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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I just re-discovered your site and wanted to send a comment! I first found you in 2010, when I first turned vegan and lived in New Zealand, where there weren’t many vegan options floating around. You were a huge resource for me, and I loved making every single one of your recipes as a teenager. How special that your website appears again in my life 15 years later as I’m searching a recipe for a Green Curry. Thank you Kate, and thank you Cookie, for making vegan that much easier back then and on the other side of the world.
Lot’s of love, Tamsin xx
I did it! A little back story…….. On Christmas Day 2024 my daughter Kristen gave me your cookbook, Love Real Food. As I was flipping through, all of the recipes sounded amazing so I made a bold decision, I was going to make all the recipes in a year. It was an ambitious goal, but as I was recently retired, I thought it was definitely doable. I made a couple of decisions, I would keep a Google doc with the date made, a rating and comments. I also decided not to do the recipes in order. On January 3rd I made my first recipe Mango Lassi Smoothie Bowl with Toasted Coconut Muesli and I was off! I knew that I needed to make approximately 10 recipes each month to stay on track, but life handed out some challenges and many summer visitors and I got behind. A huge shout out to my niece Madeline, who I made LOTS of the recipes with, and also came up with the great idea to have a family appetizer party. At the end of December, we made 9 recipes in one night-thanks to the help of seven family members (13 were invited but the flu and COVID struck). It was such a fun evening!
When January rolled around I still had a few recipes to make but on February 2nd we had a grand finale dinner party with Roasted Cherry Tomato Crostini with White Bean Pesto, Roasted Eggplant Lasagna and German Chocolate Cake.
I cannot even begin to thank you enough for all the delicious, planet friendly, easily accessible, and fun recipes in your cookbook! It was such a fulfilling adventure making 100+ recipes (Madeline decided we should make the extras too!). And now… well now, I get to go back and make all my favorites! With love and gratitude, Nicola
FUN! Inspiring too!
What a wonderful story! I loved reading this Tara!
Tara, I meant to say, Nicola, I loved reading her story.
I made the healthy blueberry muffins on sunday morning and despite my oven shutting off in the middle of bake time, my fiance says the are the best baked treat I have ever made! He literally took half a dozen to his moms house to share that afternoon. Kudos!
I came to your site from a search for 7 layer dip. Once I got here, I couldn’t access the recipe. I clicked on the video to see it, and after the advertisement ( which I understand), it initially started the video, but after about 5 seconds, the ad came up again. I started over, thinking it was a computer quirk. Clicking again to see the video, I saw that it was about a different recipe. I don’t know if this is all new to you, but I must say that I was not able to navigate your site successfully. I am an avid recipe collector and have been to many sites over the years. I don’t mean to be mean. Hopefully, you will take this as constructive criticism. I do wish you success.
Love your recipes!
Was so sad to hear about Cookie :( but happy you are keeping the name for your blog.
Just a little note….your cookbook is a fantastic gift and instead of a card just sign the inside of the book! I have given several as gifts and have gotten great feed back from the friends/fam I have given them to. So you need to make another one :)…in your spare time.
I’ve just bought a Tabbouleh pot for my lunch today from my local supermarket in the UK and thought I should really look into making this myself as it is a really expensive way of eating lunch. I came across your site and now can’t wait to try your version along with other recipes you no doubt will introduce me to. So far, I am loving what I am seeing and reading and I hope that you can inspire me to make new and interesting meals.
Great recipes Kate! Thank you for sharing. I’ve tried all; it’s delicious!
I discovered your website today while looking for a meatless chili recipe and I made your Homemade Vegetarian Chile. I have to say, it was awesome! I can’t wait to try more of your recipes. Thanks so much. Sorry to learn about Cookie. I know how attached you can get and just how much they become part of your family.
We just started a cookbook club and used your website for our first dinner. Each person made one thing: Ranch water cocktail, buffalo cauliflower, southwestern corn chowder, hot pink coconut slaw, herbed potato salad, potatoes au gratin, chimichurri chick peas, black bean sweet potato enchiladas, and Lemony Cheesecake Tart with Pistachio Crust! What a feast!! It was a delicious hit and all of us can’t wait to use these recipes again.. Thanks so much!!
The spinach and artichoke recipe was unique and delicious. The artichoke adds a nice “kick” to the dish, and I will definitely be doing this one again.
