Hello from the 59th day of January! ? Kidding obviously, but is this month crawling by at a snail’s pace for anyone else?
After being hit with a few snow storms over the past couple of weeks, it finally feels like the season that shall not be named has officially arrived. That said, even though there’s a 4′ high mountain of shoveled snow at the end of our driveway and we’re 128 days into January, I can’t help but feel like spring is maybe, sort of, hopefully, kiiind of in sight?!
I’ll wait for you to stop laughing.
Hear me out. For one, I think the sun is definitely staying out a littler bit later each night, and for another, Ben and I are planning a spring break trip. Could not be more excited! We were going to try the Outer Banks but just learned that March is not a great time to visit, so I’m thinking Florida (Destin is looking delicious,) or Sedona, AZ, possibly. Decisions, decisions! Have you gone on any family friendly vacations somewhere WARM recently ? I’d love to hear about them. :)
In the meantime, here’s what else is going on in the latest edition of Currently!
Time and place: 7:37pm on the couch in front of the fire. It’s cold and I’m cozy. Even better, Ben is picking up sushi for our dinner before we settle in to put a dent in our DVR.
Watching: We’ve watched a couple hilarious comedy specials on Netflix recently. First up is Ellen Degeneres Relatable. Truly the woman could sit in a room breathing and I’d probably laugh, so needless to say we were both cackling the entire show. SO funny. Seth Meyers Lobby Baby is also hysterical and I’ve shared it with every mother I know. If you have kids (and Netflix, I suppose!) you have GOT to see it. We also watched Adam Sandler’s 100% Fresh which was essentially about absolutely nothing, but funny nonetheless simply because it’s Adam Sandler. No one else could have pulled that special off!
Loving: Art for Kids Hub. Lincoln is really into drawing right now – I’ll have to show you his self portrait sometime, it’s incredible! – and as such we are really into the Art for Kids Hub website/YouTube channel. It’s run by a super charismatic guy, Rob, who draws everything under the sun with his four kids in a fun and easy to follow format. Highly recommend for your babes who love to draw, and/or YOU if you’re looking for a five minute escape. I’d forgotten how fun and relaxing drawing can be.
Cleaning: Old blog posts. The time has come! I’ve been writing Iowa Girl Eats for nearly 11 years now (WHO WHAT HOW WHY?!) and an archive overhaul is long overdue. Over the past month I’ve been going through each and every single post on IGE, starting from the very beginning, and either deleting ones containing photos like the one below (an ACTUAL picture I INTENTIONALLY included in a post in 2010. I think it’s scallops? Maybe?) or re-directing old recipes to newer, updated ones. It has been very bittersweet re-reading all those posts – my 20s were pretty simple! ;) I’m up to 2012 and thought I’d recap 2009-2011 for you:
- Chipotle Burrito Bowls. So many burrito bowls. Documented and shared ad nauseam at least once a week.
- Trips to the HyVee Salad Bar. Maybe this is why Ben and I were both so slim and trim back then – we ate gobs of salads.
- Kitchen Sink Salads. I repeat, so many salads!
- Red Box Movies. Should have had a separate channel on this site reviewing all the Red Box DVDs we watched. I don’t remember 90% of them?
- Tofu, spinach, and brown rice. Apparently this is all I ate for a solid six months in 2010.
- CAPS CAPS CAPS! I just noticed that I am capping the heck out of this post and it’s because I have been so immersed in my old posts! SORRY!!
All that said, if you have an old recipe or something from the archives that you still use, let me know and I’ll make sure it makes the cut. This one did not. ;)
Sipping: Stag’s Leap 2016 Sauvignon Blanc. Dry January is…moist? Not bone dry but not soaking wet. Ie, I’ve made a few exceptions for my very favorite wine on the planet right now – Stag’s Leap 2016 Sauvignon Blanc. Ben brought a bottle of this home late last year, poured me a glass, and I seriously sat straight up. It is SO smooth and just YUMMY. I adore it! Stag’s Leap is one of the wineries I visited back in 2012 with my girlfriends. Take me back…
Eating: Homemade Pad Thai. A restaurant-quality, tamarind-free, homemade Pad Thai recipe is something Ben and I have been on the hunt for for many years – especially after having to go gluten free. Our favorite Thai spot offers “gluten free” Pad Thai but all it is is everything normally included in their Pad Thai minus the sauce. As in, bone dry rice noodles with vegetables. Just…confusing. Anyway, we finally found a winner! Homemade Pad Thai from Tastes Better From Scratch is fabulous! I used a touch less fish sauce than called for, no hot sauce, and no peanut butter. YUM.
