As 2012 comes to a close, I want to offer a heartfelt thank you for making it such a fun first year of blogging! I’ve really enjoyed being able to share some of my family’s favorite real food recipes and personal meal plans, as well as some of my favorite meal planning strategies, cooking tips-n-techniques, and overall encouragement and resources to help us all live a more nourished life!

So, I thought it would be fun to end the year with a look back at some of the most popular posts of 2012. I’ve listed them in a top-10 count-down format based on the number of page views, pins, FB posts, tweets, etc – with the number one recipe being the highest-rated post of 2012!

The Nourishing Home
Top 10 Reader Favorites of 2012

Luscious Lemon Bars(GF)

10. I adore all things lemon and apparently many of you do as well, which is why this decadent lemon treat made the number 10 slot as a top reader favorite.

Wholesome Lunchbox Ideas & Healthy Snacks (includes GF Options)

9. Looking for some great healthy lunch and snack ideas for you and your kiddos? You’re not alone, which is why this post received so much attention, especially during the back-to-school season.

Caprese Pasta(GF Option)

8. This simple, nutritious Caprese Pasta topped the charts in 2012, but I must give an honorable mention to my Veggie Penne Sauté recipe, as it continues to be a top reader favorite as well!

Soaked Oatmeal w/Ripe Pear & Raw Honey (GF Option)

7. Soaked oatmeal is a staple in our home and apparently in lots of your homes too! I couldn’t just narrow it down to one recipe, as all three of these were neck-in-neck reader favorites – Simple Soaked Oatmeal, Oatmeal with Ripe Pear & Raw Honey, and Baked Apple Oatmeal.

Almond Flour Chocolate Chips Cookies(GF)

6. Who can live without COOKIES? No one, that’s for sure! And there is no need to with these wholesome top reader favorites – Almond Flour Chocolate Chip Cookies, Raw Cookie Dough Bites, and No-Sugar “Sugar” Cookie Cut-Outs.

Almond Flour Biscuits(GF)

5. Biscuits are one of those must-have comfort foods, which is why this delicious
GF biscuit recipe has received so much positive attention.

Mastering Meal Planning

4. I’m absolutely passionate about meal planning it’s such a wonderful strategy to help us provide healthy, home-cooked meals with the added benefit of saving time, money and stress!! So it was a real thrill to see how many of you found this step-by-step resource to be helpful. And it’s equally exciting that my free weekly meal plans over at The Better Mom continue to be a top reader favorite as well.

Made With Love Chicken Noodle Soup (GF Option)

3. This special family recipe received lots of love – maybe because it’s made with love? And I have good news for you soup lovers out there – Starting January 9, I’ll be sharing a new family-favorite soup recipe every Wednesday in January!

The Best Soaked Granola (GF Option)

2. Evidently everyone loves homemade granola, especially when it’s soaked using traditional food preparation methods for improved nutrition. And the great thing about this recipe is it can also be used to make some pretty awesome Homemade Granola Bars too!

Fluffy Little Almond Flour Pancakes(GF)

1. Who knew almond flour pancakes could create such a buzz? These light, fluffy little beauties were by far the most popular reader favorite in 2012. And not to sound bias, I have to agree that these scrumptious little pancakes really are
Number One!

What’s in Store for 2013?

Lord willing, I’m looking forward to sharing even more of my family’s favorite nourishing recipes and tips for living a more nourished life in the upcoming year!

I’m also looking forward to being a guest at some of my favorite real foodie friends’ blogs, and having some of these friends over here for a visit as well to share a few of their favorite recipes and healthy living tips with you!

I’ll also be speaking at several women’s groups in Orange County, as well as continuing my monthly healthy living classes at Whole Foods Market – I’ll be sure to keep you posted on those!

And most exciting of all … I’ll be launching a new “Life Transformation” Series in the spring with helpful step-by-step resources for families seeking to adopt a whole food lifestyle.

Inquiring minds want to know …

What was your favorite recipe in 2012? And what would you like to see in 2013?

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This post was shared at: Manic Monday, More the Merrier Monday, Modest Mondays, I Gotta Try That!, Traditional Tuesdays, Domestically Divine, Fat Tuesdays, Teach Me Tuesday

As I was serving up a random assortment of leftovers today, it occurred to me that sometimes it’s the odd little idiosyncrasies of our loved ones that become our most
treasured memories.

Such is the case with what I call “The Eclectic Leftovers Buffet.” This kooky little tradition started with my beloved Granny Wheeler who was well-known for serving up an odd-ball array of whatever little bits of leftover meals she had in her fridge. It didn’t matter how big or small of a portion – if it was a leftover, it came out of the fridge, was properly reheated and served buffet-style to visiting family and friends.

Of course, as a kid, my brother and I thought this ritual was absolutely crazy, but deep down inside, we really loved it! It became a hilarious topic of discussion as we drove to Granny’s house – what would be on the table this time?  Leftover meatloaf and chicken noodle soup with a side of sauerkraut? Or maybe it would be leftover fried chicken with spaghetti and meatballs? Who knew? It was definitely a routine that kept us laughing and made Granny all the more dear to us!

As I’ve gotten older, I see the wisdom in this funny little custom of my Granny – Food doesn’t always have to be stunningly plated and perfectly paired to fill the belly and the soul! Leftovers can be a surprising source of memory-making and memory-sharing! I know that’s what it is for our family.

What do leftover turkey, roasted potatoes, chicken parmesan, meatloaf, sloppy joes, broccoli soup and pumpkin pie have in common? Nothing! That’s why this odd-ball assortment of leftovers is called “The Eclectic Leftovers Buffet” – a fun family tradition (that’s frugal too)!

What about you? What are your fondest family-meal memories and traditions?