So….without further adieu, here is the infamous, delicious, GG's Kombucha recipe (which actually was discovered accidentally in the Super Supplement Store via delightful conversation with a kind young man who shared HIS "The Recipe" with me!) And, yes…I do feel a bit like the Baldwin sisters on "The Waltons". I want to share with you that my very first introduction to Kombucha was from my dear God-Daughter, Amanda Soderman! She packed her babies (Cael, Aleah and scobys) and brought them to Apache Junction last Winter. Both her mother and I received babies and made our first attempt. We think maybe they were damaged in the travel…not sure…(wonder if Cael thought they were play dough??) Just remember, if you give this a try, don't give up if you your baby scobys succumb. They're touchy little imps, and sometimes the least bit of contamination or disturbance may cause their demise.
First: a picture of this yummy brew all bottled and gathering a bit of bubbly on the counter:
And now for the recipe:
GG's KOMBUCHA (via handsome young man at S.S.)
You will need: 1 glass gallon jar, preferably wide mouth
(no lid necessary)
coffee filter and rubber band
8 tea bags plain black tea (flavors and green don't work as well)
13-14 cups water
1 cup sugar (I use organic raw)
2 cups starter tea or vinegar
(This is where my mystery man worked a miracle for me)
I use two bottles of (basic) Brew Dr. Kombucha brand kombucha for my starter
IMPORTANT: Do not use any metal other than heating your water/steeping tea. Once you have a baby (scoby), be careful that it never comes into contact with any kind of metal-jewelry, spoons, etc.
Wash and rinse jar and wash hands very well before handling any part of the kombucha.
Steps:
1. brew the tea (I do a pot at a time, pouring into my pyrex mixing bowl after it steeps)
2. After brewed, add sugar while hot and stir to dissolve
3. COOL and mix together with the starter (Brew Dr. Kombucha or scoby)
4. Pour into glass gallon container and cover with dish cloth or coffee filter with rubber band
5. Place on kitchen counter or somewhere out of sunlight and temperature around 70 degrees
6. Do not disturb for 2-4 weeks.
You can sample a bit after 2 weeks-if you like it sweeter. The scoby eats the sugar during the fermenting process, thus leaving about 1% sugar content in the kombucha when finished brewing. When you are satisfied with the taste, (some of you may have to acquire a taste over time) it's time to bottle in sterile glass containers. If you want them to get a bit of sparkle to them, leave on counter for 2-6 days before refrigerating. If you want to add fruit juice or other flavoring, this is the time to do that-when bottling. That's it! Enjoy the Adventure!
A Cup a Day-Keeps the Doctor Away!
If you want more refined/professional/detailed directions-visit this website:
http://www.culturesforhealth.com/make-kombucha
As time marches on so rapidly and leads me toward my 3 year anniversary date of being breast cancer free, I am humbled and filled with gratitude. It is also more apparent than ever to me, the importance of good nutrition and health to prevent invasion of infections and illness in our bodies. To attain this and increase longevity, I have come to realize the dire importance of care for our bodies, hearts, souls, minds.
"Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength." Mark 12:30
To achieve this, I continue to teach three Christ-Centered Yoga classes each week, and have set new walking/hiking goals: 2 miles/5 days/week and 6 miles/2 days/week. So far, so good! Thanks to my new friend, Sabrina Gonder. Sabrina has spearheaded the Spokane Longevity Community, a group of people interested in living a long, happy, and healthy life using 5 main principles learned from the 9 longevity hot spots: Nutrition, Movement, Purpose, Relaxation, and Connection. It's been a great way to meet people all working toward common goals.
Fun Times since my last post:
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| My Kayaking partner-Daisy |
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| Two of my favorite little people in the whole world! |
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| Great day kayaking and beaching for a picnic with daughter, Jill, Jaxon and Tatum . |
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| My other Kayaking buddy |
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| Walking the Centennial Path along the Spokane River (our goal is to walk the entire 37 mile trail-not all in one day, however!) |
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| One crisp Fall evening walk around the lake behind our house. |
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| Another picture while walking around the lake One of my all-time best shots ever |
