Welcome! I’m happy you’re here. You can call me Kate, one of many nicknames, or Kathryne, my full first name. Either way, I’m a self-taught cook from Oklahoma. I started this blog in 2010 and named it after my canine sidekick, Cookie. Now, I live in Kansas City with my husband and young daughter and work on this blog full-time. I love my job!
Follow Cookie and Kate
You should know that I’m totally obsessed with food. I daydream about new recipes. I devour cookbooks (I even wrote my own). I read up on food policy and nutrition. I love photographing food and hope my photos inspire you to step into the kitchen to cook a delicious, healthy meal.
Our cookbook, Love Real Food, is here! It has over 5,000 5-star reviews! Get Your Copy
Above all, I love eating food, especially while in the presence of good company. Good food in good company—does it get any better than that?
I believe that cooking should be fun and recipes, flexible. I choose not to cook meat, so all of the recipes on Cookie and Kate are vegetarian. I believe in eating whole foods, which are as close to their source as possible. I’m also an avid supporter of the occasional indulgence, and I laugh with friends over drinks as often as possible.
This blog is all about celebrating good food—real, sustainable food that delights the senses and nourishes the body.
About Cookie
Cookie is a jaunty spotted mutt who makes friends everywhere she goes. She is my eager four-legged assistant, my chief crumb catcher and the best companion a girl could ask for.
I adopted Cookie in the summer of 2009. She came with her name and nothing more. Whether she was named for being one smart cookie or for looking like cookies and cream, the name suits her well.
After five years of referring to Cookie as a “mystery mutt,” I finally caved and ordered a DNA test. My beloved, one-of-a-kind pup is half schipperke and half dachshund/Australian koolie mix.
Cookie left this world in 2023 after thirteen incredible years together. I miss her dearly, and this website will remain Cookie and Kate in honor of our time together.
Frequently Asked Questions
My cookbook, Love Real Food, can be purchased online at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, BAM!, Bookshop.org, and Indigo. Digital editions of the book are available for purchase and download at iBooks and Amazon Kindle. Look for the book in your local bookstore or Barnes & Noble. More book details here.
I use a Nikon Z6 with a Nikkor Z 50mm lens. Check out my food photography tips for more details. As of 2023, I’ve outsourced my photography to my wonderful video team so that I can spend more time with my family.
Check out my top 20 tips for food blogging and how to start a food blog, which includes design and web hosting tips.
Thank you for asking. Please refer to my photo and recipe policy for details.
Get in Touch!
Please contact me here or comment below! You’re also welcome to check out my press page for interviews and other features.
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What happened to the portobello and poblano fajita recipe? It was a go to for me and I noticed a 404 error when going to it. I googled and found this FB post referring to it:
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=458707844209704
Hi Kevin! Please send an email to hello@cookieandkate.com.
Made this recipe as a diet food of sorts since it’s relatively low in sugar and total carbs. Anyway, he loved it. I think the secret ingredients to the perfect Pimento Cheese are the additions of garlic and onion powders. Very nice recipe!!
Hello Kate,
Just a note of appreciation for all of your recipes. My husband and I switched to plant based foods about four years ago. We have enjoyed so many delightful recipes from your website and cookbook. Every recipe we have tried does not disappoint. Thanks for all of your creations and keep up the delicious work.
Ruthie
Thank-you Kate for your delicious vegetarian recipes…
My 2 sisters and I, are all vegetarians! I make the minestrone soup recipe whenever
I go to Pennsylvania to visit them! We have eaten (mostly) healthy our entire adult lives.
Two of us are in our 70’s and one sister is 65. None of us have any health issues.
Our mother was a dietician in the 60s and 70s so we were fortunate she limited us to healthy foods.
I’m going to make this for holiday gifts! Should dried fruit be added before or after baking ? Thank you.
Hi Sandra? What recipe are you referring to? I want to make sure I give the right direction.
Hi Kate,
I have been a fan of yours/your recipes (& Cookie!) for quite a while, when searching for recipes online. But I wanted to let you know how much I’ve appreciated your Love Real Food cookbook!–I am striving to eat more vegetarian meals and your recipes have been a great way to get started. I can trust that the outcome is alway going to be good!
