The top 10 recipes of 2015, along with some of my favorites! Plus, news on what’s ahead for the next year 🙂
I know, I know. Everyone’s saying the same thing.
“The year is almost done — can you believe it?! Time goes by way too quickly!”
I’m no different than any of them. It’s crazy how much can change in just a year (and we’ll get into more of that later)!
For now though, my top 10 recipes of 2015 according to views:
1) The Best Oven Fried Chicken AGAIN!
3) One Pot Homemade Hamburger Helper
5) No Bake Christmas Tree Cookies
7) Grandma’s Hot Fudge Sundae Cake
10) Fudgy Mint Chocolate No Bake Cookies
So there you have my top 10 recipes of the year according to you! And ironically, only 1 is a new one from 2015!
And now here are my top 5 recipes posted in 2015:
1) One Pot Chicken Chow Mein — the only one that made it into the list above!
2) Baked Lemon Blueberry Doughnuts
And an honorable mention: this Spanish Potato Omelette is one of our new favorites and a great healthy breakfast or dinner for the New Year!
And now NEWS!
So, I’m actually kind of shy and relatively quiet in real life. I’ve always loved writing though, and I find that when I’m sitting here by myself writing these posts I can get overly emotional at times, mostly because there’s no one standing across from me looking really awkward.
I’m going to try to avoid doing that today. But I have a pretty big announcement to make.
Ready?
Tomorrow, December 31, 2015, is my last day officially employed by the school division I used to teach in.
And I know that everyone is probably thinking that I’m jumping for joy, I’m finally free! I’m finally self-employed full time! I finally get to live out my dream of becoming the Canadian Ree Drummond!
But it’s not really like that.
I mean, it’s absolutely, positively wonderful. But it’s a bittersweet thing. I loved my job as a high school teacher, and I loved the school and school division I was a part of — there was no question about that. I have plenty of friends who are bloggers who just hate their jobs and wait until the day they can make the switch, and yes, for them, it’s probably a Hallelujah moment.
Don’t get me wrong. I feel really, insanely lucky to get to create recipes, cook, bake, photograph, write, and work with some of my favorite brands for a living. I have loved food for a long time. But that doesn’t mean it wasn’t a hard thing to do.
Right now, with my girls being 1 and 3, I knew — my husband and I both knew — there was no way I would continue with two full time jobs.
And so here we are, jumping right into this life of self-employment and leaving behind friends, colleagues, students, and a job I love. From this day forward I’m a web site publisher, recipe developer, food stylist, food photographer, video producer, writer, social media manager, marketing director, all around problem solver, and mom. Oh and a wife and a sister and a daughter and friend when there’s time (there’s not).
And I know there have been lots of words and not very many pretty pictures of food, but there’s just one more thing: I need YOU.
Yes, it’s cheesy. Yes, it’s TRUE.
Without those of you who follow along or give me feedback on recipes or leave me wonderful and even the not-so-wonderful comments, I would not be here.
And I would love your continued support.
So please, for my sanity, like the odd Facebook or Instagram post so I know you’re actually out there, and if you make a recipe, tell me! Please leave me a comment letting me know how it worked or if it didn’t — this is the best way for me to improve. I want to hear from you! Whether it’s here on the site, or on social media, I’d love to hear your thoughts.
So thank you, and I hope you have a wonderful New Year!
Kelly says
Aaw big congrats on making the switch to blogging full-time. I know it must have been a tough decision but I know you are totally going to rock! You are so dedicated and it shows so much in everything you do 🙂 So so proud of you and I loved each and everyone of these recipes! Can’t wait to see what you share in 2016! 🙂
Ashley Fehr says
Thank you so much Kelly! I can’t wait to see all of the things you’re going to do in 2016!
Jess @ Sweetest Menu says
Wow Ashley! You are inspiring! i had no idea you weren’t a blogger who was blogging full time. The quality of your content is outstanding and I can’t believe you had the capacity to do that and work and be a mother! Well done! I also understand how you must have mixed feelings, its exciting but its not easy to run your own business. But you are incredibly talented and I hope 2016 is an exciting and successful one for you and your family! xx
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks so much Jess! I was actually still on maternity leave, so I wasn’t technically working, but I just decided I couldn’t go back at this point. It is hard but I’m looking forward to having the flexibility I need right now! Happy New Year to you!
Denise | Sweet Peas & Saffron says
Firstly, CONGRATULATIONS, it is so scary I know but you are going to ROCK IT! Secondly, I want to reach through my screen and grab every single one of these recipes…I can definitely see why each one has been popular! Happy New Year, Ashley, I can’t wait to see what 2016 brings!
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks friend! I think it’s going to be a great year for both of us! 😉
Marcie says
It is hard leaving a chapter of your life behind, especially when it was something you enjoyed — I feel for you! That said, you’re such a talented blogger and I know you’re going to be even more successful being full time (not to mention spending more time with your beautiful girls)! These recipes look amazing and I can’t wait to see what you bring us in 2016. Happy New Year! ?
Ashley Fehr says
Thank you so much Marcie! Happy New Year to you, too!
Linda says
That sloppy joe grilled cheese looks amazing uh-MAZING. Congratulations on the switch! All your hard work paid off. Can’t wait to see what’s in store for the New Year!
Ashley Fehr says
Thank you so much Linda! I’m all about comfort food mash-ups! Happy New Year to you!
Sarah @Whole and Heavenly Oven says
Yaaay! Girl, I’m SO excited for you! I just know that you’re going to take The Recipe Rebel to even more amazing places in the coming year. Also, I HAVE to get around to trying that oven-fried chicken! It’s been on my to-do list for a long time. 😉
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Sarah! I’m going to try anyway! 😉
Manali @ CookWithManali says
congrats on making the switch Ashley, it’s never easy! I am sure you will do very well in this new job! Good luck and Happy New Year! 🙂
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Manali! Happy New Year to you too!
Amanda says
This is a great list! There are so many things I want to make. Right away I zoned in on that hot fudge sundae cake. Wow. And that chicken chow mein looks heavenly.
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Amanda! Definitely some of my favorites too!
Dorothy Dunton says
Hi Ashley! Your blog is one of a half dozen blogs I follow. I not only enjoy (and appreciate) your recipes, but I also enjoy your commentary! I can tell you are a dedicated and caring person. Being able to work at home doing what you love and be with your children at this very important time in their lives is a blessing! You will still be teaching, just in a different way! I wish you every happiness! PS I also love your recipes and ideas!
Ashley Fehr says
Thank you so much Dorothy! I’m so glad you’re here — I always love reading your thoughtful comments and getting your feedback! I hope you have a great New Years and a fabulous 2016!
Alison says
Best of luck, Ashley! I made those peppermint Oreo truffles a few times this Christmas and my family couldn’t get enough! Whenever I need a new food idea, I always check your site. Can’t wait to see what you have planned for 2016!
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Alison! That means so much to me! It’s a bit of a crazy leap, but I guess we’ll see how it goes 🙂 I hope you have a great New Years! Miss you guys!
Nora |Â Savory Nothings says
Congrats on making this hard decision, Ashley! I know it’s not a Hallelujah-Moment for everyone and self-employment can be one of the scariest things with a family to provide for. But just look at your top posts – you’re already a rockstar! A very happy New Year to you and your family! xoxo
Ashley Fehr says
It is totally scary for someone as much of a planner as I am! Lol. I am not the kind to enjoy a lot of spontaneity and uncertainty as far as employment goes. It’s a good thing we have such a fabulous support group! 🙂 Happy New Year Nora!