Thank you, thank you, thank you for your kind words and well wishes after sharing the news about Cookie’s passing. Dogs never live long enough and I always dreaded the day this would come. It’s surreal and so sad to be on the other side.  I’m reading and re-reading your sentiments with a box of tissues and they are bringing me peace.

I never thought of it this way before, but one lovely way to remember Cookie will be to cook the recipes that I created with her by my side. There are so many! I have a few new ones ready to share with you once I can think again. I’m hugging our daughter close and tackling some spring cleaning projects for a distraction. I’ll be back soon to share more Cookie stories and photos—she was really something.

If you are here for recipes, I have many to share with you. April brings more seasonal produce to the table, including asparagus, beets and peas. You’ll find the full list below, and even more spring recipes here.

Asparagus

Spring Veggie Stir-Fry

Easily gluten free and vegan

“Love this stir-fry! I have made it several times now, all with different vegetables, and it has turned out great every time. So delicious and full of flavor. Thanks!” – Kiara

More asparagus recipes »
Continue to the recipe...

The post What to Cook This April appeared first on Cookie and Kate.

I’m so glad we made it to March. The days are growing longer already and I love how the spring sunshine illuminates our kitchen. We even spied some fresh green daffodil leaves in the neighbor’s yard yesterday. We’ve just returned from a week in sunny Maui (Grace was delighted by the waves at the beach!), and we’re recovering from some colds that we brought back with us.

Asparagus is on its way and we’ll finally have more fresh fruits and vegetables to work with this month. I’m looking forward to cooking my favorite green curry soon, shown below. You’ll find more seasonal recipes in this post!

Asparagus

Thai Green Curry with Spring Vegetables

Easily gluten free and vegan

“I made this for dinner tonight and it was the best green curry I have ever had, better than our favorite restaurant where we get it. So thankful I found this recipe so I can make it at home. Thanks so much for sharing, it was absolutely delicious!!!” – Ashley

More asparagus recipes »
Continue to the recipe...

The post What to Cook This March appeared first on Cookie and Kate.

February is here! If you bookmarked any hearty soups and stews that you haven’t gotten to try yet, this is the month to make them. In just four weeks, March and glimmers of spring will greet us. This butternut squash mac and cheese has been our go-to dinner lately, and I’m so delighted by your feedback on it!

It’s been terribly cold here in Kansas City. We’re planning a trip to Maui to warm up—any suggestions on where to eat or what to do with a toddler?

Here are more seasonal recipes to enjoy this month with winter produce. I have more recipes photographed and almost ready to share with you, so stay tuned.

Broccoli

Favorite Broccoli Salad

Gluten-free option and vegan option

“Sooooo good! My husband and I devoured a whole batch of this for dinner (And I usually hate raw broccoli) I made second batch right away and put it in the fridge to marinate for tomorrow!” – Rachel

More broccoli recipes »

Continue to the recipe...

The post What to Cook This February appeared first on Cookie and Kate.

Let’s hear it for the New Year! Last year was a year of rest and recovery over here. It wasn’t the most productive, by a long shot, but that’s ok. I learned how to be present in the moment. I learned how to feed a baby, but definitely not how to convince one to sleep through the night. After quite a stressful pregnancy, holding my baby while she slept has been my therapy.

All that said, I’m excited to share some brand new recipes with you very soon! This year, I’m focusing on dinner recipes because wow, getting dinner onto the table can be hard. If you’re struggling, I’m right there with you and hope we can share strategies soon.

If you’re looking for wholesome, satisfying, veggie-packed recipes, you’re in the right place. You’ll find a bunch of them in my guide to seasonal produce below. For in-depth resources and tips on how to eat real food, be sure to check out my cookbook, Love Real Food.

Cheers to a healthy and happy 2023. Thank you so much for being here.

Beets

Roasted Beet Salad with Goat Cheese & Pistachios

Gluten free and easily vegan

“This salad is delicious! Made it tonight and it was just as good as a beet salad that I would typically order at a local restaurant. Will definitely make it again!” – Heather

More beet recipes »

Continue to the recipe...

The post What to Cook This January appeared first on Cookie and Kate.

December has arrived quicker than ever! I hope you had a lovely Thanksgiving. This year, I have much to be thankful for, including your patience as I ramp back up on recipe development. Each post is a full production starting with recipe brainstorming and research, grocery shopping, testing (lots of testing), photography, photo editing and finally, writing!

Did you know that some recipes are in the works for over a year, sometimes two? It’s true. I’m learning how to work through this process with an adorable and busy baby girl nearby. She’s really more of a toddler these days, which is hard to believe.

More recipes will be coming your way soon, including a few yet-to-be-seen recipes saved from maternity leave. I’ve also been working on some brand new recipes that my trusty assistant, Megan, is testing from home. I’m looking forward to sharing those with you in the New Year.

Below, you’ll find a collection of healthy recipes to carry us through December and the holiday season. Cooking with fresh, seasonal produce is generally more delicious and also more affordable. One last thing—if you’re shopping for a gift for a loved one or coworker or host, I hear that my cookbook makes a great one. It’s on sale for about $15 on Amazon right now. Stay well, eat well, and happy holidays!

Apples

Simple Gluten-Free Apple Crisp

Gluten free and easily vegan (see recipe notes)

“Amazing recipe (as always!!). I followed exactly, including the 2 tbsp of water and 2 whisky (Canada) as per recommendations. I used Courtland apples and also added the Greek yogurt to the topping which I have never done in a crumble and it was amazing. Honestly best crumble hands down (GF or otherwise!)” – Giselle

More apple recipes »

Continue to the recipe...

