir.

Repeat the process to make a fresh batch.
Repeat the process to make a fresh batch.

Saturday, September 29, 2012

Morning walk at Gardens by the Bay.

On our way to GBTB for our morning stroll:
On the way to GBTB for our morning walk

Mushrooms mushrooms everywhere:
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Posing for some tourists:
Pit stop 2: Posing for some tourists

So hotzz!
So hot!

Pose with the Laughing Buddha:
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Cave Dog:
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Hope for a return visit really soon!
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Sunday, September 23, 2012

Saturday, September 22, 2012

Morning walk with the pooches along the Tanjong Rhu Promenade. Cool morning air, serene surroundings, birds chirping, and we even saw a huge lizard in the waters.

Lovely mood to match the lovely weather.

Dragon boaters training hard

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A closer look...

Saturday, September 15, 2012

Heat Attack...Hotzzz!

Uno is prone to overheating. It happened again this morning during the walk at Gardens by the Bay. Observed 3 levels during past episodes:
Level 1_heavy breathing
Level 2_loud pants
Level 3_choking sounds
This morning, he was making choking sounds plus high pitched barks - Level 4. Scared the wits out of Hubby and I :(
Luckily he chilled down after cold drinks, showers and air-con :)

Cold showers:
Cold shower to cool down

Strong fan:
Strong fan to cool further

Plus air-conditioner:
Plus air-con

Chilled out:
Chilled-out

Zzzz time:
Zzzzz time

Thursday, July 05, 2012

Uno is 4!

Uno is 4 today!
Happy B'dae sweetheart. Stay healthy n happy always.
Love u lotz... Mommie n Daddy

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