Homemade Soft Pretzels

Who doesn't like warm, soft pretzels? These are pretty easy to make and 2Bit has made them multiple times. Very yummy.

 

What You’ll Need:

-1 1/2 tsp. active dry yeast

-1/2 tsp. brown sugar

-1 dash salt

-1 1/2 cups hot water

-4 cups bread flour

-1 Tbsp. baking soda

-1/4 c. warm water

-1 cup melted real butter

-kosher salt

~~~ 

-Combine first 4 ingredients; allow to rest for 5 minutes.

-Stir flour to mixture and knead for 5 minutes.

-Place dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a damp towel, and allow to rise in a warm place for 1 hour.

-Divide dough into 8-12 equal-size pieces

 -Roll each piece into a rope; shape each rope into a pretzel.

-In a shallow dish, stir baking soda into warm water; brush mixture over pretzels and lay coated pretzel onto a lightly greased cookie sheet.

-Bake at 475 for 8 minutes, or until golden brown. Do not over bake!!

-Brush melted butter onto hot pretzels.

- For salted pretzels, sprinkle with pretzel salt or Kosher salt.

- For cinnamon-sugar pretzels, stir 2 Tbls. honey into the melted butter before brushing on pretzels, then sprinkle with a mixture of 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 1 tsp. ground cinnamon. 

-For Parmesan pretzels, sprinkle with a mixture of 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese and 1 tsp. garlic salt; serve with marinara sauce.

{recipe adapted from}:

http://recipes.robbiehaf.com/A/69.htm

Mini Veggie Quiches

2Bit likes the option of mini crustless quiches but also the fact that you can make protein-packed crusts from leftover quinoa.

What You'll Need

For the quinoa/rice crust:

-1 egg

-1 cup left over quinoa and/or brown rice

-1/4 c shredded cheddar cheese

Bake at 425 for 15 minutes

For the Filling:

-1 tbsp evoo (for sauteeing veggies)

-1-2 cloves garlic

-1/2 onion

-1/2 red pepper

-chopped spinach (about 2 big handfulls)

-6 eggs

-1 1/3 c skim milk

- 1/2 c shredded cheddar cheese

-1/2 tsp cajun seasoning

- salt & pepper 

{recipe adapted from}

http://www.tayloreason.com/corkscrew/tasty-food/recipe-healthy-and-quick-crustless-mini-quiche/ and http://www.tayloreason.com/corkscrew/tasty-food/recipe-healthy-and-quick-crustless-mini-quiche/

1. Sautee chopped onions and garlic in EVOO until fragrant. Add red peepers and spinach just long enough to get a nice veggie aroma. You don't want to overcook your nutrient- packed veggies. Allow to cool while you whisk eggs, cheese and milk together.

2. While veggies are sauteeing, grease muffin holes. (Spray olive oil works great) Combine the quinoa crust ingredients and fill each muffin hole about half full. Bake at 425 for 15 min.

3. Combine the cooked veggies with egg/milk mixture.

4. Pour the egg/veggie mixture into the baked quinoa crusts.

5. Bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes or until the quiches do not jiggle when you shake them.

~~~

For crustless mini bite-size quiches, add egg/veggie mixture into greased mini muffin holes.

