I turned the big 2-7 at 6:43am this morning! I’ve come to embrace the number, since freaking out realizing a couple weeks ago how old I was going to be turning, and I believe this has the makings to be my best year yet! 
Isn’t it funny to look back and realize how much more you know now, then you did a year ago? Two years ago? Five years ago? Just when you think you know it all, you learn some more. I can’t even imagine how smart I’ll be when I’m 30. 
Anyways, since Ben had to work today, we celebrated with a 4th of July/birthday FEAST last night. That’s a Feast with a capital “F”. I am still FULL!
We had all the makings of a straight up ‘Q, including some freshly plucked Iowa sweet corn.
I’m not kidding you, this corn was so sweet and tender that we could’ve eaten it raw, but I steamed the cobs for just about a minute. That’s all you need!
Judy’s Baked Beans.
From the pages of the newspaper, to the pages of IGE.com!
I live for these baked beans. I do!
And the riiiiiiibs! Never again will we eat ribs that weren’t cooked in a smoker. Ok, we totally will, but still – smoked ribs are the way.to.go. Look at that pink smoke ring!
Gorge!
Oh you tender little kernels! I cut mine off the cob because that’s what my Grandpa always did, and it’s more fun to eat the corn when it comes off in “sheets”.
Did anyone try these baked beans this weekend?! Lindsay did and said there were no leftovers! My Mom will be so happy. Judy’s Baked Beans is her recipe and nothing makes her happier than when the food she brings to a potluck is gone by the end. It seriously makes or breaks her night.
Sweet, salty, smoky, KILLER!
Ben’s inaugural attempt at smoking ribs went FANTASTICALLY.
They were tender, packed with flavor, and the CRUST on these babies! Whoo!
To the gills, I tell you.
Somehow, twist my arm, we found room for birthday cake.
You know the kind – Pepperidge Farms Frozen Birthday Cake!!! (thawed)
My family is out of town (returning tonight) so Ben stepped up to the plate to make sure that, for the 27th year in a row, I would get to have my family’s traditional birthday cake on my birthday. 
What a guy!
Demolished in .5 while watching the fireworks in DC, on IPTV/PBS, bursting over our nations capital. My in-laws were actually THERE, and said the show was spectacular! Watching the fireworks in DC on the 4th is totally on my bucket list. Maybe next year?!
Whew! My rings are a wee bit tight this morning and I won’t be eating for another couple of hours. Literally still full!
You know what works up an appetite though?? Shopping! While the husband is away, the birthday girl will play! Muwahahaha! Totally kidding…kind of. Anyways, I’m off to get this party started – I’ll check back in with you later today!
Bye!
~~~~~
What’s been your best year yet? What made it so great?
Kristin! Happy Birthday from Lake Tahoe! Your birthday/4th of July meal looks spectacular! I’ve got to try that cake now!
Happy Birthday
Food looks yummy!!! I wish I was 27!! Or even better younger 
Hope you had an awesome weekend.
Those baked beans look truly amazing!!
Wishing you a very happy 27th birthday!
Happy 27th !! I love that you embrace the number — and look back on all the amazing years you’ve had!
Happy Birthday fellow Cancer!
Happy Birthday!!! And wow -what amazing eats!!! Love that cake
Happy Birthday! Going to try your Mom’s baked bean recipe this week.
Happy Birthday!
I have to say, this year has been one full of ups and downs. But lately it has been feeling like the BEST, nonetheless!
xo
Kris
i tried judys baked beans this weekend and everyone loved, loved them!! happy birthday, IGE!
Happy happy birthday!
I had the most amazing corn last night too–I had TWO sugary sweet cobs, and I’m looking forward to the next batch:)
Happy birthday! I actually made the beans this afternoon for a cook-out tonight. I took the beans and some potatoes-everyone liked the pototoes, but they RAVED about the beans. I made sure to let everyone know the recipe was from IGE! Thanks!
Those baked beans look so good! Is there a way to recreate it w/ canned navy beans and everything else into a crock pot? How bout to vegetarianize it?
Yummmm – sweet corn!
I’m with ya in that every year is better than the last, so I’d have to say that this one is the best so far!
Those baked beans look amazing… are you going to share the receipe with us? Or have you already and I just couldnt find it!