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.
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.
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. ;)
The next day we all headed over to my parent’s house for this little pork chop’s first Christmas – whee!
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!
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.)
‘Twas a wonderful Christmas indeed! (Could you not just die over bat-Finn?)
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!
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!
#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.
#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.
#10 Mediterranean Orzo Salad
Mediterranean Orzo Salad is a simple vegetarian side dish that’s packed with fresh and zesty flavors.
#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!
#8 Avocado, Mozzarella & Bruschetta Chicken
Avocado, Mozzarella & Bruschetta Chicken is simple, flavorful and ready in 15-20 minutes. Fresh, healthy, and fast.
#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.
#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!
#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!
#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!
#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.
#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!
#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!
[…] since Ben made that insane 10lb prime rib for Christmas dinner I’ve been itching for an easier way to incorporate roast beef into my life. Because […]
I absolutely love your blog! Thank you for sharing your life and your delicious recipes!
First week of 2014 meal planning = DONE. Thanks, IGE!
I have pinned so many of these recipes over this past year, thanks for such a great wrap-up of the faves! Happy New Year to you and your family, including that adorable little pork chop! Looking forward to more great posts from you in 2014. Sharon
YUM! The creamy garlic shells look incredible!
We loved the cheesy taco soup and the Italian sandwiches here!
Happy Holidays and Happy New Year! I love your blog, I usually sit quietly and pin all the yummies, but I wanted to wish you Happy New Year!
Any chance you will share your hubby’s recipe for the prime rib? I have been wanting to try one so bad, but am afraid it will be a flop; and at the price they are, I don’t want to flop! :)
ps..I’m an iowa girl too, we live over on the western side not far from Sioux City.
Take care and stay warm today….isn’t this weather crazy!
Jodi
I LOVE that Cheesy Taco Soup! It is sooo good!!!!
These all look delicious :) Just a tip as someone who has cooked countless prime ribs… you may want to go low and slow next time. I can tell by the photo that you used a higher heat (since the outside going toward the middle is gray and arguably overcooked). If you go instead for 200 degrees for 3-5 hours (depending on size of roast, use a meat thermometer to ensure the proper level of doneness), you’ll end up with a uniformly pink roast throughout with each part cooked the same.
He did low and slow then a blast of high heat at the end to get a crunchy crust. It was really delicious through and through!
You seriously have the best blog! Your little family is so adorable :) I have tried so many of your recipes and love them all! Happy New Year to you and your family! Can’t wait for all of the recipes and stories in 2014!
Thank you for sharing your Christmas with all of us :) Good job Ben on that prime rib. Looks delish. It’s so nice to be able to take a break and spend time with family. Have a happy new year!! Oh and the chicken wild rice soup is to die for!!
Looks like Prime Rib was the “it” entree of Christmas 2013. My sister also made one with a salt and thyme rub that she let sit for a few days…it was ah-maz-ing.
Merry Christmas to you, Ben, and your little porkchop.
I am digging the cheesy taco soup. I will be making it soon – maybe tomorrow. Happy New Year!
the feta-stuffed buffalo chicken meatballs are my fave! they went over like gangbusters at our super bowl party last year – and I’ve made them a few times since with broccoli on the side! love!
Happy New Year, Iowa Girl! Kristin, I am So glad that I stumbled upon your blog. You have a wonderful and beautiful spirit that comes across in your pictures and your writing…All the best to you and your family for 2014!