Tuesday's Twist: Nut Butter

Tuesday's Twist:  A basic recipe with a fun twist.  In other words, just another excuse for me to play around with weird recipes I've been dying to try.

Making your own nut butter is ridiculously simple.  It's also healthier, cheaper, tastier and more versatile.  I don't even want to think about the impact this will have on my already crazy peanut butter addiction.

I got a little carried away with picture taking, so this is more of a picture post with step by step photos.  Even if a picture is worth a thousand words, these can't begin to describe my relationship with peanut butter.  

Mindful Monday: Change Now or Later

Mindful Monday: On Monday's I'm going to share what's been on my mind. I by no means have any of this figured out, I'm just thinking out loud here.


Over the past week we've been moving my grandma into assisted living.  She's been presented with a lot of changes and new things all at once, but overall she's doing great.  Sometimes it's hard to watch as she struggles with simple things like numbers or directions.  In spite of the small struggles, it's been a blessing to watch her open up and discover new interests.  She's done things the same way for many years and is just now discovering how enjoyable change can be.

It would be easy for me to get stuck on the unpleasant changes that come with aging. Often times when I look at my grandma I see an older version of myself.  So many of her traits and characteristics have been passed on to me.  Sometimes I have to pause and remind myself of all the years of life and adventure I have before I will be in her situation.

Like my grandma, I'm a creature of habit and often find myself stuck in routine patterns.  But, I don't have to wait until I'm older to embrace change.  As I watch her open up and assert herself I am reminded that now is the perfect time for me to do the same.  

I've always considered my grandma to be quiet and reserved.  She would rather sit and watch than be the center of attention and prefers listening over talking.  One would think that a major change, like loosing your independence, would drive a person deeper into these patterns.  Yet as she toured her new home, I saw a side of her I had never seen before.

She initiated introducing herself to all the ladies she saw in the hall. The first lady couldn't hear and just gave a nod and a smile.  I thought my grandma would retreat and discouragingly give up.  Instead, she pushed her walker right up to the next lady and tried again.  She laughed and joked with strangers and talked about how important it is to be social and active.  She spoke up to ask questions and stated what she needed help with.  After all these years she is opening up and letting herself enjoy new things. I have much to learn from her time of transition. I only hope I can apply her wisdom to the changes I face now rather than holding back a lifetime.

Food for Thought: "Do not regret growing older. It is a privilege denied to many." -unknown

Fermented Friday: Peanut Sauce Pizza with Beer Chicken, Veggies and Basil

Fermented Friday: recipes featuring yeast, wine, beer or some form of fermentation

I actually had something completely different in the works for today, but I found out the hard way that the spare jar of baking powder was expired.  Of course I used up the last of several other key ingredients at the same time.  After trips to several grocery stores and a few empty shelves, I still didn't have all the ingredients for a second attempt.  With a sore throat and zero energy I decided to save that recipe for another day and go with pizza instead.

Thursday's Thoughts: Curiosity Transfer

Thursday's Thoughts: a taste of what I'm thinking


When it comes to a new food technique, concept or recipe, curiosity will get me every time.  I'm also a sucker for the recipes claiming to have a secret ingredient.  Most of the time I can guess the secret ingredient in my sleep, but more often than not I click and keep reading just in case.  It's like I don't want to miss out on something new and exciting.

Or maybe it's my rebellious side unleashing itself via creativity.  In general, I was the kid who followed all the rules, stayed in the lines and didn't rock the boat.  As a people pleaser and perfectionist, the black and white rules of math, science and logic were my safety nets.  But then there's the side of me just itching to break the rules and touch the paint to make sure it's really wet.  Give me a crazy flavor combination or a weird concept and I just have to try it for myself.

Breaking the rules with food is a fun adventure to me.  Understanding the science behind the food helps  prevent disappointments, but it doesn't eliminate them altogether. Curiosity and excitement of the unknown drive me to try new things.

If only I could transfer that to the rest of life.

Lately I've been more anxious about the unknowns in life.  I get worried and impatient in regards to where I think I should be in life right now.  If I replaced fear of the unknown future with curiosity, life would be a lot more enjoyable.  I've prayed a lot about where I'm supposed to be both right now and in the future.  Unfortunately, I haven't nailed down the trust and patience aspects.  God is giving me answers and direction, but they make me wonder and want to say "hey, that's not how my plan went."

It takes conscious effort on my part to remind myself that His plan is infinitely better than mine.  There's no need to fear the future; God's got it all figured out.  It's so easy for me to fall into the pattern of worry based on my limited perspective.  Fear of the unknown holds me back.  Curiosity and excitement drive me forward.  What's in store for me next? I don't know, but I choose to be curious!

Food for Thought: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." -Philippians 4:6-7

Weird Recipe Wednesday: Caramel Corn Muffins

Weird Recipe Wednesday: Because some recipes are so weird I just HAVE to try them.  My curiosity always gets the better of me.


Do you still have some browned butter caramel corn left from yesterday?

Let's make muffins with it. Just for fun.