About Cookie and Kate

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

Kate in the kitchen

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.

Cookie the dog

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

Where can I buy your cookbook?

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.

What kind of camera do you use?

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.

Do you have any tips for new bloggers?

Check out my top 20 tips for food blogging and how to start a food blog, which includes design and web hosting tips.

Can I publish your photos or recipes on my blog/website?

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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Comments

  1. Jennifer Palmquist says:

    There is no place to print recipes. I can’t seem to be able to find the so called print icon, only save. If you don’t have that option available please take me off your subscription list. Love your recipes though!

    1. Kate says:

      Hi Jennifer, I am sorry you are frustrated. I am actively working to get it fixed, but it’s taking time due to what is involved. I would be sorry to see you go, but you can unsubscribe if you prefer. I appreciate patience and understanding as I try to get it resolved.

  2. PeggyC says:

    Hi. Just want everyone to know that the taco salad recipe in Kate’s cookbook is the best salad I have ever eaten. I loved it. It was an easy recipe that I munched on for a couple days. The dressing is the bomb.

    1. Kate says:

      Thank you, Peggy! I’m glad you love it.

  3. Debra White says:

    Hello Kate. I just made your roasted butternut squash soup and it looks delicious but mine is a little too garlicky. Is there any way I can tame down the garlic?

    1. Kate says:

      Hi Debra, I’m not sure about cutting it down now that you have already made it. Sorry you found it too garlicky.

      1. Debra White says:

        Not your fault. I used a larger clove than the others so should have compensated. Thank you for your reply though.

  4. Douglas Radtke says:

    I’d like your take on an idea I have for cranberry orange pecan honey butter recipe. I read your recipe on pecan butter. How can I incorporate cranberry, orange (use zest mabe?) and honey (or maple syrup)? Thx!

    1. Kate says:

      Hi Douglas, Without testing it myself, I can’t say for certain. Sorry! If you get creative and try something you like, let me know!

  5. Arthur says:

    Hi Kathryne,

    Just a small message to let you know I’m going to make crispy tofu tonight using your directions. Thank you and greetings from the Netherlands.

    Regards,
    Arthur

  6. Joycelyn says:

    Although I’m aware your site is a cooking site ( a very good one I should add ) I’m a wee bit surprised there’s been no mention on your latest e-letter stating that today November 11th, is Veterans day in the US. This is the one day of the year to stop for a minute to pay respect to the many fallen who are the reason we’re able to have the freedom we have today.
    I’m certainly not singling you out as my other American food bloggers I subscribe too are the same. there’s been nary a word said on their e-letters about taking a minute or two this November 11th to honour the many war veterans who fought for your freedom and your fellow Americans freedom, my freedom and my fellow Canadians freedom on November 11 ( which is called Remembrance Day in Canada. ). It’s sad to say the least.

    1. Kate says:

      Hi Joycelyn, I appreciate your comment and feedback. It is not lost on me all what the men and women of this country have done and continue to do. I try to focus on food as much as I can.We just recently welcomed our little girl so I’m doing the best I can do on my maternity leave and running Cookie + Kate.

  7. Charlotte says:

    Your website is amazing. I’m 12 years old looking for vegetarian recipes for me and my mom to make, and this is the best website so far. Sometimes It’s hard for me to find stuff without nuts and without meat and even though in your recipes you have nuts, you always give other options. I really appreciate that!

  8. melty says:

    Hi Kate, first time visitor, and the comments have inspired me to try your pineapple cashew stir fry. Also. Your dog. Painfully cute.
    Congratulations on motherhood!

    1. Kate says:

      Thank you, Melty! I hope you love them.

  9. Emily says:

    Countless recipes of yours are in my rotation. Any time someone tells me they are looking for new recipes or considering a vegetarian diet I refer them here. I really appreciate how your recipes use ingredients I can find and language I can easily interpret. Also as a lifelong vegetarian I love that I don’t have to worry about finding a way to replace or eliminate meat in any of your recipes. Just wanted to say thanks for being you and sharing your love for cooking- I’m off to make seriously good vegetable soup now!

