Greetings,everyone,I hope you had a beautiful Christmas, if you celebrate, and a wonderful weekend!
Luckily Lincoln made it ontoSanta’s “nice” list this year and had a blast tearing through his gifts. I didn’t know if he’d get the concept of rippingpaper off a present yet, and at timeshe was more interested than the paper than what was underneath it, but all in all I’d say heloved it!
We opened a few gifts at home including a music set (a 16 month old on a kazoo, I can’t even, so adorable!) then headed over to my parent’s house to spend the day. Santa was awfully good to the grandchildren this year. (Definitely missed the Christmas jammies memo, whoops!)
At times I’m wistful remembering Christmases growing up with a house full of cousins, grandparents, aunts, and uncles, knowing Ican never go back and relive those memories (is that weird?) but I’m trying hard to make the mental shift and am looking forward to making memories with my kidsas an adult.It’s cliche, but experiencing Christmas through the eyes of a child is a really special thing.
Oh my gosh, remember a few weeks ago when I told you about the gift we got my brother,akathe “wolf enthusiast”??? It’s a wolf shirt! Heis one of the funniest people I know and somehow over the past couple of years he’s gotten really into wolves, and not ironically. I blame Denver. Obviously we have to support him in all his hobbies though, and snatched up this shirt the second we saw it. My Mom will probably kill me for posting this picture…!
We had a morning full of opening gifts, then it was time for the Christmas feast.
Green Beans and Baconmade an appearance, of course,plusParty Potatoes Deluxe, Grandma’s Holiday Salad, and a luscious Amanaham which I probably ate 2lbs worth over the course of the day.
Another Christmas in the books – ’til next year!
With one Christmas down, we’ve got another one to go. Ben, Lincoln and I will be spending theweek celebrating this wonderfulseason with Ben’sfamily, but I’ve got some fun posts lined up for you over the next couple of days starting with the Top 10 2014 Reader Favorite Recipes!
These are the Top 10 recipes you flagged as your favorites over the past yearasdetermined by yourclicks, pins, and shares.Not all of them are from 2014, believe it or not, there are actually a couple from 2012 that made the list! Sharenew recipes, but eat the old, right? Or something like that.
Anyway, don’t think a single day goes by without me thanking my lucky stars that you checkin everyday, give me awesome feedback (both positiveand constructive,) aremy eyes and ears in regards tothings happening on the site, and for simply making Iowa Girl Eats possible. You are my inspiration and motivation to work hard and create daily. I feel so very lucky that I get to do this as my job, and it’s all because of you. Here’s to many more good times, and great eats, in the new year!
Crock Pot Italian Beef Sandwiches
Crock Pot Italian Beef Sandwiches are one of the best things to ever come out of my crock pot…probably they don’t taste like they came from the crock pot! My goal was to create a slow cooked meal that wasn’t gloopy or flavorless and I thoughthis recipe completely hit the mark – apparently you guys did too!
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Easy Cheddar Cheese Sauce for Vegetables
This easy recipe for cheddar cheese sauce takes just 5 minutes to make and is perfect for drizzling over vegetables, tortilla chips, or pasta to make a quick mac and cheese. A great little recipe to keep in your back pocket.
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Easy Chicken Fried Rice
Every time I make Easy Chicken Fried Riceat home (which is embarrassingly often,) Ben makes it a point to tell me how good it is. SERIOUSLY SO SIMPLE too. Stop getting take out and make this fried rice at home instead!
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Skinny Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Rice Casserole
Skinny Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Rice Casserole is perfectly comforting. I practically have to askBen to pry my fingers from my fork every time we have it.
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Cheesy Taco Soup
An oldie but goodie, Cheesy Taco Soup is a recipe from 2013 that remained popular throughout 2014. Simpleanddelicious, it’s made entirely of fridge and pantry staples. I doubt you’ll have to buy a thing to make it!
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Crock Pot Sweet Potato and Quinoa Turkey Chili
You guys loved my Crock Pot Sweet Potato and Quinoa Turkey Chili as much as I did – which is a lot! This is a perfect meal for families, and extremely healthy, too. Lots of veggies and lean protein.
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Make-Ahead Fruit and Yogurt Breakfast Parfaits
Another recipe from 2013 that’sremained popular almost two years later. Make-Ahead Fruit and Yogurt Breakfast Parfaitssolve one of the day’s most challenging questions – what in the WORLD am I going to have for breakfast?
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Autumn Chopped Salad
Although I posted the recipe for Autumn Chopped Saladwith the flavors of fall in mind, it is truly delicious all year round. Sweet, savory, crunchy, creamy – you will go back for forkful after forkful.
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Thai Peanut Chicken Quinoa Bowls
I 110% agree with you onhow yummy Thai Peanut Chicken Quinoa Bowls are – it’s one of my favorite recipes from 2014, too! If you like pad Thai, you’ll love this gluten-free version that’s made with quinoa and a gluten-free peanut sauce.
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Perfect Broccoli Cheese Soup
I made batch after batch ofBroccoli Cheese Soupto perfect the recipe and I think I finally nailed it. You guys agreed and made it one of the most popular soup recipes here on IGE in 2014. Smooth,creamy, and cheesy, it’ sperfect to warm up with on a cold day.
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