A full-color, illustrated, and first-of-its-kind cookbook featuring more than 100 inventive, globally inspired recipes to cook and bake with kefir (pronounced keh-FEAR)-the popular probiotic and nutritious superfood, from the daughter of the immigrant couple who first introduced kefir to America who is now the CEO of their company, Lifeway Foods Inc.
Derived from the Turkish word "keif" meaning "feeling good," kefir is a tart, tangy cultured milk that is low in sugar, lactose free, and an excellent source of protein, calcium, and B vitamins. Originating from a grain that dates back 2000 years to the Caucasus Mountains of Europe, it is also one of the most healthful natural foods available-scientifically shown to help boost immunity, improve gut health, build bone density, fight allergies, and aid the body's natural detoxification. It's no wonder kefir is quickly becoming a staple of daily diets- growing from a little-known regional treat into what the Huffington Post has called "the next Greek yogurt."
In 1986, ten years after they emigrated from Kiev, Michael and Ludmila Smolyansky introduced kefir to America and created a food empire, Lifeway Foods, Inc., the top-selling kefir brand in the nation today. Now, their daughter Julie, Lifeway's CEO, shows kefir lovers and those new to this exotic superfood how to incorporate it into every meal with The Kefir Cookbook. Bringing together treasured family stories of their early days in America and traditional recipes from behind the Iron Curtain with new family favorites, The Kefir Cookbook helps you add a dose of healthy goodness to everything you eat, from soups and dips to marinated meats and baked desserts.
While kefir can be drunk straight from the bottle, whipped into smoothies, or used in parfaits and smoothie bowls, Julie reveals in more than 100 recipes how it can also be blended with your favorite comfort foods to add tang, boost creaminess, and elevate their nutritional properties. Try Huevos Rancheros with Kefir Crema for brunch, Raspberry Chocolate Chip Kefir Scones with coffee, Tomato Avocado Salmon Burgers with Tzatziki Dressing for lunch, Cod with Creamy Garlic Kefir Herb Sauce for dinner, and Red Velvet Cake for dessert. You can also whip up a batch of Chocolate Chip Zucchini Muffins for snacking (or giving), and much more. Practical, original, and delicious, many of the recipes use contemporary flavors and textures-think chia seeds, agave syrup, coconut oil, turmeric-which offer a delectable spin on classics. Julie also includes innovative substitutions for dishes that traditionally utilize other dairy products.
Featuring a beautiful, sophisticated design using a cool, modern palette, The Kefir Cookbook is illustrated with inviting color photographs that will inspire you in the kitchen every day.
Industry Reviews
"A beautiful journey of food, family, travel and triumph over adversity. With The Kefir Cookbook, Julie uses mouthwatering recipes and personal stories to bring the immigrant experience to life and give the reader a seat at her table. It's a book for both body and soul." -- Arianna Huffington, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Thrive
"The Kefir Cookbook is a well written exploration of a modern way to mindfully nourish and heal the mind, body, and spirit with an ancient food." -- Deepak Chopra, MD
"Julie's recipes will make you feel both nourished and powerful-exactly what kefir's ancient probiotics will do, too! Healthy and delicious, they will become staples of your real food kitchen. The Kefir Cookbook weaves the true story of the American Dream into the flavors of global cooking." -- Ellen Gustafson, author of We the Eaters: If We Change Dinner, We Can Change the World and Co-Founder of FEED
"In The Kefir Cookbook, Julie beautifully chronicles her family's American immigrant success story through delicious recipes that have become cultural staples (literally). It's a book every immigrant family can relate to, and should definitely read. And now we know kefir has enormous health benefits, as well." -- Bianna Golodryga, CBS News correspondent
"The Kefir Cookbook does more than simply fulfill your curiosity about superfoods and how to integrate them into your everyday life for a healthier, more nutritious existence. Julie's beautifully written stories...[are] an inspirational, soul-filled guide to fearlessly taking on the world." -- Suzie Baleson, Founder, The Wellth Collective
"The Kefir Cookbook is Julie's real-life journey toward the American dream told through recipes...Each recipe offers unique insight into her remarkable story, beautifully weaving her family's traditional recipes with those she has discovered in her decades of travel." -- Nicole Bernard Dawes, Founder and CEO of Late July Snacks
"Julie and her family are a true Chicago success story. This book is an incredible look into her family's history and all they have accomplished. I am proud to call her a friend, and excited for the world to see this book." -- R.J. Melman, President of Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises
"A memoir, culinary adventure, and global food tour all wrapped in one! The Kefir Cookbook satisfies the dietitian in me who believes in balanced eating (including a little sugar!) and inspires the mom in me." -- Rebecca Scritchfield, RDN, author of Body Kindness
"Fans of kefir, as well as those new to it, will find plenty to embrace here. . . Smolyansky skillfully demonstrates how a single ingredient can fortify an array of dishes, both savory and sweet." -- Publisher's Weekly