Hi
I made the healthy blueberry muffins! I was afraid they would toast like card board like other healthy foods but I was delightfully wrong!!! They had great flavor and less calories than I expected. I so enjoyed them! My husband who doesn’t like anything remotely healthy even enjoyed them.
Thank you for sharing your recipe!
JoAnn
LOVE THE POOCH. SORRY SHE LEFT. SO SAD WHEN THAT HAPPENS.
I love love love your recipes! I love your posts <3 How do you manage to stay so thin in the cooking industry? Btw your lil one is so cute!!
I’m excited to try the recipe for healthy blueberry muffins. Your receipe seemed to look healthy and easy. Hopefully mine comes out good. Thank you.
Lucy
I just stumbled upon your blog! In search for an easy refried bean recipe. I’m making it tonight for family visiting from MN. Love your story and your recipes look amazing!
I love your cookbook and your recipes. I am an 80 year-old retired pediatrician. After retiring I spent 11 years working to get policy to deal with the changing climate. Now I’ve stepped back from my climate activity and I am enjoying spending more time cooking. Your cookbook is terrific.The recipes are so easy to understand and they call for ingredients are generally accessible. The results taste delicious. Thank you for sharing your many recipes and for continuing to experiment and create new ones.
Kate,
I’ve been following you for a few years now and bought your cookbook, “Love Real Food”. I read it cover to cover and am enjoying trying new recipes and ingredients. I love the recipes in the cookbook – the Tuscan White Bean, Kale and Farro Stew is a personal favorite. I give it five stars!! You’ve inspired me to eat meatless meals.
Keep blogging and inspiring us.
I bought tahini today, but I love tahini dip ..I ended up on your blog looking for the recipe..I had to crush the coriander, intersting , but hey I made my first tahini dip, I am having it by itself, just a flavour thing, Thank you!!
Long time fan! I memorized your cookbook and look forward to your monthly newsletters. Keep up the good work!
I’m out in KC every other year to check on our family business’ factory production. I’d love to meet you sometime! I can bring my little kiddos for a meetup. Just day dreaming.
Hi Kate, I have Hashimoto’s, a hypothyroidism disorder and cannot tolerate nightshades (fruits/veggies??) I have to adapt each recipe and have decided to be a Pescatarian (fish+vegetarian), so sushi, sashimi, nigiri but not Beef. I also only trust Avocado Oil and fully distrust Canola. Many of my friends cannot have Dairy, but can have Goats Milk without digestive problems. Most problems as we age are autoimmune related, so I make the changes and love some of the ideas you have… I did the Lemony Goat’s Milk Cheesecake with the Pistachio Crust…awesome, going to experiment with a savoury version to use as an appetizer… I would not substitute Cow’s milk cream cheese, the K2 casein is a nightmare for Allergies, Goat’s only has K1 casein – the difference is chronic diarrhea for many adults- I am 83.
Hello!
I’ve found your webpage through a friend during Covid time… you made the BEST lentil (curry) soup!!! It became my family’s favorite winter soup, which then we make it through the year.
Now, I have married children who also use your site for your delicious nutritional and clean food.
I just want to say thank you!
We love your work
Thank you, thank you! I started using your recipes about 6 years ago when I was in grad school. I didn’t know how to cook at the time. You have not only taught me how to cook, but given me recipes that keep me going. I am very active and a vegetarian and I love your food. I can eat until I’m satisfied and feel great after! My kids and husband eat what I make, so that’s your food. Starting little kids, as babies, on this food is for sure going to make them great eaters throughout life. I can’t thank you enough.
Hi Carly, thank you so much for taking the time to leave such a kind note. I love hearing that I helped you learn how to cook and that you and your family enjoy the recipes.
Everything you make is delicious & healthy. We have a family member that has to eat Gluten free so these recipes are great for them.
Thanks Kate you are special.
Hi Kate, I have your recipe book and I’ve made your apple fennel slaw at least twenty times. Maybe thirty. Since I’ve made it so much, I thought you might be interested in a variation that works really well with the base recipe: adding fresh mint, and topping it with toasted, salted cashews. I keep the cashews separate and let each person add some to their bowl/plate, so that they stay very crunchy. Then the whole slaw stores really well, and we just add cashews as we go. This was based on another slaw I found once on The Spruce, a “rainbow slaw” that is VERY pretty. (But it uses mango and papaya rather than apples and dried cherries, and tropical fruits aren’t always in season. Plus for a while I kept getting those “off-scented” papayas. Very weird.)
