First of all, the book is gorgeously photographed and packed with wonderful recipes. Aside from these Raspberry Chocolate Chip Kefir Scones, so many other tempting recipes. Pumpkin Beignets, Truffle Porcini and Pecorino Cheese Kefir Polenta sound divine. As well as Farmer Cheese Arugula Stuffed Shells with Meat Sauce. Some are her family’s favorites. Some are inspired by her travels and childhood memories. Many come with an anecdote.
Moreover, you will be surprised how you can cook with kefir. This is a healthy secret ingredient you can add to many dishes.
Benefits of Kefir
Kefir is packed with 12 probiotic cultures. Its history and health benefits are fascinating. Furthermore, the story of Kefir reads like an international cloak-and-dagger historical thriller. Also, the health benefits are fascinating and wide-reaching. Not just for GI problems, research is being done on how probiotics can possibly help lots of other illnesses and conditions. From autism to depression.
The American Dream
What’s also compelling is Julie’s family story. Guts are in her DNA. Her Mechanical Engineer father risked jail to buy Beatles albums in the Soviet Union. They are one of the first 48 Soviet Jewish families to emigrate to the USA. With only $116 in their pockets, they were scrapping their way up working menial jobs. Then, eventually opening a chain of Russian delis. Her dad created a kefir laboratory in the basement of their Chicago home using kefir grain smuggled in by relatives from Kiev. This enterprise eventually became Lifeway, the first company ever to be taken public by a Soviet immigrant.
Guts would not make an attractive family crest, but it is surely her family’s legacy.
I need to mention Julie’s beautiful mom, who was at the event, sitting quietly while Julie spoke. Arriving in the USA speaking no English, she was the one with the vision to open the delis and was the first person to import Nutella into the USA. She deserves a medal alone for that!
When I spoke to Julie at the book launch, she mentioned this scone recipe. There and then I knew I would add Raspberry Chocolate Chip Kefir Scones to my Easter Parade of dishes. Plus, after scanning the recipe at the party, I realized I already had all the ingredients except for the fresh raspberries and the kefir. The only change I made was to attempt to cut the scones into a cute bunny shape. This required a bit of extra whole wheat flour for the cutter and the board.
Delicious Raspberry Chocolate Chip Kefir Scones
Whatever shape you decide to make out of them, the scones have a lovely flavor worthy of your holiday table. I love the tang of the raspberries and the deep flavor of bittersweet chocolate chips. Furthermore, wrapped in whole wheat kefir goodness, these are the perfect not-too-sweet addition to your dessert table. In addition to accompanying holiday tea or coffee. Moreover, they are also not dry. Most scone recipes can lean that way. Julie confessed she makes a batch and keeps them with her for a power-on-the-go snack.
I was tempted to make a kefir/powdered sugar glaze for these scones. However, I held back. This is unusual for over the top me, I know. Next time I will try it.
Most mornings, I mix up a power antioxidant-packed smoothie for breakfast. My creation consists of frozen organic fruit, spring or filtered water. Plus, a pinch of stevia, and a home-mixed combination of powders. Among them are rose hip, moringa, chlorella, spirulina, maca, Indian ginseng, and cacao. Also, I throw in some ground flax and chia seeds.
I am a Kefir Convert
I had leftover organic Lifeway Kefir from making these Raspberry Chocolate Chip Kefir Scones. After fully understanding the health benefits of kefir, I replaced the water in my smoothies with kefir. Now I love the added flavor. Ima kefir convert! By the way, there are many recipes in the book for kefir smoothies and bowls.
In addition to recipes, the book also offers tips on stocking your kitchen with superfoods. Also, how to make a variety of flavored kefir, cultured butter, labneh, and ghee. Consequently, I highly recommend this book. It is educational, inspirational, and packed with wonderful recipes.
Raspberry Chocolate Chip Kefir Whole Wheat Scones
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup 1 stick cold unsalted butter
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Maldon sea salt
- 1/3 cup firmly packed brown sugar or 1/2 cup coconut sugar
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1 cup organic plain whole-milk kefir
- 1/2 pint raspberries
Instructions
-
Cut the butter into pea-sized pieces into a small bowl and place in the freezer for 10 minutes.
-
Sift the flour, baking soda, baking powder, sea salt, and sugar in a separate bowl.
-
Add the cold butter pieces and use a wooden spoon to incorporate into the ingredients.
-
Mix in the chocolate chips and then the kefir.
-
When everything is combined, gently mix in the raspberries, crushing them gently.
-
Cover the bowl and place in the refrigerator for 10 minutes.
-
Pre-heat the oven to 425 degrees F.
-
Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
-
Remove the dough from the refrigerator. Use a tablespoon to measure out two scoops and form them into a ball in your hands. Flatten and place on the baking sheet.
-
Alternately, you can sprinkle extra flour on the cutting board and use a cutter to create shapes. Make sure you dip the cutter into flour before cutting the dough.
-
Place the baking sheets in the oven and bake for 12 minutes.
Recipe Notes
Recipe from The Kefir Cookbook
So, do you like these Raspberry Chocolate Chip Kefir Scones? Then also, check out some of these other delicious recipes:
APRICOT EASTER EGG SCONES
WHOLE WHEAT CANDIED GINGER CHOCOLATE CHIP SCONES
PINEAPPLE PISTACHIO BROWN SUGAR SCONES
