1. Real kefir grains must be shared, person to person. Kefir is easier to make than yogurt, and much better for you (book: "KEFIR Rediscovered!" by Klaus Kaufmann and web site: Dom's Kefir Insite - see link below). There is a powdered version, but other than the name, it's NOT real kefir grains. Real kefir grains will last virtually forever. I've used mine over and over for many years. They grow larger and you pull them apart to make more. Powdered version of kefir is more like yogurt cultures, which are NOT self-renewing.

Check this site for a source near you:
http://www.torontoadvisors.com/Kefir/kefir-list.php

2. I have used all kinds of "milk" products (liquid and reconstituted powdered "milk" products) for making kefir, as well as fresh goat milk, but regular liquid milk is probably the most common. The flavor and texture can differ depending on the "milk" product.

3. Coconut oil - Yes, it's expensive, but normally less expensive than butter when you figure it ounce for ounce. You can generally use less of it in recipes - about 25% less - and get the same results. I haven't used shortening or vegetable oil for about 15 years, or so. I always say you'll pay for good health, or you'll pay for bad health. I'd rather try the former than the later (so far so good). After a lot of study, I consider coconut oil a contributor to my good health.

I normally get LouAna brand at Wal-Mart (in the same isle as cooking oils/shortening). It's solid, like shortening, at room temperature. LouAna is sold in a round, white plastic, quart-size container with a green lid (under $5 for 31.5 fl. oz.). It starts to get mushy when stored at warm room temperature and liquifies around 78°F. LouAna brand is tasteless. It's also non-hydrogenated. Always choose a non-hydrogenated coconut oil.

Other brands I use have a mild coconut flavor and I like to use those in a variety baked goods.

I also order it from Wilderness Family Naturals - http://www.wildernessfamilynaturals.com/ (mild coconut flavor), and I've ordered from Amazon.com (Nutiva brand - mild coconut flavor) when they had a good buy on it. Salt & Grain Society (http://www.celticseasalt.com/) is another resource for coconut oil (with and without coconut flavor).

-Grainlady

Here is a link that might be useful: Dom's Kefir In-Site

Thanks for all that. Once again, you have been very helpful. I'll check into it. --Ilene

Grainlady, thank you so much for the wealth of knowledge you share.