I always find it interesting when other bloggers share which of all of their posts throughout the year were the most popular. It's funny to see what topics and recipes people are the most interested in. So I thought I would share ours with you! Without further adieu, here were the top 5 recipe posts from The Lavender Apple in 2015:

Cinnamon Rolls 

http://thepurpleapple-lavender.blogspot.com/2015/10/lavender-sweet-rolls-cinnamon-rolls.html

Mustard Leek Shrimp Over Cous Cous

http://thepurpleapple-lavender.blogspot.com/2015/11/mustard-leek-shrimp-over-cous-cous.html

Mixed Grill Skillet with Potatoes, Peppers, & Sausage 

http://thepurpleapple-lavender.blogspot.com/2015/10/mixed-grill-skillet-with-sausage.html

Crispy Goat Cheese Salad with Shrimp and Mustard Red Potatoes 

http://thepurpleapple-lavender.blogspot.com/2015/09/crispy-goat-cheese-salad-with-shrimp.html

Oven Baked Barbecue Chicken 

http://thepurpleapple-lavender.blogspot.com/2015/07/oven-baked-barbecue-chicken-breasts.html

If you didn't get a chance to try any of these recipes last year, what are you waiting for? They are all delicious, and usually pretty easy to execute as well! Here's to hoping 2016 is just as tasty. 

There are two things that will always welcome you to The Lavender Apple Farm when you come visit. First, after you've found your way down our windy lane, over the bridge and up our road.... A lovely lavender gate will welcome you to our homestead. 

The second thing that is always here to greet our guests, is our large bull mastiffs. They guard our lavender as if it was a field full of kibble and bits. 

But in addition to these two things, you will of course be greeted by fields of lavender as well, which is kind of the best part. But even in these tough winter months, we have a lavender cottage here as well. Our local friends can come shop here any time they'd like. Just give us a call and let us know you'd like to come by, and we'd be more than happy to let you browse our cottage shop. 

I know we have lavender farm. When I say that, I picture gorgeous blooming flowers, butterflies, and bees, maybe even a fairy or two. But in reality? This is what things look like a lot of the time around here. Winters on a farm aren't easy. We desperately miss all the plants and animals that bring this place to life. 

Luckily while I'm busy trying to sleep the winter away, I have our soothing lavender eye pillows (found here) to help me relax and dream this snow into oblivion. What are some ways you push through the dreary gray winter days? 

Super bowl parties on the Lavender Apple Farm are legendary. It's typically the same smiling faces gathered around together for the game each year. Of course being surrounded by the people we love is a great part of the day, but honestly? The food is kind of my favorite part! Peggy always makes her amazing homemade pizza. But we also get the most amazing Mt Diablo Dip as well. This dip is so good, I feel bad calling it a bean dip. Honestly? I sometimes make Mt Diablo Dip for  dinner and my family will sit around with a bag of chips and just eat ourselves silly. It's seriously the best. Go forth, and dip. 

Ingredients: 

1 can refried beans

1 small tub sour cream

1 bunch cut green onions

1 cup shredded jack cheese

1 can olives

1 tub chopped roma tomatoes

1 cup guacamole

Directions: Layer dip: refried beans, sour cream, and guacamole. Top with onions, cheese, olives, and tomatoes. Serve with chips. 

On second thought, you probably should just double this recipe. It's so good, you're gonna need it.