Greetings from the other side of Christmas – can you believe it’s already come and gone? How was your holiday?
In true Christmas miracle fashion, a blanket of fresh snow started falling on Christmas eve then all but disappeared 48 hours later. There’s nothing like a white Christmas – couldn’t have planned it better if we tried!
Speaking of Christmas miracles, my little brother and his girlfriend Kelly drove in from Denver on Christmas eve night to spend the holiday with the family! They both recently started new jobs and blamed having to stay home on that, but Ben and I knew their plan was to surprise the family all along. I’ll never forget the looks on my parent’s faces when they came outside to find the two of them standing there. I thought my Dad’s brain was going to melt. Priceless!
This poor thing spent most of the weekend under the weather, unfortunately. A sore throat and runny nose left him in a bit of funk but he still managed to tear his way through a mountain of toys from Santa. Nothing like being sick on Christmas, but this little guy is a trooper!
The rest of the weekend was spent hanging out at my parent’s house, eating, laughing, and playing games. I can’t tell you the last time we’ve all been together under one roof. Feels like years.
Christmas 2015 is in the books….
Next stop, new year’s eve!
Before we countdown, I wanted to share the top 10 most popular Iowa Girl Eats recipes of 2015! This has been an exciting year sharing more of my gluten-free story, writing an ebook and supporting people who need or want to go gluten-free, but also providing recipes that anyone can eat and enjoy – especially for my long time readers who were around when IGE was full of pizza and craft beer! I feel like I’ve finally dug out of my “gluten-free funk” this year, owned my situation, and am excited and eager to help more people in 2016. 2016!! That feels so surreal to type!
Regardless of the reason why you’re here, I’m so very glad, grateful, and excited that you are. IGE only exists because of you and I hope to make…2016…the best year yet.
Without further ado, here are the top 10 most popular Iowa Girl Eats recipes of 2015 as voted on by your clicks, views, and shares! What was your favorite recipe?
Asian Noodle Bowls
Thai Sticky Chicken Fingers
Shredded Brussels Sprouts Salad
Sweet Chili Coconut-Lime Grilled Chicken
Cauliflower Fried Rice
Easy Garlic Butter Roasted Mushrooms
The BEST Pasta Salad
Crock Pot Mojo Pork with Cuban-Style Black Beans
Shrimp and Avocado Taco Salad
I am well known in my family for my dislike of vegetables. But as I’ve gotten older I know I have to eat them- and set an example for my kids too. So, with a heavy heart, I prepared this fried “rice” last night absolutely convinced there was no way I could choke it down. I was asked to bring pasta salad to a 4th of July party and I found this on your blog. It was so easy and I got a lot of compliments.
Since this post I have tried the Thai Sticky Chicken Fingers and Asian Noodle Bowls and both were incredible! Beef stew is next up and I can’t wait to work my way through this list. Thanks for the new family favorites!
You bet, Holly! So glad you’re enjoying the recipes! :)
spooky ghost hand in that picture… lol. did anyone else catch that? the white sweater makes it blend in.
oh wait… I see the comment now. lol happy new year!!
That salad looks awesome! I love the addition of the shallots.