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 u0026 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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Kate (and Cookie), I’m sad it took me so long to find your blog, but glad I finally did!
I’m not ready to abandon meat, and am a “perimeter” shopper, but I try to make at least half my meals vegetarian. However, it isn’t always easy to find really tasty ones, but your blog has changed all that.
I’ve turned to the Moosewood Cookbook, and then found a blog from a lady whose focus is on low-carb and keto recipes, many of them are vegetarian, but I don’t believe in the keto diets, and we do need carbs (plenty available in veggies). I believe in eating all things in moderation. I briefly tried the LA diet (years ago), which allowed all the rare beef, bacon and cheese you wanted. Uh, no. I’ve come to dislike burgers and fries, or fried foods; it’s not some philosophical quest, and I’m not feeling self-righteous – I just don’t enjoy that food any more.
Your blog features things that are just totally tasty! I love to eat tasty meals that are healthy as well. I praised your recipe for super simple marinara sauce. It truly is super simple, and I usually have the ingredients on-hand.
Glad I found your blog, and see so many things I want to try!
I’m happy you found it too! I hope you love it.
I totally agree with Joyce. Refined carbohydrates are not my freinds… We eat meat but I tend to think of it as a “side dish” with the veggies as the main course. Vegetables taste 10 times better when homegrown. They’re easy to grow, even in a container on the patio. If you’re yard has a fence it’s fun to grow vining vegetables there. Cookie and Kate is a great place to find healthy recipes that are easy, delicious and don’t cost a lot. I’ve made many recipes found on line but Kate’s blog has encouraged me to post a comment for the first time. As a Grandma, gardener and cook I know necessity is truly the mother of invention and tweak all kinds of recipes if I don’t have the exact ingredients. Happy 2020. Grace, peace and health to all!
Where in Oklahoma are you from? I’m from Miami.
Hey Dan! Is your question for me? I grew up in Edmond, for the most part, and went to OU!
I am a trained cook so I almost always cook from recipes. I found Cookie & Kate about 5 years ago and liked what I found. Her recipes are well designed, written so anyone can follow them, there are always prep hints that teach me something new. I went vegetarian 3 years ago. Since, Kate’s site has become my first stop for new recipes, for ideas when I entertain and sometimes to provide a recipe to a friend. One of Kate’s services I really enjoy is getting emails with new ideas. Lots of times I find a new recipe without even looking, it just pops up in my email. Don’t miss a new recipe, subscribe. Thanks Kate.
Hi Kate:
I made your vegetarian chili and is the best chili I ever made.
Your recipe is the only chili I will always make.
Joyce, so much of what you wrote is me. Kate, I’m thrilled to have found you too, I’m spreading your wisdom to all my foodie friends.
Steve H
Soon to be retired
Baba Ganoush was excellent! Smoked paprika was tasty and pretty addition. I used good potato masher on the eggplant and it worked well in preparation and it kept the rustic vs. food processor texture. Just discovered blog. Looking forward to newsletter.
Kate, is there a way to make a file of my favorite recipes and save it to your site?
I’m a huge fan!
M L
Hi Mary! I don’t have a function like that on my blog. You can always bookmark your recipes in your browser. Or create a Pinterest board of them! I hope this helps!
I save your recipes to Evernote with a special tag so I can always find them easily.
I love that idea!
Kate, i just typed best broccoli soup in my search engine, and you popped up, right now l’m making your soup…… I watched some of your videos and was mesmerized at how easy you make it all so glad I found you….
There’s also an app you can buy for a few dollars called “Paprika.” I save Kate’s recipes there.
Thanks for the tip on Paprika. Just downloaded the app. Looks like a fantastic tool with lots of really useful features.
You’re welcome! I use it all the time.
Check out the App Paprika. It’s amazing for saving and organizing recipes!
Paprika is a good app in which to download recipes that are available on your laptop/tablet and your phone so you can check what ingredients you need while at the grocery store.