Popping: Doterra Peppermint Beadlets. I tried one of these little beadlets from a friend recently and my jaw dropped – so convenient! They’re one drop worth of a peppermint essential oil blend encapsulated in a soft, vegetarian beadlet. Very refreshing and one drop is all you need. You can let them dissolve in your mouth or just snap one between your teeth. Boom, instant fresh breath. These are a great alternative to carrying around mints or gum in your purse.
Bundling: Primary Coats. With spring (kind of!) on the way, I thought I’d re-share the coats from Primary.com that I bought Gwen last fall, since I also later bought one for Cam. We have put them through the ringer both in terms of use and washing – you can run them through a standard wash/dry process – and I’m still so impressed! The puffer coats are lightweight and slim fitting, yet very warm. Cam has worn his in the snow several times now without incident. You cannot beat the price and truly they’re just so fun, bright, and CUTE!
Using: Gotham Pro Steel Skillets. I’d been in need of new skillets for awhile when I bit the bullet and picked up this Gotham Pro steel skillet set I’d seen probably 100 times at Costco. NOTHING sticks to them – not even eggs without cooking spray – they’re dishwasher safe, and apparently can’t be scratched. I’ve been using them for a couple months now and have zero complaints. Can’t beat the price either.
DEVOURING: La Terra Fina Spinach, Artichoke and Parmesan. Speaking of Costco, I randomly bought this dip there a couple weeks ago and it is honest to goodness Top 5 most delicious things I’ve ever eaten. I know that sounds insane, but apparently I’m not alone. I shared the dip on Instagram stories and received countless messages from people who can’t buy it anymore because they have no self control around an open tub. Umm, hi, yes, relatable. It is so delicious that it’s the first and last tub I’ll ever buy. TOO GOOD!!!
Treating: NadaMoo. Have you heard of NadaMoo? It’s a coconut milk-based ice cream product that tastes exactly like regular ice cream. That is so hard to do with coconut milk! My sister in law raved about their Peppermint Bark flavor earlier this winter, a friend brought over the Banana Caramel Crunch and Peach Cobbler flavors when Lincoln had his tonsils out in December, then IÂ pulled the trigger on their Marshmallow Stardust recently. They’re all better than the next! I don’t even really like ice cream that much, and don’t eat a ton of sweets to begin with, but I am in love with this stuff. The only flavor I haven’t been thrilled with is the Cookie Dough Fudge, unfortunately. I was so excited to find a gluten free cookie dough ice cream but it has a strong coconut flavor. FYI, most but not all of their flavors are certified gluten free.
Blinking: Gwen is 1-1/2! Gwen turned 18 months this week and I am in shock! These have been the fastest 18 months of my life. It’s so cliche to say, but I feel like it was just last month that she was sleeping right next to me, and now she’s housing tuna salad, adorning herself in as many necklaces and bracelets as she can find, and doing her gosh darn very best to keep up with her brothers. She does a pretty good job! Our Gwen, Sis, Miss Sis, Sis Sis, Sister Sue, Baby Girl, Peanut is absolute perfection and we are all deeply obsessed. Love this perfect little thing!
Pick a Currently category and fill me in!Â
Mari 01.28.2020
Holy Bat girl…….your baby is looking so old; already!!!! guess I haven’t been on your post for a while. Cant believe how much she’s changed. Sooooo
cute!
Amber A Shannon 01.28.2020
I LOVED your Kale Fried Rice and Thai Fried Quinoa! Made me love kale and quinoa even more – please don’t get rid of those! But HIGHLY recommend visiting Kill Devil Hills/Kitty Hawk/Nags Head (all near each other) in Outer Banks. Austin’s seafood is a staple, and the entire family will love Jockey’s Ridge, which is where the Wright Brothers flew their first plane! Its a huge sand dune with remants of an old putt putt course!
