Hey, Reader, it's Erin.

The Speckled Palate officially turned 15 on May 29th.

I can't believe it's been 15 years since I started this little website (and that this little website could technically get a driver's permit now.)

When I shared my first recipe in 2011, this wasn't something that could become a career. It was just "let me share what we're eating with the internet."

Never in my wildest dreams did I think it could become what it is now or that millions of visitors would have landed on my site during the last 15 years.

I'm just overwhelmingly grateful that I get to develop recipes, photograph them and play with my food for a living. ;)

Two weeks ago, I shared YOUR top 15 most-visited recipes from the last 15 years. Those were the ones you clicked on, made and came back for again and again.

Today, I'm sharing MY top 15 recipes. These one mean the most to me personally, though it was really hard to choose just 15.

Some of them have sentimental value. Others represent creative breakthroughs. Some are recipes I make over and over again because they're just that good.

And yes, there's a little overlap with your favorites, but not as much as you might think...

#15: This crispy side is a summer staple in our house. We make it all the time when okra's in season. It's simple, delicious and converts skeptics.

#14: This spread lives in my fridge year-round. It's a classic for a reason, and it's perfect for lunch, snack or parties.

#13: These savory biscuits are unlike anything else and combine everything I love. In fact, I love French onion flavors so much I have a thyme tattoo.

#12: This is my go-to weeknight Louisiana dinner. It's the faster version of the all-day classic, and we make it regularly during the cold months.

#11: We make this for every single gathering at our house. Every. Single. One. And it's always the first thing gone.

#10: These cookies live in our freezer. They're a family favorite and always ready to bake when we need them. (Spoiler alert: emergency freezer cookies are one of the best gifts you can give to your future self.)

#9: This refreshing drink is perfect for hot summer days. It's a mocktail that's as beautiful as it is delicious.

#8: These pancakes are unique and have the perfect texture. Weekend mornings call for something special, and these deliver every time.

#7: This dip recipe is one I'm proud of. It's a crowd-pleaser that's both unique and familiar, which is exactly what I love creating.

#6: We make this slow cooker meal constantly. It's the best kind of comfort food.

#5: This is another staple in our house. My kids request it for special dinners, and I never get tired of making it.

#4: These brownies are what I have been told to bring to gatherings. Rich, bourbon-spiked and irresistible.

#3: This recipe started a family tradition. My husband insisted we make these for our daughter's first birthday party, and we've made them for every birthday celebration ever since.

#2: I'm incredibly proud of how these cookies turned out. From the spice blend to the texture and the testing process... everything came together. They're sublime.

#1: This was the first recipe that made me think "maybe turning this blog into a career is an actual possibility." It went viral the same year our first was born. The recipe itself isn't groundbreaking, but watching it skyrocket that December showed me this could become something real.

Thank you for 15 years. Thank you for making these recipes, for sharing them and for coming back week after week to support my business. This little blog has become my life's work, and that's only possible because of you.

Here's to the next 15!

Happy cooking and baking,
Erin

P.S. I'm still traveling this week, but you can follow along on my Instagram if you'd like!

Howdy! I'm Erin. At The Speckled Palate, you'll find easy recipes and drinks that call for simple, fresh ingredients that hopefully inspire you to invite your people into your home for super low-key gatherings. Buy me a cup of coffee. take me to the blog

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