    1. Kate says:

      You are so kind, Emily! I’m delighted you are enjoying them.

  10. Carleen says:

    I love your recipes! We just made your Ranch dressing for the second time in a week, it’s so good! It tastes so fresh, we won’t be buying the jarred kind again. Your Vegetarian Italian Chopped salad, Salsa, Tortilla soup, Simple Strawberry smoothie and Quick pickled onions are regulars at our house. Your pictures make me want to try every recipe even the ones with ingredients we don’t usually like. I am so glad I found your Food Blog, thanks for all the wonderful recipes and when is the next book coming out?

    1. Kate says:

      Thank you, Carleen! I’m delighted you are enjoying so many recipes. I don’t have a cookbook in the works, but I’m glad you are enjoying my current one!

  11. Sandy Goudreau says:

    Your little dog is the cutest!!

    1. Kate says:

      Thank you, Sandy!

  12. Paul Nelson says:

    My wife and I are both vegans and love good flavorful soups. A month ago I found your recipe for the lentil soup, followed your directions exactly and it turned out a-MAZE-ing! Today I made this soup for the third time. You did a great job of communicating the instructions (many recipes don’t) and this soup is now part of my limited but excellent repertoire of things I can make. Thank you so much for sharing it; I’ll check your site for other dishes as well.

  13. Mara says:

    I had a major chuckle. Came to get your recipe for a Hot Toddy.

    I always tell people that if they’re sice, make a Hot Toddy. My name is Mara. Here is your text from the recipe.

    “Hot toddies are lovely slow sippers or nightcaps. Mara says….”

  14. Kira says:

    My boyfriend and I love to cook and while we have many cookbooks we tend to pull from, your cookbook and blog are by far our favorites! A lot of the recipes we try from other sources tend to be hit or miss but your’s are always amazing! We love all the nuanced flavors your recipes have. I’m vegetarian and my boyfriend is not but we always find common ground when enjoying your recipes.

    1. Kate says:

      I’m so delighted to hear that, Kira! I appreciate you taking the time to share.

    2. SunnyGirl says:

      Hi Kate. Love the blog! I have found so many new favorite recipes over the years. Do you have a collection of freezer friendly recipes? I am looking for healthful made-ahead meals I can bring to friends recovering from surgery, childbirth, etc.
      Have any of your recipes frozen exceptionally well? Thanks!

      1. Kate says:

        Hi! I wish I had a great go-to resource of my freezer friendly options. I hope one day to have that! Most of my soups freeze well and enchiladas are great options.

  15. Ellen says:

    Kate,
    Do you ever make Cookie dog biscuits? I can’t see one on your website, but would love to make healthy treats for our dog. She has a lot of allergies and, I think, would benefit from homemade goodies.

    1. Kate says:

      I don’t, sorry!

  16. Devie says:

    It is freezing here and I just made this delish lentil soup. Had to substitute fresh tomatoes for the canned so it was not as red but really good. I added a couple tablespoons of nut milk and a dollop of pesto. It may even inspire me to make some fresh tortillas!

  17. Rich says:

    Several years ago I looked up vegetarian recipes for a meal I was preparing for my brother. Your rice bowls (w/ beer beans) was my choice for that evening and since then your recipes are a weekly part of feeding my family. I have the cookbook and try to select something different from it every week. Your recipes have made me and my family both happy and healthy. Thank you!

    1. Kate says:

      Thank you for sharing, Rich!

  18. Erin says:

    I am a mom who loves to make fresh, healthy meals for my family. Cookie and Kate is my go to for meals and I always get a great response, especially from my kiddo. With that said, now that YOU are a mom, my challenge is finding healthy, filling, high protein/fiber snacks I can send to school. Would you ever consider venturing into kid approved meals and snacks? Or maybe you know of some already. Thanks! Be well.

    1. Kate says:

      Hi Erin! Thank you for your comment. I am excited to see what my own little one enjoys and see what I can from there. She is only 5 months so we have some time yet.