Molly 01.28.2020
One of my favorite recipes I got from your site wasn’t even from a recipe post – it was just a “life” post from October 2011 (wow, guess I’ve been here awhile!) that mentioned a salad you made with lettuce, chicken, golden delicious apple, red pear, fontina, cashews, and a homemade lemon poppyseed dressing. I make it every fall because it’s so delicious! Don’t worry, I saved it a long time ago, so no need to restore if you don’t want to – but if you ever want to bring it back with its own post I feel more everyone deserves to know of its deliciousness. ;-)
SMum 01.28.2020
My 10-year-old has grown out of his Art Hub for Kids phase, but thanks for the reminder to get my 5-year-old in on it now :).
Please do not delete any of your treadmill workouts! After having them bookmarked for years, I just got a treadmill and have finally started using (and enjoying!) them.
Kristin 01.28.2020
Oh yeah – they are all staying! I reorganized the posts they are in so they’re all easily accessible via this link: https://iowagirleats.com/category/lifestyle/workout/
Sarah 01.27.2020
Pretty sure that dark photo is bacon wrapped dates! I am a taker of many bad food photos (for just myself), and have gotten very good at identifying food in dark lighting XD
Kristin 01.28.2020
omg yes, that’s exactly what it is!! You’ve got a good eye!!!
Jen 01.27.2020
I have loved your blog from (almost) the beginning when I found you in 2010 (via the three ingredient pasta sauce recipe). Please please please keep the homemade cheeseburger helper post! It’s a weeknight staple in our house. I mix up a big batch of the seasoning to keep on hand and I can pull that dish together in 15 minutes. My kids love it.
Love hearing about you and your family!
Anne 01.27.2020
We love your Best Ever Black Bean Soup with CL Rice – I know you recently updated the recipe a little, and it works for us too. We use so many of your recipes, I can’t even begin to list them all. :)
Kristin 01.27.2020
That thrills me to hear, Anne! Thank you so much for being a long time reader – and recipe maker! :D
Amanda 01.27.2020
We keep making your crockpot chicken tortilla soup and the superfood salad. Please keep those!
Kristin 01.27.2020
You got it, Amanda!
Sara Whetstone 01.27.2020
Sad to hear the old posts are going away–takes me back to 2009 when I started following! Loved some of those tofu combos :) My favorite oldie is one where you stuffed acorn squash with cornbread Stove Top…so darn good! I still make that one
jones 01.26.2020
I have read your blog for many years and remember the posts with your lunches when you were working outside the home and the salad bar posts. I highly recommend you visit Sedona (if not this trip round, then another). We went years ago in late April/early May for a Grand Canyon combo trip and loved it so much we decided to have a destination wedding there a couple years later, which was in October. It was fairly cool the first trip (it was below seasonal temps) and I remember wearing gloves for trying to eat outside for dinner. October was absolutely amazing there for our wedding. Highs in the 70s during the day and cooler at night and not quite as crowded.
Heidi 01.26.2020
You had an older hummus taco dip recipe that’s now gone! You mixed hummus with some salsa? Then topped with some taco toppings. Can you bring that back?! Please :)
Kristin 01.28.2020
Here you go Heidi!
Taco Dip Platter
Ingredients:
8oz hummus (I used Sabra Chipotle Hummus)
6oz plain Greek yogurt
1 teaspoon salt-free taco seasoning
1/4 cup salsa
Toppings: chopped tomato, sliced black olives, shredded cheddar cheese, shredded lettuce, diced avocado
Directions:
Spread hummus on the bottom of a deep plate. Mix taco seasoning with Greek yogurt then spread on top of hummus. Dallop salsa on top followed by toppings. Serve with tortilla chips and sliced/chopped fresh veggies.
EM 01.26.2020
I use the homemade hamburger helper recipe often (a favorite of my kids). Truth be told I use a lot of those older posts much more often than the newer ones, as we are not GF (and don’t have easy access to such ingredients even if we wanted to be)– got lots of good inspiration from earlier soup and salad recipes, for instance. Not happy to see older posts go!
Kristin 01.27.2020
I’m sorry to hear you aren’t happy, EM! If it helps, very few of my “new” recipes require speciality ingredients. My goal with all recipes – from before going GF to present – is that they can be made with ingredients you already have at home, or require a quick stop at the regular grocery store.
EM 01.28.2020
In general I just found more of the older things more applicable (for example, the posts about packed lunches). Also I liked the ones that involved copycat Panera as I live someplace without one. Why not just leave the archive as-is?