The book is beautiful! Thanks, Kate!
You’re the best….. and I miss Cookie too!
I have your cookbook and love it. I haven’t been on your site for quite a while….I was afraid to read that Cookie may have passed away. I always wondered if you would be ok when she passed, and if you would keep her name in your site. I’m so happy you have. I know the never ending pain of losing our fur babies. I have loved reading your blogs for years. I’m starting to cry, but I know that Cookie had the best life and was so loved. I will come back now and follow along. Thank you
Hi Kate. I really like your recipes and I’ve tried many of them. Lately if I save one of your recipes to Pinterest and then later try to open it up it’s locked. There is a little green lock in the bar at the top. Why am I locked out?
Nora
Hi Nora, I’m sorry about that, I am not sure what is happening, if you reach out with more details to helloatcookieandkate(dot)com with more details I can help troubleshoot. Everything on Pinterest is working on my end.
Hi,
I decided to google the problem. There were a lot of suggestions and reasons why this would be happening but I went to you first because I was only locked out of your posts that I pinned onto my Pinterest boards. Possibly I was pinning too many of your recipes.
It turns out all I had to do was update my Pinterest app. ♀️
Thank you for your response.
Nora
I’ve been following you since you started! Great recipes and love the pictures of the dog! Give him a treat from Grandma Sue in Texas.
I stumbled upon a collection of your side dish recipes and I am floored at how unique they are and how delicious they must be. I can’t wait to try them.
This recipe is delicious. I have made it many times.
Question please.
We’re having guests for dinner and I’ll be serving this dish.
I am wondering if it would pair with a grilled salmon filet in foil with white wine and a little butter.
Your thoughts please.
Also, could I make the Thai veggies earlier in the day? Thank you
Hi Jill,
I’m afraid I’m vegetarian so I don’t have any recipes with fish, but that salmon sounds lovely. Since this comment is on my about page and not a recipe, I’m unable to say whether or not it is suited to making ahead, but check the recipe notes, I often include that kind of advice in the post. Best of luck with your dinner party.
I’m trying my first of your recipes tonight and tomorrow. One will b e taboulleh, the other, something with carrots. Your page is beautifully organized. Great photos and videos, easy to follow recipes. Nice selections with plenty of ethnic flair. If they taste as good as they look, I will be a regular.
Kate, I made your mango salsa and my husband and I devoured it ! It is healthy and delicious . I just bought more mangoes for our next fix . !
Hi Kate,
Love your website and recipes. Such a broad range of cuisine, and all so well researched.
Do you have any plans to add an air fryer friendly section? It may appear to “dumb-down” the culinary process, but for younger cooks and those with limited time, it may enable more people to enjoy your creations.
Hi Steve, thank you for the suggestion! That isn’t in my immediate plans, but I do note helpful suggestions from readers when developing ideas for the future.
I never, never subscribe to online sites or newsletters, but I have to yours. Your recipes are so well thought out, so easy to follow, so delicious – and you are so modest and “uncommercial.” Your Crispy Baked Tofu and your Croutons are essential in my kitchen. I have to say thank you for a genuinely valuable cache of recipes and advice!
Hi Anne, that is so wonderful to hear! My intention is just to make cooking with whole foods more accessible for people, and I’m glad you find them valuable.
Just bought your book. Have tried several of the recipes and they are delicious!!!!
Thank you for sharing your talents with all of us. Just keep doing what you’re doing because it’s GREAT…. :-)))
Dear Ms. Kate,
I have no idea what kind of website infrastructure cost is needed or implied by this possibility, but I and others would be willing to give straight funds to support your website and endeavors. It is such great wealth of base recipes that can be made as is or slightly modified! And, this may be counter to your intent, but the way the rest the digital world seems to be going, I would not mind a mild subscription model. I give to Wikipedia all the time as it is an invaluable resource to all such as your website. I know there’s cookbooks but I just wish there was a way to give back more directly to repay all the greatness you’ve given.
Craig
Hi Craig, thank you for your kind words.
