The Top 13 Recipes on Iowa Girl Eats in 2013, chosen by your visits, tweets, pins, and shares! @IowaGirlEats | iowagirleats.com

Happy Friday, everybody, I hope your holidays were merry and bright! We had Ben’s family in town from the 20th through Christmas, so I took the opportunity to take a short interwebs/blogging break to be present with them. It was wonderful. 

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We also hosted my family along with Ben’s for Christmas Eve dinner which starred Ben’s first attempt at prime rib. He crusted a 10lb roast with heaps of cracked pepper and sea salt. Into the oven and off to church we went. After a song and a prayer we returned home and, with a song and a prayer, we sliced that sucker up.

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NAILED IT!!! I tell you what, Ben needs to start his own manly food blog. He did such a great job and the entire roast was scarfed down by all. So yum. Going to try and convince him to make another one for New Years Day, though something tells me I won’t have to try too hard. ;)

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The next day we all headed over to my parent’s house for this little pork chop’s first Christmas – whee!

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One the of the most touching gifts he received was ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas recorded by my Grandma. I tell you what, if you need a really special gift for a grandchild/niece/nephew/etc, these recordable books by Hallmark are a wonderful idea. I love the thought of Lincoln being able to hear his Great-Grandmother’s voice reading to him anytime he wants!

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Our Christmas feast was just that – a FEAST featuring all my favorites. Christmas ham, of course, plus Luann’s Kale Salad, Party Potatoes Deluxe, Green Beans and Bacon, and Grandma’s Holiday Salad (which I had approximately 1,500 bowls of. #worthit.)

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‘Twas a wonderful Christmas indeed! (Could you not just die over bat-Finn?)

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Now that the holidays are behind us (sob!) it’s time to start looking towards the new year. I’m sad to say goodbye to 2013, after all this was the best year of my life thanks to the birth of our baby boy, but I’m also excited for what 2014 holds. If the past year has taught me anything, it’s that the possibilities for life are absolutely endless. Before we get there though, I want to recap the Top 13 recipes of 2013 on IGE per your visits, pins, tweets, and shares!

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From meatballs to pasta salads, soups, casseroles, and sauces, you guys totally dug these 13 recipes. I’m loving the variety here (not all chicken, know what I mean?) Some vegetarian recipes, some appetizers, some skinny dishes, some not. Maybe you’ll find one of your favorites here or discover a new dish to try.

Regardless, I hope you enjoy, and have a wonderful final weekend of 2013!

 

#13 Feta-Stuffed Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

Full of that signature flavor and spice, yet made with low-fat ground chicken and bold seasonings, Feta-Stuffed Buffalo Chicken Meatballs will be the first appetizer to go at your next party or get-together!

Click here for the recipe >

 

#12 Chicken & Wild Rice Soup

Chicken & Wild Rice Soup is thick and creamy, but has no cream at all. A lighter take on one of my favorite hearty winter soups.

Click here for the recipe >

 

#11 Crock Pot Italian Beef Sandwiches

Crock Pot Italian Beef Sandwiches are a mouthwatering version of the popular hot sandwich recipe. Just 5 ingredients, easy to toss together, and slow cooked in yummy juices all day.

Click here for the recipe >

 

#10 Mediterranean Orzo Salad

Mediterranean Orzo Salad is a simple vegetarian side dish that’s packed with fresh and zesty flavors.

Click here for the recipe >

 

#9 Tomato-Basil & Spinach Risotto

Tomato-Basil & Spinach Risotto is fresh and light. Perfect any time of year and easier to make than you think. Give risotto a try with this recipe!

Click here for the recipe >

 

#8 Avocado, Mozzarella & Bruschetta Chicken

Avocado, Mozzarella & Bruschetta Chicken is simple, flavorful and ready in 15-20 minutes. Fresh, healthy, and fast.

Click here for the recipe >

 

#7 Make-Ahead Fruit & Yogurt Breakfast Parfaits

Make-Ahead Fruit & Yogurt Breakfast Parfaits are easy to assemble and make-ahead, so they’re ideal for a delicious grab-and-go breakfast.

Click here for the recipe >

 

#6 Lazy Girl’s Chicken Enchilada Casserole

Lazy Girl’s Chicken Enchilada Casserole is perfect for nights you don’t feel like cooking, but want a home-cooked meal. Throw all the ingredients into a casserole dish then bake. Easy!

Click here for the recipe >

 

#5 Skinny Chicken and Broccoli-Rice Casserole

Skinny Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli-Rice Casserole is soul-satisfying, lighter comfort food. Perfect for a chilly night. Leftovers are just as good, too!

Click here for the recipe >

 

#4 Easy Cheddar Cheese Sauce for Vegetables

Liven up everything from broccoli and cauliflower to baked potatoes with Easy Cheddar Cheese Sauce, which takes just 5 minutes to make!

Click here for the recipe >

 

#3 Chicken Fajita Sizzling Salad

Chicken Fajita Sizzling Salad is sizzling fajita ingredients served over a bed of chilled, crisp lettuce, and tossed with a zesty Cilantro-Lime Vinaigrette.

Click here for the recipe >

 

#2 Creamy Garlic Shells

Creamy Garlic Shells are made with fridge and pantry staples, come together in about 15 minutes, and are pasta-packet (and funky preservative) free!

Click here for the recipe >

 

#1 Cheesy Taco Soup

Cheesy Taco Soup  is thick, hearty, and loaded with taco-inspired ingredients, and a homemade cheese sauce. No condensed soup needed!

Click here for the recipe >