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Two Bit, you say?

We are just two girls; living in a two-bit town; using this blog to make a name for ourselves in this world.

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Homemade Almond Butter

There are so many fabulous reasons why you should make almond butter...
-It's so easy to make, it's stupid.
-You can get almonds in bulk at Sam's for pretty cheap.
-When you make your own rather than buy it, you avoid the loss of certain health benefits (vitamin E) that would occur with the excessive processing.
-Almond butter (ab) is higher in calcium, iron, fiber and vitamin E than peanut butter (pb).
-And I personally prefer the flavor of homemade ab over homemade pb...if we are homemaking here.
-Ab seems more filling than pb and that way I won't want to eat it by the spoonfuls as with pb... see, ab is looking out for my best interest.
- 2Bit believes ab is easier on her digestive system than pb
-Just give homemade ab a try. You won't be sorry...unless you're allergic.

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{Literally all you do is place 2 cups of raw almonds in a food processor and process for 15 minutes. You just have to be patient and scrape down the sides every so often. Add salt to taste.}
A favorite breakfast for 2Bit and Husband is almond butter & jelly on Ezekiel toast or almond butter with a banana.

Heath Benefits of Almond Butter:
  • Almond is a rich source of calcium, magnesium and potassium. All these minerals combine with each other to decrease the resistance in blood vessels and therefore regular consumption of almond butter, through diet, in sufficient quantities helps to lower blood pressure levels.
  • Almond butter also helps in weight. Yes, although almond butter is rich in calories, studies have revealed that the high fiber, protein and monosaturated fat content in almonds actually result in a feeling of satiety!
  • Including and consuming sufficient quantities of almond butter through the regular diet, helps control blood sugar levels. It actually works, by controlling the rise in insulin and blood sugar levels after a high carbohydrate treat!
  • Almond butter is also known for its antioxidant qualities. It is a rich source of vitamin E and also consists compounds that prevent oxidative stress and help in maintaining a healthy heart by preventing LDL oxidation (LDL oxidation can lead to clogging of arteries).        {http://www.buzzle.com/articles/almond-butter-vs-peanut-butter.html}

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Southern Style Hot Pepper Sauce

This Bit loves hot sauce. 
When I lived in Mississppi, I could find pepper sauce anywhere. So, I decided to bring that "southern kick" to KY.
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 All you need is vinegar, garlic and hot peppers (habaneros, jalapenos, anchos, etc.)
I simply speared each pepper a few times and just sauteed for a couple minutes. (Be sure to turn on your vent as the cooking peppers can put off some strong fumes.) Use whatever kind of jar or bottle you prefer to store the sauce in; and put the peppers (de-stemmed) inside. 
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Then just bring white vinegar and/or apple cider vinegar to a boil in a saucepan. (I used both)

Lastly I poured the boiled vinegar into the jar over the peppers and garlic cloves. I store the pepper sauce in a used bourbon bottle in the fridge. It's great to have on hand to add to any recipe that needs a tangy kick, especially Cheesy-Jalapeno Grits! 

Monday, July 4, 2011

Happy Independence Day

2Bit is watching a movie called "1776" at the moment. Pretty sure it's a musical... Yes, it definitely is. Not exactly what I was hoping for, but I wanted something patriotic to fill my mind.
After all...
We live in the greatest country in the world!
2Bit never wants to take that for granted.

2Bit hopes you have an incredible 4th of July. And do something patriotic... like make red, white and blue strawberries. j/k... But it is fun to be festive. 

2Bit saw these somewhere and can't remember where. 
So 2Bit just winged it and it's quite simple...
1. Melt 1/2 c. white chocolate chips for 1 1/2 min at 50% power
2. Dip 3/4 of the strawberries in melted white chocolate and let them cool a few minutes
3. To make blue sugar, 2Bit just combined turbinado sugar and blue food coloring
4. Roll the ends of the white chocolate-dipped strawberries in the blue sugar


God bless America,
Land that I love,
Stand beside her and guide her
Thru the night with a light from above;

From the mountains, to the prairies,
To the oceans white with foam,
God bless America,
My home, sweet home.
God bless America,
My home, sweet home.


***Just a thought... Since the turbinado sugar is brown, the blue food coloring gave my sugar a slight greenish/teal tint. So, use white sugar if you want to avoid that.

Saturday, July 2, 2011

Happy Birthday to Jillian

Jillian is 2 today, July 2nd!!
It has been a delight helping watch her the last two years!

She is such a happy girl. So full of smiles and laughs...

She is too cute...

We love our walks...

And to dress up...

And to blow kisses...

Most of all we love outside!

Isn't she so photogenic?

The child loves sticks..


She is a sweet heart!

Happy Golden Birthday, Jillian! You are 2!!