I subscribe to NYT cooking, and the thing I love about it is….NO ADS. Is there a way to view your website without ads? If not, I’d suggest you offer paid subscriptions in order to avoid ads. I can assure there are many of us out here “of a certain age” who would gladly pay.
Hi Barbara, thanks for the suggestion for a subscription. You can “print” the recipes to PDF to save.
My Husband and I were just at the VA and his GI doctor recommended that we check out your website for recipes that would be good for his diabetes. We’re anxious to start trying some of these yummy looking recipes and getting more fruit and veggies in his diet. thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and experience! Hopefully his diabetes doctor will be pleased when he sees her in a couple of months.
Sincerely yours,
Jeanne Gabriel
i hope you have a new cookie! we all need our pooches…..
What part of the KC metro do you live in. What are your favorite restaurants? Living in Lenexa, I’m most interested learning your JoCo favs for food and drink. (Assuming, of course, you have some.). Living in a beige-on-beige environment is not always conducive to colorful drinking or dining.
Hi Tom, I emailed you my list of favorite places.
I am still making your fabulous Ceasar salad and dressing. Last time I made the croutons with it. It is quite a favourite with my whole family now.
Every recipe I’ve tried from your website has been a hit with my family. Being raised as vegetarians, we are most used to traditional Indian cooking. Now living in the West, your recipes have been amazing for incorporating new flavors into our regular meal prep rotation. Thanks to your creativity & well-tested recipes, I feel confident experimenting with unfamiliar ingredients.
Thank you so much!
–R
Hi Kate,
My husband Zac and I have been enjoying your recipes for years. We live in a small town in NC called Kernersville. Both of us have recently retired and are enjoying growing and eating vegetables started from seed from our garden. Every year we plant something new and interesting. This year Zac decided to grow fava beans, which are high in protein. We are delighted to discover that they are absolutely delicious when picked and cooked straight out of the garden. Do you have any recipes that you can share? By the way, thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing your gift of reliable recipes that are consistently delicious. They are a Godsend!
Hi Anna Marie, I’m so glad you’re enjoying the recipes! I don’t have a fava bean recipe on the site, but what a wonderful addition to your garden. Try them with ricotta and mint on toast.
I made the roasted soup many times and it is in my recipe box.
Thank you Dorothy MacDonald
Kate,
Just received your book and love it. On the road to healthier eating, so I can’t wait to make everything in the book. Also enjoying the ideas you send in the newsletter. Thank you for your good work. I’m a fan forever.
Aloha Kate,
I was looking for a cauliflower soup recipe and became enchanted by your website. Sometimes you can just tell how much heart and soul and care someone has poured into their offering : ) in addition, from reading your recipes, they seem to have a certain type of unique, delicious flare. I never buy cookbooks, as I don’t often follow recipes, but I was mightily tempted. What beautiful gifts and care you put into your work. I hope you’re taking good care of you, too. Big nourishing hugs : )
My wife previously made an excellent chocolate peanut butter tart from your recipe but we can’t seem to find it anymore. When we Google it we can see a link for it but when we click it it doesn’t take us to the recipe. Is there somewhere else we can get it?
Hi Jake, I just emailed you the recipe.
Hi Kate! Lucky me I just discovered you! We had a 3 day life celebration for 3 family members (not passed all at the same time). Well anyway, our aunt brought you and the dish along! It was so delicious that everyone asked for the recipe so she forwarded cookie and Kate. She made the oatmeal and blueberry baked dish and it was delicious. We were a large crowd and everyone enjoyed it. Now that I have discovered you I will be making the pumpkin muffins and the banana nut muffins. I’m going on a 3 day retreat with girlfriends and I think these will keep perfectly and the girls will love them! Thank you for the inspiration and easy to follow recipes!
A new true fan! Debbie
ok so I want to gradually change my method of eating and how much of what I sm or am not eating. I want to reduce meat and increase soup for example. I searched for Minestrone and your recipe was one of the first to appear. I plan to try it when I can. Thanks.
Hi Konrad, good luck on your journey to eating less meat! You’ll find lots of plant-based and vegetarian options on this site.
Hi,
I’ve been making your recipes for over a decade now. It’s like having a trusted friend nearby. I always know these recipes are going to turn out. The veggie black bean enchiladas have gone to everyone I’ve ever delivered a food chain meal for and with rave reviews. Thanks for sharing :)