Add water to the unfilled holes.

~~~

Notice how bright these quiches are? That's because they are made with organic farm fresh eggs from my mom's farm and the yolks are just significantly brighter. 

*** A couple notes:

-These freeze really well and heat up nicely for a quick little breakfast. 

-This recipe was a double batch for a party and so I could freeze some, so you can half the recipe if need be.

- I forgot to bake the quinoa crusts for 15 min. before adding the egg mixture atop. But they still turned out great, but it kinda became an egg muffin rather than with a distinction between the crust and egg part.

Mint- Choco Spinach Smoothie

While on subject of the fabulous mint-"choco,"

 enjoy the combo in a refreshing, nutrient-packed  way...

To make this divine smoothie, all you need is... 

+

+

+

+

both of these...

 

+

  and/or

+

+

{chopped finely}

=

Add to blender/food processor in this order:

5-10 ice cubes

1/3 c unsweetened vanilla almond milk 

2 packets of stevia

1 tbsp cocoa powder

1 tbsp chia seeds (optional)

1 tsp peppermint extract (or to taste)

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/3 c fat-free greek yogurt

2 big hand-fulls of spinach

1/4 avocado

couple mint sprigs (optional)

1 tbsp xagave nectar

Ghiardelli chocolate chip chunks

***Obviously you can make whatever changes you please. Most times, I guesstimate and make things to taste, so if you need to add more or less of things, do!!

Mint Choco Chip Cookies

Two things- first, this recipe is SUPER easy.  Second, does anyone else think that it sounds cool to shorten "chocolate" to "choco"? I know I can't be the only one because if I could choose to eat a piece of chocolate or a piece of choco, I would definitely choose a piece of choco.

Look at that beautiful green color!

I, 2Bit Joy, have been taking a little break from life in the 2bit town of Lexington. I am in Palo Alto, California, (right outside of San Francisco) spending time with someone who loves the mint chocolate (or choco, as some may say) combination, a certain Michael Jackson. I have never been too crazy about mint chocolate, but it's amazing how someone's tastes can influence your own. Just a few examples of how my tastes have been influenced- I have been drinking an exponentially large amount of soft drinks (diet for me, regular for him); I have had cravings for buffalo flavored things, which I NEVER cared for before; and now I can add mint chocolate flavored things to the list. (I draw the line here. I will not eat donettes or other crappy hostess baked goodies nor will I eat summer sausage. And don't get me started on drinking juice cocktail. Sick. No offense to those of you who enjoy these disgusting things. Whoops.)

Inspiration

Michael and I, quite impressively, went through a pack of mint Oreos in two days while we were camping at Yosemite. Michael loves him some minty choco cookies; so I wanted to make him some cookies that didn't come out of a Nabisco package but that were also simple since I don't have any cooking ingredients with me. These cookies are super simple and pack a wonderfully balanced minty chocolate punch. And since they are minty, you can eat one before bed as a replacement for brushing your teeth!! JK Bits, don't do that! You will no doubt get cavities!

You can see the white chunks from the candy cups.

This recipe uses a package cookie mix; so if you have mint extract and you happen to have mint chocolate chips or andes candies or any other mint chocolate candy on hand (I used mint chocolate candy cups), this is a super simple recipe that you can whip together in minutes.


Recipe:
(adapted from Betty Crocker)

1 package Betty Crocker sugar cookie mix
1 stick butter, softened (not melted)
1/2 tsp mint extract
6 to 8 drops green food coloring
1 egg
1 cup chopped up mint chocolate candy- andes or mint filled chocolate candy cups
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
(or 1 package of mint chocolate and dark chocolate chips if you are lucky enough to find one)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl combine cookie mix, butter, mint extract, and food coloring and egg until a dough forms. Add in minty candy bits and chocolate chips. Dropped by rounded spoonful / ice cream scoop on a greased cookie sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes. Remove from oven and cool for 5 minutes on cookie sheet, then move to wire rack to let fully cool.

Mmm mmm... Michael approved! And this means a lot since he takes his mint choco seriously.

2 Year Anniversary

On May 10th AJ and I rejoiced over 2 years of marriage!

We started our celebration at the Arboretum, where we exchanged gifts. 

We toasted in special goblets my own parents would toast for their anniversaries.

~~~

The Arboretum is held very dear to our hearts as it's where AJ proposed.

It's where the very best of the best photographers, Nina Mullins, shot our engagement pics.

{http://ninamullinsphotography.com/?load=flash}

~~~

We then had dinner where we also ate at the night of our wedding...

The Vegetarian Ratatouille was superb and 2Bit will definitely be making this in the near future!

~~~

Then we went to Highbridge in Wilmore. 

For a little photo sesh...