  19. Michael Ivers says:

    Your best chickpea salad recipe took me at most 10 minutes of chopping and mixing, and it’s quite delicious for a quick meal. Thanks!

  20. Lisa A. says:

    Kate-
    I have been reading your blog and using your recipes for years. Your recipes have never disappointed. Your instructions are clear and your modifications are very helpful. Not only that, your website is beautifully set up and so easy to read and navigate. Your photography is also wonderful. I just wanted to tell you how much I appreciate your blog and you. Thank you so much for all that you do

    1. Kate says:

      You’re kind, Lisa! Thank you for your review.

  21. Patti Bisciotti says:

    Hi Kate,
    I do 6 months of batch cooking and baking for my 83 year old mom. I visit her in Texas and stay for about 11 days and make 3 to 4 double/triple/quadruple batches of all her favorite recipes for the freezer. When I visit her, I make your pumpkin bread and banana nut bread (though I make muffins) and your hummus recipe. She and I love them so much! I’m going to try more of your recipes in the future for sure! Also, your food pictures and youtubes are so beautiful! Thank you for working so hard which makes things so much easier on those who make your recipes!

    1. Kate says:

      Thank you for sharing, Patti! How kind of you and I’m glad you both can enjoy my recipes together.

  22. Sabrina says:

    Hi Kate, I regularly find myself coming back to your blog while searching for new recipes and whenever I deviate I’m disappointed. You’re recipes are amazing, they’re always balanced but bursting with flavour. Whenever I cook your recipes, I’m told by friends and family it tastes ‘cheffy’ & I guess that’s the ultimate compliment… you really are skilled and totally understand flavours xx

    1. Kate says:

      You’re so kind, Sabrina! I’m so happy to hear you love my recipes.

  23. Dee says:

    I have your website in my favorites and always read your blog that comes in my email. Love all your recipes and share your site often! Thanks for all your good dreaming!!!

    How’s Cookie? I tell my two cats, Saber and Blaze, stories about him. They like that but will not eat kale:).

  24. Brad Reynolds says:

    Kate,
    Been a follow for years. We live on a produce farm in Leavenworth, KS (Green Thumbs Up). This is the prime season for Bok Choi, at the OP Farmers Market we sold over 200 mini heads this morning and I have about 30 heads left in my fridge. I am searching your site and do not find a single recipe, is that possible?

  25. Karalee says:

    You just made my day and I’m thrilled that I found you. I do intermittent fasting and it is important that my one meal in the day be super delicious.

  26. Diana Jacobson says:

    Hi Kate
    I understand how hard it is to watch your loved furry companion and family member get older. You have taken such good care of Cookie–we always laugh at my house that our rescue dogs won the lottery, and I am sure that Cookie did too. Love her up with many hugs because these happier memories will help you at the end of her life. Hugs.

    1. Kate says:

      Thank you for your review, Diana! I appreciate your review.

  27. Margaret says:

    Kate! Your recipes are brilliant. And the way you make them simple to make, I love! I have been using your cookbook and recipes for about 4 years, and I have just recently transitioned to a fully vegetarian diet. I love your website and I have never made anything of yours that my meat-loving husband did not also appreciate! Our favorite is the chickpea tikki masala :) thank you for the beautiful photos and inspiration!

    1. Kate says:

      Thank you, Margaret! I’m so happy to hear how much you have been loving my recipes.

  28. Tesah says:

    Your cook book is the first of many that I’m genuinely in love with every recipe I’ve made so far, which is a lot, and so is my meat eating husband. You are truly talented.

  29. Susan Sims says:

    Love your site! Looked up Australian Koolie..Cookie may be mixed but the Koolie certainly came through. Cute little dog!!

  30. Dyan Mercado says:

    I echo most (if not all) of the past comments, I cannot help but agree with them. This is my go-to food blog whenever I feel like cooking nutritious and tasty meals. Just like most of them, it is bookmarked in my browser. :)

    We appreciate your sharing your passion on food and inspiring the foodies in us! Thank you so much, Kate! :)

    More power to you! Keep the good food recipes coming!