Hi! I just came across your blog a couple days ago! My stomach is sensitive so aside from my being unable to eat gluten, I want to eat gaper and healthier. I’ve already made the Mango Burrito Bowl and it’s absolutely delicious and beautiful! I do also downloaded your app and have created 3 cookbooks! Your app is smart like your recipes! All I can say is Thank you! My husband and I look forward to cooking your recipes together!
Cookie is so effing adorable I feel like I’m going to burst into tears while my chest simultaneously bursts with love.
Thank you, Emma!
Hi: im very happy i found your blog while searching for a couple of soup recipes. Im a huge Mark Bittman fan, but it is great to have options. Thanks for posting all the healthy recipes.
Hello Kate….I am a huge fan! My sister got me onto your granola about a year ago and I make it constantly as my husband eats it all! anyhow everyone in our family…my sisters etc. all love your granola recipe! I don’t stir half way through and it is perfect every time!…just made another batch! I made your vegetarian chili which I made last weekend and then again this weekend…I look forward to making tons more of your recipes…I have been vegetarian for over 40 years so it is great to see all of your recipes….Kale /farro salad next! thank you…also a dog lover and Cookie is pretty cute!
You’re so sweet! Thank you for your kind comment, Lois.
I know dogs pure bred dogs.. It is a necessity for my job although all my 6 are just mixed breed dogs I see Koolie or Blue healer which would be far more likely. I see no Schipperke and half Dachshund in your dog. Nice dog, though.
You can disagree with an expert’s eye in favor of the scientific test it you choose, but check around with serious dog people and you will find out the those genetic test’s are notoriously unreliable.
BTW, I love your Tabbouleh recipee!!!
Hi LIz! She’s 50% purebred schipperke and part koolie/dachshund. I actually wondered if Cookie was part schipperke before the test results came back, so I believe it. She looks quite a bit like one from her side profile (fluffy slightly curved-back tail, longer fur around her neck) and behaves like one, too (ultra curious and ornery, runs out the door and doesn’t come back—it’s terrifying). If you met her, I think you’d see it. :)
The Koolie is very similar to the Blue Heeler. I wish I could see a side shot of her. But it really doesn’t matter. The fact that she is a good pet for you is what most matters.
Hi Kate! I just wanted to let you know that I made your Roasted Broccoli, Bell Pepper, & Tofu Bowl w/ Peanut Sauce from your cookbook last week. My entire family loved it! We once had a peanut sauce at a restaurant that put us off for years, but wow, I am SO GLAD I tried yours. Definitely going in the dinner rotation. Thanks so much for all of your awesome vegetarian recipes – your blog and cookbook has become my go-to as our diet has transitioned. So many are vegan, but we love that you include recipes with cheese and eggs, since we still eat those too!
I love to hear that, Amanda! Thank you for sharing.
Kate, like everyone else I just stumbled onto your site looking for a simple pimento cheese recipe. I have a dog rescue and transition all my dogs to real food. Pimento cheese (store bought) is one thing I use as a treat on a zucchini ring or apple. But I go through a lot. So I decided it’s time to make my own. Thank you for the simple recipe. It looks delicious and I will make a few dog friendly adjustments. I look forward to making it this weekend as well as trying some of your other recipes. Cookie is adorable! What a great kitchen helper.
Thank you, Kelly! I’m happy to hear you are loving the blog.
Hi Kate! I stumbled onto your site searching for a recipe for enchilada sauce. My son’s birthday dinner request was vegetable enchiladas and I wanted to make the sauce from scratch rather than using a jar. Wow! It was a hit! He loved it and I was so happy he had a nice birthday dinner. I reduced the amount of chili powder slightly as I’m a wimp and not a fan of super spicy food, and it turned out perfectly. As a vegetarian for over 25 years, I also love that your recipes don’t include animal flesh. Thanks again!
I’m happy you stumbled and loved what you came across, Monica!
Hi Kate!
