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’m glad everyone had a great time, it’s awlays nice to see.
Whose hand is on you in your family pic? I can’t figure it out! Glad you had a wonderful holiday!
It’s my Mom’s! ;)
Your Thai sticky chicken fingers are amazing, they are one of my favorite IGE recipes! The Cuban style black beans are also a staple in our house.
So glad to hear, Becca! I have a few variations in mind for 2016. :)
I love the pics of the fam! Your moms look is priceless! My dd was sick the day after, it’s no fun having sick kid, no matter how old they are!
Looking forward to 2016 and all your recipes! Still can’t get over that fruit tree!!!!
So true. Tis the season I suppose, unfortunately!
Have loved your blog since the pizza and craft beer days and love watching all the phases of growth and change — even when not specifically planned. You seem to handle it all with grace and optimism, which is probably why I’m such a fan. Also, I immediately noticed the bottle of Jameson at the game table, so there’s also that. Have a wonderful new year and best wishes for all 2016 will bring!
HAHA yes, a quickly drank bottle of Jameson when you have four thirsty men in the house. ;) Thanks for your kind words – means so much!! Happy new year to you!
Christmas surprises like that are so fun! My cousin surprised the family that way too. Such a great round up of recipes this year!
Awesome! Moments you never forget. :)
I loved the Thai Sticky Chicken Fingers! They were a big hit in our house. But am I the only one freaking out about the extra hand in that family photo above?…………. ;)
HAHAHA! It took us like 10 minutes to figure out whose hand it was – definitely a freaky floating hand!
I had to read the comments just to see if anyone else commented on that or could figure out who it belonged to. Ha
What a fun Christmas! I love that your brother surprised your parents, so sweet! When I was little I managed to get sick every. single. Christmas. But I always remember Christmas being the one day I didn’t even care if I was sick. Also, so much good food. Now I’m starving!!
I made your Bacon Wrapped BBQ Shrimp with Chimichurri sauce for Christmas Eve and my family looooooooooooved it. It’s going to be a party staple going forward. Thank you for sharing, I looked forward to checking your blog for new recipes everyday. Have a happy new year, can’t see what kind of recipes 2016 brings :)
I’m so glad to hear!! We LOVE those shrimp too!
Hi Kristin, Looks like your Christmas went very well, My Favorite recipe this year has to be your Mongolian Beef Noodle Bowl, Next to the Bacon Wrapped BBQ Shrimp, BAAACON, the Fruit Christmas Tree I made went over so well everybody loved it, Thank you , as I always say you’re the Best, and may you have a Happy new year.
Thank you so much for your continued support, Steve, means a lot. Happy new year to you!
Oh my gosh that was some Iowa snow we got! I was totally not expecting it. It was pretty though, I hate to admit! Love these recipies!!!
I can’t think of a recipe of yours I’ve ever made that I didn’t like! I LOVE that cauliflower rice though!
Thanks Kelli! Yes, I agree, total surprise hit in our house too!
Looks like such a fun Christmas! I’m a huge fan of all of these recipes, they all look and sound so great!