    1. Kate says:

      Thank you, Dyan! I’m glad C+K is a go-to place for you.

  31. Germaine says:

    Many thanks for your wonderful work. I am particularly interested in your thick, healthy hair, as I have recently lost all of mine. Did you notice a time when it became thicker and stronger, and if so, what would you recommend? Best wishes!

    1. Kate says:

      Hi! I have received questions about my hair in the past. Send me an email at hello@cookieandkate.com and I can give you my overview :)

  32. Melissa says:

    You recipes are reliable, flavorful, and amazing! Thank you! Sometimes I follow them nearly perfectly, and sometimes I take many liberties due to preference and ingredient availability. In both scenarios, my meal is always delicious! I recommend your site to people all the time, both in person and online in food groups I follow. The photos are great inspiration as well.

    1. Kate says:

      Thank you for sharing, Melissa!

  33. Jeannine says:

    Thanks to your blog I started cooking on my own (more than just pasta).
    Not only are your recipes healthy and super tasty AND veggie/vegan but also easy, thanks to clear step by step instructions. There’s number of recipes I have failed to cook successfully but never yours. The only hurdle for me is the non metric system and occasionally, products that don‘t exist here (I‘m from Switzerland).
    Still, this my absolute favorite food blog, so thank you!

  34. Vanessa says:

    Hello Kate, I tried your recipe for overnight oats, I made a mistake of added a little to much peanut butter but I have made it again and used less, I’m not sure how it will taste but I believe it will be delicious. I absolutely love cookie, she is such a cute dog. Im excited to explore your website and try new foods. I am so glad I found a blogger who posts healthy meals who also has great photos.

    1. Kate says:

      I hope you loved it, Vanessa! How did it turn out?

  35. Julie says:

    Hi Kate! I’ve been baking with your recipes for years. One of my family’s all time favorites is your healthy banana bread (and we make it not as healthy because we always add in dark chocolate chips!). We’ve loved everything that we’ve made and your site is definitely my first choice when looking for a recipe. Just wanted to thank you!

  36. Liz Fraley says:

    Hi Kate!

    Thank you for all your wonderful, healthy recipes. You feed my family every week. For years, I’ve been trying to find another cookbook that I like as much as Love Real Food and I can’t. Which leads me to my question, do you have plans to publish another one??

    *fingers crossed*

    1. Kate says:

      Hi Liz, I’m delighted you are loving my recipes so much. Unfortunately, I don’t have another cookbook. I hope to be posting more new recipes soon on the blog!

  37. D Money says:

    Love your vegetarian recipes. Please keep at it!

  38. Anthony says:

    Hi,

    Do you have a favorite granola butter recipe?

  39. Ellie Horner says:

    Do you cook dog food for Cookie?

    1. Kate says:

      I don’t :)

  40. Kevin says:

    I just tried your Huevos Rancheros recipe and my wife and I loved it! We were at a party on Saturday and the host had a lot of pinto beans left over, so we brought some home with the host’s suggestion to make huevos rancheros (I mean if you live in Texas…). I found your recipe and it was perfect the first time! Although we are not vegetarians, I’ll keep looking for more great recipes because we like just about any type of fooe! Thank you!

    1. Kate says:

      Hooray! I’m glad it was a hit.

  41. Olga says:

    Hello, Kate!
    I wanted to join so many people’s comments and say how amazing your recipes are! I came across your site by accident while looking for a butternut squash soup and I’m so glad I did. I have now tried a carrot soup and a pumpkin soup. And yesterday I made pumpkin fettuccine Alfredo and roasted pumpkin seeds with maple syrup and black pepper. All of them turned out so delicious I can’t wait to try more. The balance of flavors that you have been able to achieve is outstanding. I have never thought you can do so much with maple syrup and cinnamon in savory dishes.
    Big big thank you! I hope to see you on Food network in the future! :)
    Simply amazing!

    1. Kate says:

      Thank you for sharing, Olga! This made my night. I hope you continue to try more recipes and be sure to comment and review.