I’ve made many of the recipes, and have enjoyed them all. (I started to list my favorites, but realized every one is a favorite! One recipe I wished was in there, is your Baked Ziti with Roasted Vegetables–Oh my, it is sooo good!
Anyway, thanks for sharing your culinary gifts! (I was sorry to read that Cookie passed away last year. I’m sure you miss her, but hopefully have many fond memories to keep her alive in your heart.)
I’m so happy to hear, Rita! Thank you for your kind words.
I would REALLY love the OLD corn chowder recipe. Any hope of getting it back?
Southwestern Corn Chowder os this the recipe you are referring to?
We LOVE your cookbook, blog and recipes. You are now the ‘go to’ in our house when planning grocery lists and meals. My husband, especially, loves to make the recipes first, let me try them, and then I let him make them again and again! Ha! got that one figured out.
I was sorry to hear when Cookie passed away and I love how you have kept her name as your brand.
Keep creating and eating and living your best life!
xo Nancy and Erik (from Boston)
That’s great to hear, Nancy!
Hello Kate,
Every time my family tries a new recipe they love, they’ll ask “Is this Cookie and Kate?”
Thank you so much for your good work and bravery to do this full time!
PS: Would love to see a baked beans recipe if you don’t have one already.
Be well,
Michelle
I love that! Thank you for sharing, Michelle.
My daughter in law sent me your recipe for buffalo cauliflower… I made it.. yum was delicious.
Looking forward to more of your recipes.
Bekah
Livonia Michigan
Hi! I just made (and ate) your Crispy Spinach, Mushroom and Avocado Quesadillas. Oh my gosh! I immediately texted my sister-in-law and told her how delicious they are! Crispy, cheesy and the flavors together are perfect. I just can’t say enough wonderful things about the quesadillas. I haven’t been this excited about a new recipe in a long time. It’s perfect for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Thank you!
You’re welcome, Katherine!
Was randomly looking for a recipe online and just discovered Cookie + Kate. Looking forward to trying recipes that I find in my in Box and hopefully purchasing cookbook in the very near future.
I have your recipe for ultra crispy baked potato wedges and in step 3 you say to soak potatoes in hot water, but everything I see online says to use cold water and lots of explanations for why but anyway what do you say?
Hi! I find this works best. See the post for more on why :)
Can’t wait to try your Peruvian green sauce.
Hi Kate,
I made your pumpkin muffins this morning. The recipe is a keeper. Thank you.
I have more than 1000 cookbooks and yours is my absolute favorite. Are you ever going to do another one! Please!
Kate, I love your cookbook. As a sometimes vegetarian, it is my go-to resource when I want something that’s both nourishing and delicious. I’ve even gifted it a few times to friends and family! Do you think you’ll write another? I hope so!
I love to hear that, Amanda! I appreciate your support. I don’t have any plans at the moment.
So glad I found you again! Used to follow cookieandkate from around 2010 for years but unsubscribed from all blogs when I left work and went to live in the bush (South Africa). Looking forward to being inspired again by your lovely veggie recipes x
thank you for the useful information that you provide. i frequently experiment with my own spice combinations and seeing your combos is a big help and generates other ideas for me.
i will admit that my greatest use of online information is to determine cooking times.
i often use my steamer for vegetables and the oven or stovetop for potatoes, meats, and fish.
i try to get my roasts like mother and grandmas but just can’t quite get there; i should have paid more attention while they were still around.
sorry for being wordy as I really just wanted to say thanks for the useful information on preparation and cooking times.
Hi Kate,
Just finished the BEST caprese sandwich ever, recipe courtesy of you! Thanks. Plan to purchase your cookbook from B & N. Been cooking with you for quite a while now, acknowledgement & gratitude are way overdue. Thanks again
I love that! Thank you for sharing, Frances.
Website looks great! Easy to peruse and with photos that make one want to start cooking. I went straight to soups then dessert (then breakfast, lunch & dinner). I guess it reveals my personality. Congrats! You have been busy!
Thank you!
