Top 15 of 2015

Dear readers, thank you for your encouragement and faithful reading of this tiny little blog during 2015. 

As you know, it was a year full of big changes for our family.  Our daughter is nearing her first birthday, and it’s been a joy-filled yet busy ride!  I am finding it quite challenging to be a full time wife and mom while working full time as a college professor and finding time/space to maintain this blog.  Thank you for your patience as I didn’t post as many new recipes over the past year.
 
I can’t make any promises for a better run in 2016, but I can let you know that this blog will continue to be here, and I’ll pop in from time-to-time with a new recipe our family loves.  This is my recipe box too! 

While this is no Countdown to the new year-style recap, here are some of our favorites from 2015:

15. Skillet Chili Cheese Shells – Easy and filling; leftovers are even better.



14. Rustic Tuscan Chicken Skillet – A change of pace from our typical meals, this one ranks high our favorites from 2015.



13. Butternut Squash and Kale Quesadillas – What a fantastic combination of ingredients, and inside a quesadilla?!



12. Pizza Twists – A fun twist (no pun intended) on pizza!  Perfect for those upcoming football playoff games (Go Green!!)



11. Pulled Chicken Parmesan Wraps – Oh so easy!  Lovely flavors too.  Our go-to lunch this summer. 



10. Banana Bread Baked Oatmeal – An old favorite got a new flavor combination. Excellent way to use up over-ripe bananas and it’s faster and healthier than banana bread, yet tastes just like it!
 


9. Lemon Skillet Chicken with Vegetables – Pucker up!  This lemon skillet chicken is tangy and delicious. 



8. Tomato, Mozzarella and Vegetable Penne Pasta Bake – Easy and simple ingredients here, surprising yummy flavor.  Love the use of the tri-colored penne! 



7. Veggie-Stuffed Mushrooms – another winner in our stuffed-mushroom exploration.  Frog Prince’s co-workers asked if he could bring enough for all of them; the leftovers were that good!
 


6. Buttermilk Chicken with Sweet Tomato Relish – The relish alone on this one was enough to warrant a top 10 slot.  Paired with the chicken… yum!



5. Tortellini Primavera – Pioneer Woman’s recipe lightened up.  Delish. 



4. Banana Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Squares – These banana bars are chocked full of oats, qualifying them as a breakfast food, but sweet enough to also count for dessert. Our little one LOVES these… minus the chocolate chips.   



3. S’more Oatmeal Bars – These are a delightful dessert.  Campfire indoors anyone?



2. Vegetable Beef & Barley Soup – Love, love, love this soup.  We don’t do beef often, but when we do, it has to be a delicacy.  This qualifies for sure! 



And, the winner…..

1. Bread Machine Cheese Bread – The best bread we’ve made in a while.  Awesome dipped in soups, or served with over-easy eggs, fantastic on it’s own for a snack, or in a sandwich, this white-cheddar cheese stuffed bread is out of this world good. 



Have a happy and wonderful new year!