The post What to Cook This December appeared first on Cookie and Kate.

We’re barreling straight toward the holiday season, can you believe it? Below, you’ll find plenty of seasonal recipes that will sustain you between the Halloween candy and your Thanksgiving feast. This collection highlights healthy everyday recipes. Check out my Thanksgiving roundup if you’re planning your holiday menus.

Stay tuned for new recipes coming your way shortly. I’m spooling back up again and trying to strike a sustainable balance between work and family life. Stay well and cozy out there, and I’ll be back soon!

Apples

Apple Steel-Cut Oatmeal

Gluten free and vegan (see notes)

“We made the apple oatmeal on this cool morning here in Kansas…and it was perfect. Topped it with some almond butter and a swirl of maple syrup. My 3 year old ate most of my portion along with his. So, kid friendly, as well! Another recipe well done!” – Jamie

More apple recipes »

Continue to the recipe...

The post What to Cook This November appeared first on Cookie and Kate.

October is here already, somehow! We’ve been soaking up the crisp mornings and warm, sunny days. I’m definitely looking forward to a cozy fall and the holidays, but I might love these glorious days in between seasons the most.

As the weather cools down, let’s mark the time with warm apple crisp, hearty chili, and wholesome pumpkin bread. You’ll find more seasonal recipes to enjoy below.

Apples

Healthy Apple Muffins

Easily gluten free and easily vegan (see notes)

“Made them this morning with one Granny Smith and one Macintosh. Your recipe is fantastic! The rose so well, made a beautiful crust and were nice and tender inside. Taste was great!” – Pierre

More apple recipes »

Continue to the recipe...

The post What to Cook This October appeared first on Cookie and Kate.

September is when summer and fall produce collide at the farmers’ market. It’s the best of both worlds, which is why this list is a long one. I propose that we make good use of all the tomatoes, corn and peaches while we still can.

Speaking of tomatoes, our garden tomatoes are finally showing up. The Cherokee purples and Sungolds are glorious and the rest are just pitiful. I see Caprese salads and panzanella in our near future.

I’m hoping to share some new recipes with you soon. We’re looking for suitable childcare and then I’ll get back to business, slowly but surely. I still can’t believe that we just celebrated Grace’s first birthday. I made her a miniature layered blueberry cake with cream cheese frosting. My baby girl used to eat anything I put on her plate, but she is suddenly expressing some clear preferences. Maybe she’ll like tomatoes by the end of the season—I’m working on it!

Apples

Crispy Apple & Kohlrabi Salad

Gluten free and easily vegan

“I made this salad last night ahead of time, and added the toasted seeds and cheese (gruyere) at serving time. It’s so delicious! I also traded the tarragon for mint. I will use this recipe whenever I get kohlrabi in my CSA box. Thanks!” – Erin

More apple recipes »

Continue to the recipe...

The post What to Cook This September appeared first on Cookie and Kate.

Summer is flying by. We’ve just returned from two weeks of family vacation in the UK, with stays in London, Edinburgh and the Scottish Highlands. It was our first big trip with baby Grace (she’s a champ) and our first international trip in a few years. We ate very well and I’ve been taking notes on recipes to recreate for you.

This month, farmers’ markets are exploding with goodness. Fortunately, much of the produce growing now doesn’t need much cooking, if at all. Now’s the time to savor a ripe peach over the sink. You’ll find plenty of seasonal meals below.

Avocado

Erin’s Peach & Avocado Green Salad

Gluten free

“I made this salad exactly as written last night and it was good I dreamed about it! We are suffering a severe heat wave in the PNW right now so eating many of your salads! Thanks for sharing.” – Debbie

More avocado recipes »

Continue to the recipe...

The post What to Cook This August appeared first on Cookie and Kate.

July is here! I love long summer days and warm summer evenings. I hope you have a fun long weekend in store. Independence Day has always been one of my very favorite holidays, since it’s an annual family reunion on my mom’s side. Now it’s also the anniversary of my brother’s wakeboarding accident. After a month in the hospital and learning to walk again on a prosthetic leg, he’s doing well. This is my public request to be careful out there, especially on the water.

Last month, I mentioned that my dog Cookie was not doing well. She’s actually doing much better! She has been cycling through some health issues for a while, but she’s in good shape right now. At the moment, she is trying to steal my breakfast. She’s ornery as ever, and her little sister, Clover, keeps her on her toes.

If you’re looking for Fourth of July recipes, here are some of my favorites. The more salads, the better! Browse with pictures here.

• Dips: Mediterranean Tomato and Feta Dip, Pimento Cheese or Strawberry Salsa
• Salads: Favorite Quinoa Salad, Black Bean Salad, Garden-Fresh Corn Salad, Herbed Potato Salad, Layered Panzanella or Watermelon Salad with Herbed Yogurt Sauce
• Main Dishes: Caprese Sandwiches, Favorite Veggie Burgers or Grilled Pizzas
• Desserts: Almond Cake with Berries on Top, Mixed Berry Crisp or Simple Blueberry Cake
• Extras: Classic Mojito, Easy Pineapple Mint Popsicles, or Strawberry Smoothies

Avocado

Gaby’s Cucumber Salad

Gluten free and vegan

“Made this immediately last night and loved it – my daughter as well! Quick and easy for when you get home from work – served alongside pasta.” – Connie

More avocado recipes »

Continue to the recipe...

The post What to Cook This July & Fourth of July Recipes appeared first on Cookie and Kate.