1. As far as soaking grains. The recipe I used called for milk and I just soaked in soured milk (I use raw). Then I read your post regarding using buttermilk and kefir. Is soaking in milk (soured or not) okay or should I replace the milk with buttermilk or kefir?
Yes! You can use soured milk, as long as it is raw milk/cream as it has naturally soured and collected the good bacterias from the air. I wasn’t aware of this until doing a little research today. I found this article very helpful with tips on using sour milk. I never knew that sour milk was still so good for you!
2. I bought some kefir grains so I am hoping to start making it in a few weeks. Do you add the new batch of kefir to any you may have leftover from previous batches?
I use a batch at a time. As each batch is made in a quart size jar, I store it in the refrigerator until it is all used. I don’t combine batches, but I am sure you could, as I don’t see any problem with doing that.
3. I found your recipe for pizza crust and would like to add that to my monthly menu. What kind of cheese does your family use?
I use a combination of cheddar cheese and mozzarella for my pizza. I purchase raw cheddar cheese from Azure Standard. We love this cheese! I grate it all up and freeze in smaller portions in order to extend it’s life. Azure sells 5 pounds for approx. $23 dollars. I also use a small portion of a natural whole milk mozzarella. I have not found a better source for this though, as organic mozzarella is extremely expensive. I have yet to find a source for raw mozzarella. Any one else have a better source?
4. This is an elementary question, but exactly how does one go about kneading dough? It’s the kneading part of baking bread that scares me!
First off, your question is not elementary at all!
I actually use a Bosch mixer to do my kneading for me. I love my Bosch! It works wonders for mixing up anything and includes a powerful blender as well. Read my review of it here. If you have a Kitchen-Aid mixer, they sell a kneading attachment, for it to do that as well. If you have the money, these are wonderful investments. The bosch has a 25 year warranty, or something like that.
Here’s an article on wiki about how to knead by hand with dough. It has pictures and all! I have done alot of kneading on my own in the past, and it is really pretty simple.
Hope that helps! Don’t be intimidated! It is well worth it.
I have a question regarding raw dairy products and pregnancy.
When I was pregnant with my son, I was told to avoid unpasteurized milk and cheeses because of harmful bacteria. What are your thoughts about this?
Thanks for answering my questions. Funny thing… that link you posted to the sour milk article was written by Sarah Pope and she coordinates the bi-weekly raw milk drop I belong to.
Hi, Lindsay –
2 quick questions… Have you ever tried to make kefir water before? I love making our own kefir with raw milk, but I heard something about kefir “water” and was wondering if anyone out there has had success with it.
Also, do you know if it is safe to drink kombucha made with rooibos during pregnancy? (I don’t know if you drink kombucha or not, but you sound like the sort of person who might!)
Many blessings to you!