I found your blog while I was searching for a basic vinaigrette (only oil, vinegar, and some spices). Then, I got interested in and looked through your other recipes. I finally ended up here and read your ’about’ text – until then, I haven’t even realised that all your recipes are vegetarian. Probably because everything sounds and looks so delicious! I want to diminish my consumption of meat in the future, and now I have a lot of ideas to do so. After six months of travelling in Canada and the US (mostly without a proper kitchen), I’m eager to try them as soon as I’m back in Switzerland.
Awesome job!
Thank you for your kind words, Chiara! I appreciate it.
Every time I need a recipe, I find you. Just made your spaghetti squash and I want to try your squash burrito bowl next time. But it’s also so good plain, I had to eat it fresh from the oven. Thank you for your blog!
Oh my GOODNESS! Another Kathryne! I have never come across another Kathryne who spells her name the same way I do. I just discovered your blog and have enjoyed browsing around.
Wow! I just found your blog when looking for a huevos rancheros recipe. I am just learning how to cook at 46 years young and your blog was just what I needed before I knew what I was looking for! I’m stoked! Thank you!
Hello Kate! I’ve been a fan of your recipes for quite some time, but what has finally motivated me to abandon my anonymity & make a post is this: I just made your Curried Coconut Quinoa & Greens w/Roasted Cauliflower recipe (which I saved on my Pinterest ages & ages ago), and I think I’m in love. Legitimately. That dish turned my whole day around! It really is a bright spot in the middle of a bleak northern Michigan winter, let me tell you.
So thank you so much for doing what you do! My pups (Tonka & Gunner) and I will keep on tuning in. :) Pets & snuggles to Cookie!!
Namaste Kate,
I am Indian and new country,but foodie and like to cook n try different recipes. I found my ultimate guide to try all american style cooking. Wonderful presentation and cooking style. I like every recipe you prepare. Actually when i am not busy in work like to watch you videos. Loved it really and helps bachelors like me. Love you..
I just prepared the Quinoa-stuffed Sweet Potato recipe from your cookbook. It was so very good! Love your cookbook and website.
Decided on Lentil Marinara for lunch and was so happy to find your recipe. I made a baked “pasta” using steamed spaghetti squash layered with Lentil Marinara with a little Ricotta on top. Delicious!
We love dogs too! And it is sadly a Schipperke trait to run out the door, when not charmingly sharing breakfast with the Cat while seated in chairs around the table. Or leaping high in the air like a Ballerina.Thank you for your lovely blog.
Hola Kate, sabes si esta traducido tu libro en castellano? Me gusta lo que veo pero no veo traducción. Gracias
Hi Mercedes, I’m sorry, I don’t believe the book has been translated into Spanish. Just German, for now. All my best!
Hi Kate- I’m trying to convert my midwest family of 4 to a vegetarian diet. I learned of your new cookbook on Amazon & purchased it—-it grabbed my attention because the gorgeous photos (great photos are a must for me) & that you’re a Midwest girl :) I’m now following your blog & committed to making 2 new recipes a week from your book & blog. My husband & 2 teens are loving your recipes!!! I wasn’t sure I could make the switch for my family, but thanks to your wonderful combinations, we are all on board now!!! I’ve had many cookbooks thru the years—yours is truly the most organized, easy to follow, beautiful book I’ve purchased. Thank you & keep up the great work! (your Herbaceous Chickpea Salad is a weekly staple in my frig ;)
Kate & Cookie, thank you for the wonderful receipes. I, too, hate that it took me so long to find your site. I am thrilled that I’ve found it! There are so many wonderful receipes – and vegetarian. As a pescetarian for several years, it’s so hard to find great receipes that do not include (land-bound) meat. I couldn’t give up fish – one word: sushi. As a North Carolina gentleman, I do miss bacon. :( Again, I just wanted to express my gratitude for your hard work. Your passion for food (and for Cookie) are evident in your work. JC PS – I’m definitely going to check out the cookbook…
This dip is delicious. Perfect use of my avocados when I am stuck in the house with no tomatoes on hand for guacamole.
