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 recently purchased your cook book, “Love Real Food.” This book is practical to follow and the recipes are delicious. Most importantly, the dressing recipes are easy to make. They are delightful, especially the “liquid gold” dressing. Did I mention the banana bread recipe? Thank you!!!
Hi Claudia, I’m so glad you are enjoying the cookbook! You’ll find many more recipes on this site.
I just followed your recipe for black beans tonight… they were delicious.
Looking forward to more of your recipes.
We make your banana-coconut pancakes every Sunday when we get home from church.
They are a Sunday favorite!
I am looking forward to making my husband & I healthier with your recipes.
I appreciate all that you do here so generously. You are a bright spot in my inbox and are accomplishing your goal of making whole vegetarian cooking accessible and exciting to everyone. Thank you so much!
Hi Michelle, thanks so much for sharing your kind words! It was a bright spot in my day.
I found your website through Wellness 360 PT and Message newsletter. We’ve been wanting to cut down on meat. We love the Stuffed Shells and bean enchiladas. Can’t wait to try more.
Hi Bonnie, thanks for visiting and glad you found the site. I hope you enjoy more recipes!
This winter I found your cookbook, which I own, on the bookshelf of a friend’s sister. The friend and I were dog sitting for her sister. I made the liquid gold dressing. Then I made the blueberry muffins in the morning. My friend has ordered your cookbook now. Both of my daughters’ owned you cookbook. That is why I was gifted a copy. They, sadly lost the books in the Palisades fire. They confided that they are not sure what cookbooks in their collection they want to replace. I will be sending replacements of your cookbook soon. We love so many of your recipes, the energy bites, the oatmeal no bake cookies, the carrot cake breakfast cookies, granola, ,chickpea marsala…..they miss your cookbook! I would give all a 5 star rating!
Hi Debra, I’m so glad to hear you enjoy the cookbook and sorry to hear about the destruction of the fire. Sending warm thoughts for recovery.
The frozen bananas for strawberry smoothie are a great trick. Love it! Thanks!
Like the look of your recipes you show, first impression always stays with you
Scrolled thru your recipes! All look so good!want to try SO many; Mexican salad, granola, frittata, so much I luv. I’m newly subscribed, look forward to seeing more, trying a lot of these☺️
My husband and I bought this cookbook almost 10 years ago. We now have five kids and meal planning is a must. In over ten years we still use these recipes weekly, they are staple and never get old! Kale salad, veggie burgers, colorful weeknight bowl, lemonade, farro dish and so many more are our favorites. Thanks Kate for a great book, they make an awesome gift for anyone. The recipes are easy to follow and perfect every time. my kids love them!
Hi Hillary, it’s wonderful to hear that the recipes in the cookbook have stood the test of time for you!
I’m a food photographer, are you in need of a photographer? I would like to work with you. I feel my photography would enhance your website.
Hi Shelley, best of luck finding a home for your work, but I am not in need of photography services at this time.
Hello Kate from SC,
I somehow stumbled into your recipes and your website. I also try to eat whole foods AND I used to live in Overland Park and Stilwell :) I am looking forward to trying your recipes. You cook like I do. Try this… Or add this… It’s all about the options.
I am making the romaine wedge salad tomorrow with the chickpeas. I smiled when I read that you were inspired by a salad from The Mixx. It was one of my favorite places to eat.
Hope your day is a good one!
Teri
Hi Teri,
Thanks for stopping by and leaving a note! It’s good to hear from another fan of The Mixx. I hope you enjoy the recipes.