Aspiring home brewers could do worse than grab a copy of 'True Brews' How to craft Fermented Cider, Beer, Wine, Sake, Soda, Mead, Kefir and Kombucha at Home (Ten Speed Press, Spring 2013) by Emma Christensen.

First pick from 'True Brews' will soothe our bodies on humid and sticky days.

Mango Lassi Kefir Smoothie

Serves 1

The hotter and more sticky-humid the day, the more desirable a mango lassi becomes. I’m pretty sure they’re genetically engineered that way. Not only does it hit the spot for something both sweet and a little sour, it also serves as a meal on those days when heat chases away your appetite.

1 cup milk kefir (page 53)
1 very ripe mango, peeled and coarsely chopped, or 1 cup frozen mango
1 tablespoon honey

Combine all of the ingredients in a blender. Blend on high speed until smooth and creamy.

( Reprinted with permission from True Brews: How to Craft Fermented Cider, Beer, Wine, Sake, Soda Kefir & Kombucha at Home by Emma Christensen, copyright © 2013. Published by Ten Speed Press, a division of Random House, Inc. Photo credit: Paige Green © 2013)