I had made several of your recipes and love each one. You’re blog is my go-to when cooking now.
Hi Cookie and Kate- First and foremost, kudos to you both. Second, you are a force to be reckoned with. Lastly, your Quinoa Broccoli Slaw with Honey Mustard Dressing is a huge hit. I made it for the first time today and fell in love. From the different textures and flavors happening all at once it is a match made in heaven. I have been wanting to prepare quinoa differently and this was the perfect way. Even my grandmother fell in love with it. Thank YOU for being a light in the world. So grateful to have found your WHOLEsome recipes!!!
I just found your blog and I’m delighted at the look of your blog, the beautiful photos and the clear and ease to follow recipes.
I also must command you for not having all crazy pop-ups all over as so many food blogs do!
This blog is lovely and refreshing…Well done.
Hi Kate, I discovered your website a few weeks ago, I tried some of your recipes and I absolutely loved them all :-)
I am half Libanese, half French and you know how much French people LOVE good food ;-)
Thank you again for these healthy and appetizing recipes !
I also just wanted to thank you for what you do. I’m a vegetarian, prefer whole foods, and love foods from all nationalities. Basically, you’re my spirit chef. The flavors in your recipes are always spot-on and I love making them for my family. My omnivore husband and toddler are big fans, too :)
Just received a text from my granddaughter, in Las Vegas. She had taken your banana bread out of the oven and wanted to show me. Sent me the recipe and I can’t wait to try it. What is ironic is that I just moved back to Kansas City after 25 years. At this time I find it hard to go out for groceries, but will check out your recipes and start eating the right way soon! So glad I have subscribed!! Thanks for all the info!!
Thank you Kate for your fantastic site. In these times of uncertainty wholesome food is something we can all make for our families health.
I have been using your recipes for several years now, and often recommend you to friends looking for healthy and tasty recipes.
Once again, thanks for what you do.
Jenny, Australia
I am setting up to make your zucchini muffins right now, thank you for your delicious recipes. Also as I looked it up, I was again thinking how beautiful your hair is…are you a naturally curly girl and do you ever share any tips? I am always looking for good tips for managing my curly hair.
Hi Kristin, thank you! I’m flattered. Yes, my hair is naturally curly and has a mind of its own. These pictures show it on a good day. :) You can see the products that I use here, and if you hover over each product, you’ll see a description of when/how I use it. Hope you find some good tips in there!
Kate,
I wanted to write a note because I use your website all the time. The only granola bars my children will now eat are the honey sweetened almond ones. I make a double batch weekly. I eat your granola daily. The family loves your applesauce recipe. Yesterday, using my time wisely, I made it using a variety of apples (40 pounds) and canned it (16 quarts). There are so many more recipes that we go to time and again. As the lone vegetarian, leaning toward vegan, gluten-free eater in my family I love all the variations. Thank you for working so hard to produce a phenomenal website and delicious cookbook.
You’re kind! I’m very happy to hear that. Be sure to leave a comment and review on the recipes you are trying, RH. I appreciate it!
I’ve bean meaning to write for awhile and tell you how much I am enjoying your recipes! I’ve been a pescatarian for years, and after discovering your site, I asked for your cookbook for Christmas. In the meantime I turned to a mostly whole foods/ plant based diet and have been delighted with the variety of options in your book to support this change! I cook alot, and love to experiment. Perhaps the best compliment I can give you is that I’ll serve your recipes to guests without trying them first! I have not been disappointed….and this is a compliment that, until now, has been reserved for my Southern Living recipes.
Keep ’em coming. I love being in the kitchen and making tasty foods, even with the added restrictions I’ve place on my diet. I’m happy and feeling very healthy. Hubby’s happy too! THANKS SO MUCH!
You’re so sweet! Thank you for your comment and support, Linda.
I recently retired and have become the lead cook at home. When I started looking up recipes online, yours were the ones I tried and enjoyed. Now I seek out your recipes and know that they always work for our tastes. Thank you very much Kate.
