The #1 recipe for the year, cornmeal fish fry mix! That means y'all have been hosting one of my favorite get togethers- a fish fry! And nothing makes me happier. You know the key to any good southern fish fry is a perfectly seasoned cornmeal coating that fries up golden with a smart, crisp crunch. And the easiest way to achieve that is with your own Homemade Cornmeal Fish Fry Mix!

So many of you have messaged about what finding this recipe here has meant to you. And I have to tell you, that has made my year more than anything else. I did not know sharing my mamaw's chicken and dressing recipe would help so many of you find that special recipe you thought had been lost forever and reconnect with those special family memories you so love. And that's just what good food does. It connects us to those people, places and times we loved the most, while also allowing us to pass on and create those connections to those around us now.

Party time, weekend vibes and easy weeknights- that's what your #3 recipe is all about! Get all the zing of your favorite Italian sub wrapped in a tender, flaky crust with this easy Spicy Italian Crescent Ring recipe!  Loaded with ham, pepperoni, 2 glorious melty cheeses, banana or pepperoncini peppers & roasted red bell pepper, this delicious hot sandwich is perfect for parties, soup dinners, family fun nights and even a quick dinner on busy weeknights.

#4 turns traditional pecan pie into easy dessert bars with this simple Best Ever Pecan Pie Bars recipe! With a quick buttery pecan shortbread crust and a sweet, nutty no-cook pecan pie filling, Pecan Pie Bars take pie to a whole new level. So many of you traded in pie for easy dessert bars you can snack on anytime this year!

Whether you were using leftover ham or not, everyone was making this ham & swiss quiche in 2023. There’s nothing like the classic combo of savory ham and punchy Swiss cheese. This easy-to-make quiche takes your favorites to the next level with a little green onion, red pepper flakes, dried mustard powder and Worcestershire sauce. Plus a secret ingredient inspired by every great ham and swiss sandwich to make sure your quiche is rich, velvety and oh-so, just right!

Sweet potato casserole in the south is a longstanding tradition. And whether you make it with a marshmallow topping or a pecan topping is serious business. This year, for Southern Discourse readers, it was all about that crunchy, nutty pecan topping by a long shot.

And because we can't get enough of those sweet potatoes, Garlic Parmesan Sweet Potato Wedges came in strong in the #7 spot! Perfect for snacking and dipping (my favorite), these baked wedges were the preferred side dish of 2023.

And speaking of dipping, it doesn't get any better than a little creamy Louisiana remoulade sauce. It's the perfect way to dress up your fish, crab cakes, burgers, veggies and more. This spicy, homemade mayonnaise-based sauce has a little Creole kick and loads of Southern heart. Get ready to dip everything!

Y'all didn't let the dipping fun stop there. The #9 recipe of the year is Crispy Ranch Chicken Tenders. And if seriously tasty chicken strips are your thing, then these easy chicken tenders are for you! Loaded with all the flavor of buttermilk and Ranch seasoning, these chicken tenders are bound to become your favorite easy fried chicken recipe.

Easy Southern Salmon Patties round out the list because, let's be honest, these little croquettes are everything you loved about your mom's salmon patties... only better. Like for real. They taste so good! Whether you prefer southern fried, baked or air fried, you’re going to love serving this tender salmon with loads of flavor and all your best family memories in a classic recipe done up right!