Very romatic

~~~

Then we wrapped up the night at the quaintest, sweetest Bed and Breakfast, The Scott Station Inn.

{http://www.scottstationinn.com/index.html}

Happy 2 Years! It's been a blast!

Our Bit Joy Graduates!!

On May 6th, I had the pleasure of witnessing my best friend graduate Law school at the University of Kentucky.

 That's right! She did it! Bit Cara could not be more proud of her partner in crime... 

...or should I say enemy of crime. Watch out all you "hoodlums."(No pun intended) Bit Joy don't mess around! 

Now let's pray she will pass the Bar with smooth sailing and that she gets the job of her dreams... Preferably a job near her Bit...

Joy with her two beautiful sisters. The entire family could be models!

Joy's mom, Juanita, whom we get much of our inspiration, made these adorably clever cupcakes. 

Our good friends Summer and Jaclyn came to celebrate too!

Congrats, Bit Joy! 

"May the Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace."

Numbers 6:24-26

Tops Places to Study in Lexington

Finals week in Lexington is season of studying. This is when you try to drink enough coffee in hopes that you can understand all that has been thrown at you for the past 4 months. 2Bit, as a master studier, has compiled a studyer's guide to Lexington. Enjoy and show those finals who's boss! (it's YOU!!). 
And keep in mind the star ratings are only based on study value alone.

1. Coffee Times: 5 stars *****

-LOCATION: Moore Dr and Regency Road. 

We live together, we study together. I can't get away from them!

-PROS: It is a great place to study, especially at night when there aren't too many distractions since it is not as crowded. Free wifi. The atmosphere is super cute and eclectic, which is very conducive to channeling your artistic side, or even you law school side. It makes studying somewhat enjoyable. The drinks are quite delish. They have a great selection of sugar free syrups- almond, coconut, white choco, hazelnut, vanilla, and caramel. Also, they offer shopping as a great study break. They have a cute little shop inside the store with coffees and teas and stationary and chocolate and many different other things. And they are right next to Street Scenes, an eclectic consignment-type shop.

-CONS: It is not very big with only so many places to sit. However, what coffee shop doesn't have this problem? And I have only had an issue with it on a rainy Saturday afternoon when everyone's wanting to get some coffee. Also, a huge con for me is that you CAN'T bring in outside food. You must eat their food, which looks good but I am not a fan of cold sandwiches. They do have some yummy quiche though. Your clothes will smell like coffee for days.

-DRINK OF CHOICE: Iced Latte with skim milk and sugar free coconut and white choc syrup- oh baby yummy! Also a fan of the Moka Lite ice blended drink, even though I am pretty sure they make it from a powder- yuck but yum!

They are going to do so well on their finals. I can just tell!

2. Euclid Starbucks: 3.5 stars ***.5 (? how to do a half star)

-LOCATION: High Street

-PROS: Recently (somewhat) free wifi! Outlets at pretty much every seat. You can look up the drink calories online. They have tasty food. AND you can bring in your own food if you want. I don't think they encourage this, but I saw some girls bring in some outside food and they didn't seem to care. I particularly like the hot sandwiches. There are also a lot of drink options.  Can be a decent place to study. You are bound to overhear a meeting between a future bride and her wedding planner (yes, this IS a pro).

-CONS: Obviously the price. I slightly feel like I am participating in a voluntary robbery when I buy a drink from here, yet I continue to do it...

She had no idea...

It can be very noisy at times. It seems to be an international meeting place since there are representatives from all over the world having very loud conversations. If you are lucky, when you study, you may get to experience the coughing Eastern European woman (? that's a complete guess) who comes and coughs on the couches. I don't know what she does, and she seems to have a great heart, but she will cough somethin' furious that will distract from your studies. In addition, if you want to get business advice or buy something from a businessman, you have come to the right place since this seems to be where everyone comes to "work?" All I know is you will see tons of men in business suits. 

I guess that could be a pros depending on your perspective. If you want to do some leisurely reading and people watch, you've come to the right place. Or if you want to be assaulted by some creepy old man, oh, you have found your home. 

Also, this Starbucks lacks a lot of syrups and options that others do. No sugar free mocha, to Margaret's dismay. And no light mint chocolate chip frappucino to mine. 

-DRINK OF CHOICE- skinny cinnamon dolce latte, skinny iced vanilla latte, skinny mint choco chip frappucino, Joy tea, of course!

  

3. Regency Panera: 3 stars ***

-LOCATION: In the Regency Center off of Nicholasville Rd

Oh how studious!

-PROS: Free WIFI! They have delicious food. There are a lot of seating options. You can look at cookies. The ambiance is like a French bakery. You can see a lot of happy people who are not studying, which can brighten up your studying experience.

-CONS: There are very few seating options with access to outlets. It can be very noisy because of all of those joyful folks who aren't studying. They close early.

-DRINK OF CHOICE: Are you crazy? You don't drink, you eat at Panera. I am addicted to the new Thai Chopped Chicken Salad. Cara Bit would totally make some Asian reference here, but it is SOOO good. Oh baby I could eat it for every meal. If you do get thirsty, the iced green tea is really good and not very caloric!  

 
4. Common Grounds: 3 stars ***
-LOCATION: High Street
-PROS: Plenty of seating options- it is huge! Also a lot of food and drink options. I mean, a lot. Not sure about the low cal options though. Very artsy cool hipster feel, if that's what you're into, which I totally am. You will feel like you belong since there tend to be a lot of people here "studying" (talking but at least they have there books and so look like studying). They also have comfy couches. It makes studying fun, if you can actually study.

So many choices.. what to do, Bit?

-CONS: It is very darkly lit so studying can be difficult if you are not a vampire. Also, it is generally the most noisy place ever. And you will be across the street from vagrants and hooligans (jk Jordan, Blake and Bradley!). 

You can study or look at 2Bit. If you're cool, you will be looking at 2Bit.

-DRINK OF CHOICE: The Almond Joy and French Kiss are good, if you are in the mood for a dessert in a cup. Who isn't? 



5. Good Foods: 2.5 stars **.5
-LOCATION: Southland Drive.

-PROS: Some of the best food you will find in Lexington. Plenty of seating. Delicious smoothies and desserts. Free Wifi. They remodeled around a year ago, and it looks great. You can take a break from studying and shop in the store. The bulk aisle has become a favorite. Well-lit room.
-CONS: It is extremely noisy and distracting to study as you are compelled to look at all of the hippies or eavesdrop on random conversations. Access to outlets is limited. 
-DRINK OF CHOICE: The Mochaccino is good, but the money spot is the hot buffet or sushi. Yum yum! You just can't go wrong with good foods.  

A few places that I haven't been to lately are Willy T or Coffea, but are there any other study hot spots that you know of and love? 2Bit Joy just finished law school but will need some places when she studies for the bar. So, help a Bit out. xoxox