Katie 01.26.2020
The chicken parm recipe that you just bake in the oven /the chicken isn’t breaded. So simple but delicious
Love anything I’ve made by you
Sarah 01.25.2020
I have your Italian Beef Sandwiches, Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteaks, Chicken and Sausage Gumbo, Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole, and Homestyle Chicken and Noodles recipes all bookmarked.
For the last two recipes, is is possible for their original versions to stay on the site along with the updated versions?
Kristin 01.28.2020
Hi Sarah! I looked back through the original broccoli rice casserole post and didn’t see a recipe on it, which is why I deleted it. The “Skinny” one should be the exact same recipe though! I also restored the homestyle chicken and noodles for you! https://iowagirleats.com/2012/12/18/homestyle-chicken-noodles/
Sarah 01.28.2020
Thanks for restoring the chicken and noodles recipe. The casserole recipe was actually under the title of “A Man Meal You’ll Both Love” from 01/26/11, if that helps.
Sarah 02.07.2020
Hey, just wondering if the old casserole recipe was able to be found? If not, I’ll let it go, lol. I’m just not a big fan of change.
Jill 01.25.2020
I make your Olive Garden pasta Fajoili soup a few times a year. I love it! I have so been a follower for years and appreciate your blog so much. Most recipes that I make are yours. They are very relatable and simple.
Bonnie 02.14.2020
I’m not sure if you’re still reading these comments, Kristin, but just today I came over to print off your copycat Olive Garden pasta e fagioli soup recipe but cannot find it … just the other one. Would you possibly be able to restore that one as well? Thank you!
Rebecca 01.25.2020
You had a recipe for jambalaya (I think) with both chicken and sausage in it that we love. I think it was a one-pan recipe. I was searching for it and thought I’d just gone crazy when I couldn’t find it, but maybe it does still exist?! Thank YOU!
Kristin 01.28.2020
Here’s that recipe for you, Rebecca!
Easy Jambalaya
Ingredients:
2 Tablespoons olive oil, divided
2 Chicken breasts, cut into chunks
Salt & pepper
2 celery sticks, chopped fine
1/2 medium onion, minced
1/2 medium bell pepper, minced
1 lb turkey kielbasa, chopped into half moons
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 1/2 teaspoons old bay seasoning
Hot sauce, to taste
Red pepper flakes, to taste
3 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup water
1-14oz can crushed tomatoes
1 cup long grain rice
2 dried bay leaves
Directions:
Heat 1 Tablespoon olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat and sear chicken pieces, seasoning with salt & pepper, until barely cooked through, ~5 minutes. Remove chicken to a bowl and set aside.
Turn the heat down to medium-low, heat remaining olive oil and cook vegetables until tender, ~8-10 minutes. Add kielbasa and cook for 3 more minutes. Add garlic and stir constantly for 30 seconds.
Add in seasoning, hot sauce & peppers, chicken broth, water and crushed tomatoes. Bring the whole mixture to a boil and add in the chicken, rice and bay leaves. Let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes then put the cover on the Dutch oven and remove it from the heat. Let stand until the rice is tender and all the liquid has been absorbed, ~35 minutes.
Rebecca 02.02.2020
Thank you so much!
Lisa 01.25.2020
The black bean, avocado, and grapefruit quinoa salad is probably my most-frequently made recipe from your site so please don’t get rid of it! The first time I made it I thought the ingredient list was so strange it could not be good but I absolutely love it! I’ve made and love a ton of your stuff but that will always be top pick for me!
Heather 01.25.2020
Crockpot spaghetti sauce w/ omg garlic bread, fresh apple cake, of Chang lettuce wraps and the apple cider gingersnaps are a few we routinely make and refer to blog in the grocery store to make sure I have everything to make them!
Kristin 01.25.2020
All saved! :D
Cecilia 01.25.2020
We went to Destin about a year ago in March, and it was one of our families top trips! Every restaurant we went to was just incredible – and of course we ate fish non-stop. If you haven’t already checked out https://www.crazyfamilyadventure.com/, it is worth checking out their info on Destin. We didn’t camper it – but we did so many things they shared.
Kristin 01.25.2020
Thank you!! This site looks amazing!!
LORELEI 01.24.2020
Please save the Italian beef sandwich recipe with the peppercinis, I have it memorized but in case I lose my mind or something crazy, it’s my husbands favorite
Kristin 01.25.2020
Absolutely! It’s one of the most popular recipes on IGE!