Are you thinking about publishing a second cookbook? I use yours all the time because your recipes are so reliably good. I would love to have a second Cookie and Kate cookbook.
Hi Susan, I don’t have one planned at the moment. I’m excited you have been enjoying my recipes!
I have been a long time follower of your recipes and blog. My husband bought me your cookbook for my birthday this year and I love it so much. I love your website, all your recipes, and your vibe. I know that anything I try from you has been tested many times over to get the best version, and I trust you with pretty much any recipe (I will make your stuff for the first time while hosting people – that’s generally a risk I don’t take with any other expert cooks ). I’m not a natural cook but find your recipes and the way you explain them to be really approachable, with easy modifications. I think I’m becoming a better cook because of you! I also really appreciate your blog write ups – they inform, entertain, and give good information concisely. Thank you for all you do!
Hi, Kate,
I’m going to try the No Bake coffee and chocolate cookies as I have all the ingredients ready to go. One question: do I have to soak the oats (as I do for overnight oats) before using them in this recipe?
No need to soak. I hope you love them!
I already made a comment but I incorrectly spelled words one was my husband standing in the kitchen
After a decade of reading your blog and learning from your recipes, I somehow just now found out that Cookie had passed. I realized that I always imagine Cookie taste-testing every single recipe while I make each from your blog and cookbook, and it brought big tears to my eyes (my husband was so confused) to hear she now oversees our kitchens from pup heaven. Cookie’s memory lives on in the hearts and kitchens of all of your readers, each time we bring to life one of your recipes. (And thank you for teaching me how to cook!)
Thank you for your kind words, Marie! I appreciate all your support through the years.
I can see the effort on the new page.
Why is there no lunch category? I struggle with lunches when having company (or even for household members), and don’t want breakfast or dinner for lunch, and salad is not necessarily lunch. I would love solid lunch recipes. Wishing you had a lunch option. If I missed it, please let me know. Thank you.
Thank you for your feedback! I don’t have a lunch option, but I could see how this may be helpful.
Love your recipes, but Go Bills!!
Hi there. Making the pasta e fagioli soup for the second time. The first time I made it in the crockpot, by accident! I did not realize it was a stove top method. Just put everything in the crockpot! But it turned out quite well.
What do you think about that? I cooked it for six hours on low. Thanks so much!
If it worked, that’s great! Thank you for sharing, Jules.
Love your recipes. Thanks for sharing your journey
I love your recipes! I have enjoyed every recipe of your I have tried. Your book is truly inspirational.
I’m trying to figure out a pimento sauce like tomato sauce recipe for low sodium. Do you have any recommendations? Thank you.
Your baking recipes are a go to in our house and always enjoyed by everyone who shares the dish! In fact your desserts are always a huge hit and gone quick at our fellowship potlucks and I often share your recipes I am GF/DF and therefore cook that way for my family so I love how every recipe always has those modifications and they always turn out! Who said GF/DF can’t be just as good as ‘regular baking’?! I also love that they are naturally sweetened and not too sweet which is perfect for us. I finally ordered your cookbook today and can’t wait for it to arrive to try more of your recipes and expand to your meal menus which look amazing!! Thanks so much for all the work you put into developing these amazing recipes and sharing with others to enjoy the fruit of your labour for years to come! You truly have a gift
I hope you love your cookbook!
I love every recipe of
yours I tried and I have used your blog for years. Thank you so much for your help in eating a whole food plant-based diet!
I’m sorry to hear that Cookie passed away. My dog, Scout, is my kitchen helper as well. Here’s to great food, healthy lives, and best friends!
I would like to know if I can make a substitution in your cranberry orange muffins:
I see it calls for orange zest, but no fresh squeezed orange juice. I was hoping for more orange flavor. Do you think I can use fresh juice for half of the honey/maple syrup, especially if the juice is quite sweet? Thanks for your input!!
Kate, I’ve been following you for a few years now. I love your blog and recipes. I just wanted to drop a note and say thank you. I love your recipes for when my kids were young, and now that I am helping care for my parents.
Sincerely,
Kathy
Hello,
I am trying to find your recipe for baked chiocciole with Brussels sprouts , apple and blue cheese. I made it twice and loved it but I lost the recipe. Can you tell me how to find it?
