Celebrating 10 Sweet Years of Grits and Pinecones!

“What started with 180 views (from mostly family and friends), a pinecone logo, and a dream has turned into a decade of Southern comfort, connection, and casseroles.”

Ten years ago, on August 25, 2015, I hit publish on my very first blog post. I didn’t know what I was doing (truly!), but I knew I loved to cook, share recipes, and connect with others around the table. Grits and Pinecones was born out of that simple love… and maybe just a little encouragement from family and friends who were tired of asking me for the same recipes again and again.

Today, I’m still here, still cooking, still sharing, and still grateful for every single person who has stopped by, left a sweet comment, or made one of my recipes. If you’ve ever tried a casserole, smoked a rib, or baked a biscuit from this blog… thank you. You’ve made this journey not just possible, but a blast.

Why I Started Grits and Pinecones

In 2015, I was a newly retired CEO with a love of cooking, a stack of handwritten recipes, and absolutely no idea how to build a website. A thoughtful friend had given me a copy of “Blogging for Dummies”, and that book, with its yellow cover and dog-eared pages, became my first roadmap into the blogosphere.

But more than that, it was the encouragement from my sister Chula, who had already launched her own food blog, Pudge Factor, and my dear friend Carolyn, who was writing A Southerner’s Notebook, that gave me the push to go for it. Their support, cheerleading, and gentle nudges made all the difference.

I figured if they could do it, maybe I could too.

So with a can of Diet Coke in hand, a few pinecones for flair, and a big ol’ leap of faith, I launched Grits and Pinecones.

G&P Wisdom: “When in doubt, grab a Diet Coke and get it done.”

My Top 10 Most Popular Recipes of the Last 10 Years

After a decade of cooking and sharing hundreds of recipes, these 10 dishes have consistently risen to the top. Whether it’s comfort food classics or Southern staples, these are the recipes y’all just can’t get enough of:

1. Southern Potato Salad: An all-time family favorite passed down from my mom, this is hands-down the most popular recipe on my site, with over 2 million views and counting! Creamy, tangy, and just the right amount of Southern, it’s a staple at every cookout and holiday meal.

2. Oven Baked Baby Back Ribs with Dry Rub: When it’s too hot or rainy to grill, these easy, fall-off-the-bone ribs save the day. They’re a favorite in my family, and the flavorful dry rub is a reader favorite, too.

3. Broccoli Cheese Casserole with Ritz Crackers: This cheesy classic has never missed a seat at our Thanksgiving table. It’s my son’s favorite recipe, and judging by the love it’s received over the years, it might be yours, too.

4. Hoe Cakes: A childhood favorite! The sweet lady who cared for us after school always had a platter of these waiting. Our house quickly became the most popular stop in the neighborhood thanks to these crispy cornmeal treats.

5. Southern Crispy Fried Oysters: Growing up near the coast and fishing almost every weekend, it’s no surprise that many of my early recipes featured fresh seafood. These golden, crunchy oysters are a must-try for any seafood lover.

6. Southern Pecan Praline Cake: This easy dessert combines two of my favorite Southern flavors, pecans and pralines. It starts with a simple cake mix, and the secret? A can of coconut pecan frosting mixed right into the batter. Trust me, it’s magic.

7. Southern Cornbread: Made with buttermilk and baked in a trusty cast-iron skillet, this Southern-style cornbread is the base for my Old-Fashioned Cornbread Dressing, and a reader favorite in its own right.

8. Hankie Pankies: With a quirky name and simple ingredients, cocktail rye, ground beef, and Velveeta, this retro appetizer is beloved by many. The recipe came to me handwritten on a recipe card from my dear friend Harriet, and I’ve cherished it ever since.

9. Blackened Grouper: Fresh fish, sizzling in a cast-iron skillet with bold blackening spices—this one’s for seafood lovers who like a little kick. It’s become one of the most visited recipes on the blog, and for good reason.

10. Oven-Baked Parmesan Grouper: One of my favorite no-fuss recipes, this grouper is coated in a sour cream savory topping and baked to flaky perfection. It’s quick, easy, and always hits the spot.

🏱 Get the Free Ebook: Grits and Pinecones’ Top 10 Reader Favorites!

10 Years, 10 Lessons (And a Lot of Biscuits)

A few things I’ve learned along the way:

• Recipes don’t have to be fancy to be memorable
• Simple meals shared with love are always the most meaningful
• SEO might be important, but butter and bacon will always win
• There’s no such thing as too many casseroles

And most importantly, a good community makes everything better. You’ve laughed with me, cooked with me, and supported this little blog through everything from hurricanes to tech meltdowns.

What’s Next for Grits and Pinecones?

Well, I’m not hanging up my apron yet! I’ve got lots of new recipes, a spin-off sister blog, Practical Southern Cooking, some Southern twists, and maybe even a few surprise collaborations coming your way. And I’ll be continuing to share practical, flavorful recipes that make mealtime feel a little more like home.

Southern Saying from the G&P Archives:
“Life is short. Eat the pie. And if it’s a little messy, even better.”

Join the Celebration

If Grits and Pinecones has ever helped you put dinner on the table or bring a dish to a potluck, I’d love to hear from you! Please share your favorite recipe, memory, or comment by emailing me directly at sharon@gritsandpinecones.com. I read every message, and it truly means the world.

Thank you, from the bottom of my Southern heart, for making the last 10 years so delicious.

With love and gratitude,
Sharon

Founder, recipe tester, accidental techie, and your go-to source for all things Southern and shareable