Hey Kate, just wanted to share some love. I’ve been making “meatless Mondays” for years and your blog has always been a good source of ideas. Your chana masala is an all time favorite. Just made your blueberry baked oatmeal and it was awesome. Cheers! -Carolyn
Hi Kate… I have used your cauliflower rice recipes lots of times, its wonderful. We have been in lock-down here in Italy for 7 weeks and I’m looking for some more foodie inspiration that is healthy so am going to order your book too. Love your fresh ideas and approach to food. I’m trying to get healthier for you are inspiring me in many ways. xxx
Thank you for inspiring me to get creative and confident in the kitchen! My fiancée and I aren’t vegetarians, but do not miss meat AT ALL when we make your recipes! Our favorites are your roasted cauliflower soup and sweet potato enchiladas!
You’re welcome, Tina! Thanks for letting me know C+K is making an impact.
I gotta say I had no idea you could get doggie DNA tests. Stands to reason I guess but surprised me. In celebration we’ll try making one of your cake recipes!
Kate, You live in the best BBQ town in the country. Pork from Oklahoma Joe’s, Ribs at Jack’s Stack… and you are a vegetarian! Is it tough with all the local peer pressure? (My wife and I are former Brookside residents and we miss KC all the time). You are in a great town with wonderful people. Thanks again for the perfect potato recipe. We will never bake unsoaked potatoes again!
Hey Doug, thanks for your note! I hear those BBQ places are great. :) The peer pressure honestly just rolls right off because I never liked barbecue even before I became a vegetarian. Q39 makes a great veggie burger, and I can survive on Oklahoma Joe’s fries and slaw for a couple of hours! Hope you’re having a great weekend.
Thank you for your fabulous food blog, Kate! I’ve been cooking your incredible recipes for a few years now and everything I’ve tried has been amazing. I just found guajillo chilies in my pantry and did a Google search to see how I could cook a vegan meal with them and was super happy to see your post for Pinto Posole!
Hello. Just made the hummus. Fantastic! It’s official. Your recipes are the best! Over the past year I’ve made a pretty wide range of your them. They consistently turn out great. Much appreciated!
Thank you and I’m so glad you think so, Michael! :)
Hi, Kate- found your blog when looking for a good Chili recipe for the family while sequestering at home. Yours truly IS the best– flavor full but not too spicy. Love your recipes– I usually have most of the ingredients in my pantry and you provide substitution ideas.
Love the healthy predominantly WFPB meals/food
thanks so much!
I’m so glad I found you! Quinoa is my favorite food, and I’m always looking for new ways to enjoy it. Can’t wait to try ALL your recipes!
I read so of your previous comments and I only have one thing to say:
Hook Em Horns!
I found your blog looking for Mediterranean mint salads. I am excited to try your lemony dressing. I am a part time vegetarian and plan to check out your other recipes. What prompted me to write tho is the sweet memory of my own Cookie whom I lost 7 years ago.
Dear Kate,
In our house we generally halve the sugar in any recipe. I tried your pumpkin oat muffins today and they were just right, not too sweet. Thanks for helping people cook vegetarian meals with whole foods. It is an important step for our health and the health of our planet!
Keep a goin’!
Just made these & they were perfect! We are out of AP flour so I looked up blueberry muffins using just whole wheat flour and so happy I did. They were a big hit with my family! Also, my niece is at OU and I’m originally from Texas. Now living in CA ❤️
Hi Cookie and Kate or is it Kate and Cookie,
Ever since all this began, I needed to find hobbies I could do from home to occupy my time and to prevent me from going totally insane!!
Anyway…
I am a vegetarian and am curious to try some out new foods and recipes! That is about all. Thanks for sharing this blog!
I use your granola recipe and love it. Today I saw a pic of Cookie for the first time. I have had three Australian Cattle Dogs and love the breed. Cookie is a beautiful dog and great companion I am sure!
This is my favorite food blog. I love your work, Kate. It’s beautiful.