Many thanks,
Carol
Kate,
ALL your recipes are fantastic. I eat mostly plants, but eat more like a flexitarian. I too am obsessed with food and cooking. I live in my kitchen.
PS Cookie is in your forever (I had golden retrievers for 25 years)
Hi and happy new year…I want to make a vegie casserole using the 3 tons of left over turkey dressing, but really have not found any great recipes. Wonder if you have found a good way to incorporate dressing and left over vegies—kale, green beans, brocolli and carrots.
P,S. We adopted a mysterymutt several years ago and DNA testing indicated Buckley is a Dashhund and australian cattle dog with a bit of everything else..he is the most lovable and smart dog we have ever had.
Thank you for your recipes,
Jan Jantzer
Tucson AZ
I absolutely Love the buckwheat buttermilk waffles! I think they are the best waffles I have ever had. I made them with a good quality buttermilk and melted butter. I put butter and maple syrup on one and raspberry jam on another. Yum!! Thanks for the excellent recipe.
Barbara
Loved this delicious tasty clean version of brocolli cream soup. Gonna make for the 2nd time was surprised my husband even loved it ! If it doesn’t have meat it isn’t a meal lol for him. We enjoyed w our sourdough we make and I topped w jalapeños for fun. Thank ü so much Kate I too daydream about making amazing new foods that are healthy and delicious
Just got your Love Real Food book for Christmas- lots of great recipes! Can’t wait to try them all!
Have you ever tried cooking quinoa with rice together? My family doesn’t really like the texture of quinoa. When I add a quarter or half measure of rice and cook it together in my rice cooker the texture comes out more like sticky rice but with better nutrition! I do cook brown rice and quinoa on the brown rice setting, so it’s overcooking the quinoa, but it doesn’t hurt the taste. I also use white rice – which means the cooking time is about right for both.
I have not seen this in any recipes, and wanted to share with you because I can imagine all the great combos you could make – for those people who avoid quinoa!
Tricia
Hi!
My Husband and I love your cookbook (and online recipes) but we have worked through most of them! I haven’t found another vegetarian cookbook I like as much. Do you think you will come out with another cookbook? Thanks!
So excited to try all the recipes that came with the vegetarian Taco. I have read and made many of your recipes for several years. I apologize I missed about Cookie’s passing. As a veterinary technician in my future career. I appreciate your love of Cookie and love that you will leave your website Cookie & Kate. Thank you!
Hi Kate,
I love all of your recipes I’ve tried and how you are inspired by the KC food scene!! I recently had the Winter Harvest bowl at Billie’s grocery store and would love if you could make a recipe for it!!
I have tried a bunch of different recipes and love them all. The cauliflower lentil tacos are amazing and have been making those for years, and the granola is a household favorite. Every week I have at least one recipe and often more from your catalog! Thank you for providing such a treasure trove of amazing healthy dishes!
Hi Kate,
Love your recipes! Use them all the time especially the pumpkin soup, corn chowder, falafel and so many more.
I would really love your take on a Penne Vodka recipe.
On the recommendation of my high school classmate, Eileen Goudge, we made this recipe this evening. It was a big hit and next time I’ll make a point of buying the Trader Joe’s product you recommend. I’ll give it four stars, as I save five stars for only the most life-changing culinary experiences.
Hi Kate! I love what you did for your cooking experience
what was your favorite meal that you made
Hi Kate, I just wanted to say that you are incredible chef! I have been making your recipes for years, many of which my mom, sister and other family members make now. (One family member couldn’t believe your salad – which she loved and wanted the recipe for – had brussels sprouts as the primary green. She thought she hated brussels sprouts! And my mom is a tough cookie, it’s a compliment for sure when she wants to add a new recipe to her rotation, and she’s asked for multiple of yours!) I don’t know how you keep coming up with new recipes and that they never disappoint, you have an incredible gift. Thank you for all you do, for helping me give my family fresh and healthy meals that taste amazing!
adorable pooch. soup is tasty, but adore the pooch! you know where my heart lies…always