  42. Doone Laurence Tan says:

    I don’t eat veggies. But because of the impact on my family and friends, I do see the advantages and make a conscious attempt to look for vegetarian recipes. You produce stunning cookbooks, and Cookie is your darling canine companion. You promote your recipe books on the website. Display advertisements and affiliate marketing techniques are also available.

    I’ve consistently told my family that as long as a vegan dinner looks tasty, I don’t consider eating it. But I’m not prepared to completely avoid taste. Your food photographs are well taken, your website has a white theme, and due to the fact that you make money from advertisements, it is neat and tidy.

    My guide to the tastiest vegan dishes has been your website, literally. Everything I’ve tried from your website has become a staple on our menu. Every recipe is written as an entry in David’s online journal. I never leave comments online, but your recipes have brought me so much delight over the years that I owe you a huge debt of appreciation. I adore your concepts and methods! I really appreciate you sharing.

  43. Marcia says:

    Thank you for sharing your inspired recipes! The butternut squash soup is my go-to recipe for using up the squash I grew over the summer. Delicious and easy, perfect for lactose intolerant family members. My vegan friend loves it with a hearty addition of ginger.

    1. Kate says:

      You’re welcome, Marcia! I’m glad they are a hit with you and your family.

  44. Jane says:

    This is the best hummus recipe, ever! My husband, sons, daughter-in-laws, love it! I loved it so much, that I purchased your cookbook! Thank You!

  45. Amanda Scott says:

    Hi Kate, I love your recipes! Your site is the first one I visit when trying to figure out something different for dinner. Your Best Lentil Soup is truly The Best. Also, I’d always been a little scared of cold oatmeal but then I tried your Bircher Muesli less than 1 week ago and have had it 3 times since! And I’m so happy to see some beets recipes here as they’re one of my top five favorite vegetables, mostly because of the color. Another favorite of mine is rutabaga. I’m a Texan and people find it so strange that I love something that’s more traditionally eaten in Finland (according to my Finish colleague). Please, please make me some rutabaga recipes. I typically eat them raw or sauteed with other veggies, such as kale. I’ve also made a sort of rutabaga au gratin. I don’t want them mashed because I love the texture of big chunks. For this same reason, I don’t want them in a casserole or creamed soup. What do you think?

    1. Kate says:

      Thank you for your kind comment, Amanda! I appreciate it. I can’t promise any rutabaga recipes int he future, but I will take it down as a suggsetion.

  46. Emilie Riddle says:

    I just want to let you know how much I appreciate your blog. I’m pretty sure I’ve tried more of your recipes than any other website I use except King Arthur Baking! Your banana bread recipe is my son and my go to for playdates…it has been a hit with every kid who’s eaten it and parents always ask for the recipe. You are the first place I check for great salad and veggie recipes. As a Registered Dietitian I recommend your blog to patients weekly and I’m pretty sure your “How to Cook Quinoa” recipe has helped dozens of people try this super food. So, thanks for what you do to help so many folks nourish their bodies well!

    1. Kate says:

      You are so kind, Emilie! I’m glad you trust my recipes and come to the blog so often.

  47. Lois Luckovich says:

    Hi Kate, My Grandma was also Kate (Catherine) She raised 17 kids. Two World Wars and the Great Depression came & went while she was doing it. She was very thrifty and used everything in the garden and everything but the mood in a cow and the cackle in a chicken. My Dad (her youngest son) was the same and taught me well

  48. Lenny says:

    Hi Kate –
    Made your lentil soup for my wife, who is Taiwanese and very particular about her food. A couple of days a month she is a vegetarian for personal reasons. I followed the recipe very closely, and amazingly she liked it. In fact, she ate three bowls! (she usually doesn’t like my food, which doesn’t surprise me) Thanks for your recipe. I would continue to follow your blog and try and keep the other half happy! ps She loves pasta, so will look for those dishes.

  49. Josephine says:

    Hi
    I love your recipes.I never knew vegetarian foods are delicious

  50. Josephine says:

    I never regretted eating the food.