I propose a picnic this weekend! Weather permitting, we’ll enjoy some time at the park this weekend. There’s really nothing better than a spring picnic in good company, is there?

I like to keep picnics simple, perhaps with a couple types of cheese, crackers, and a deliciously hearty salad. You’ll find picnic-perfect appetizers, sandwiches, and many salad options below.

To finish the meal with a sweet treat, try these Peanut Butter Oat Cookies. Have a great weekend!

Picnic Appetizers & Dips

These portable appetizers are sure to delight. If preparing a cheese board, plan to assemble upon arrival.

• Best Hummus
• Cheese Board
• Green Goddess Hummus
• Spicy Red Pepper & Feta Dip
• Pimento Cheese

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May is here! The trees are greener by the day and I’m thriving on the abundant sunshine. Cookie loves our evening walks.

In a couple of weeks, I’ll plant our pepper seedlings and mini watermelons in our new garden. Last year, I grew enough tomato plants from seed to share with friends and family, and this year, I managed to kill almost all of them. Lessons learned.

The farmers’ markets will become more colorful each week this month. Below, you’ll find some of my favorite spring recipes so we can make the most of our fresh produce. Stay well!

Asparagus

Perfect Roasted Asparagus

Gluten free and easily vegan (skip the cheese)

“This is an easy and very tasty way to prepare asparagus. I could eat it every day. My 8 year old loves it too. I add parmesan and lemon. I roast the asparagus in my oven for 9 minutes. Thank you for the recipe!” – Anna

More asparagus recipes »

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Spring is here, the daffodils are up, I can’t stop sneezing, and I’m just thrilled about it all. Twenty-twenty-one is looking up, am I right? March was a bust for recipe development, but I have some really fun stuff photographed and ready to share with you.

April brings more seasonal produce to the table, including asparagus, beets and peas. You’ll find the full list below! Stay well.

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I’m so excited to share some helpful new features on Cookie and Kate. Finally, you can save your favorite recipes for easy access. Then, you can easily compile your grocery list from those recipes. How cool is that?

You can even order your groceries directly through this tool, if you’d like, or print a grocery list organized by grocery aisle. All of this is made possible through a partnership with Relish, the creators of this helpful technology. It’s all entirely free for you to use!

I hope these new features help you get dinner on the table with more ease. Keep reading and I’ll walk you through how to use them.

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Can you feel it? Spring is coming! We made it to March. Asparagus is on its way and we’ll finally have more fresh fruits and vegetables to work with this month. I’m excited to grow even more tomatoes and veggies this year. Our new house came with several raised beds, so I’d better start planning.

I’m working on colorful spring recipes for you, and playing with some interesting new cooking techniques. We’ll see which ones are worth sharing! For now, you can browse in-season recipes below.

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 »
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Valentine’s weekend is upon us, and we’ll be celebrating at home this year. I rounded up thirty-three of my favorite date night recipes to share with you, organized by appetizers, main dishes, sides, and desserts and drinks.

You’ll find a heavy dose of Italian recipes in the main dish section (blame the spaghetti scene in Lady and the Tramp?). You’ll also find a few Thai-inspired recipes, which are perfectly romantic. We’re notoriously bad at making reservations and usually end up eating at our favorite Thai restaurant on Valentine’s Day. That’s the way to do it, honestly.

Some of the recipes are perfect for making in advance, and some, like pizza, are super fun to make with a partner. I included preparation notes, when relevant, to ease your dinner-at-home plans.

I’ll be back tomorrow with the perfect small scale dessert. I bet you have all of the ingredients in your pantry already!

Appetizers

Torn Olives with Almonds, Celery & Parmesan

Gluten free

“Made this and it was a hit! The flavors and textures together are so good. I substituted Apple Cider Vinegar because it’s what I had on hand and it turned out great! Thank you!” – Samia

Prep note: You can prepare this recipe in advance, but mix the almonds in just before serving so they stay crisp.

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Are you ready for the Super Bowl? While I’m usually just in it for the snacks, our home team is playing tomorrow! We’ll be cheering for the Chiefs from Kansas City.

I’ve rounded up thirty-three of my best game day recipes for you. True to form, they’re all fresh and vegetarian. You could call many of these recipes healthy, or healthier than the usual Super Bowl snacks. Above all, they’re delicious and will make for a memorable evening at home.

I’ve organized the recipes by appetizers and dips, main dishes and sides, desserts, and cocktails. Be sure to bookmark this page for future game days. You can find even more options right here. May the best team win!

Appetizers & Dips

1) Ultra Crispy Baked Potato Wedges

Gluten free and vegan

“I made these once! Then made them 3 more times! Delish! How did I never learn how to make THE best ever baked fries? We had given up potatoes. What a treat, and so easy!” – Kathleen

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I’m ready to fast-forward to warm spring days and picnics at the park. Who’s with me? This is the time of year when the winter blues get real and everything turns sideways.

This year seems especially dull, but the days are getting longer already. We have lots of bright seasonal recipes to carry us through winter. We’re going to make it.

The Super Bowl is next weekend (something to do!). I’ve tried to include some recipes below that are appropriate for the big game, and I’ll share a few more before the big day. Stay well.

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 »

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It’s cold outside here in Kansas City, so I’m sharing my favorite soup recipes available on the blog. These soups and stews are warming, hearty and packed with veggies. All of the recipes are vegetarian, of course. Many are vegan as well, either as written or with slight modifications.

From creamy, yet cream-less tomato soup (perfect with a grilled cheese sandwich) to contest-winning vegetarian chili, you’ll find just what you’re craving below.

At the bottom of the post, you’ll get a sneak peek at the eight soup recipes available in my cookbook, Love Real Food. I’m genuinely obsessed with every single one of them. Alright, let’s make some soup!

1) Best Lentil Soup

Gluten free and vegan

“This soup is AMAZING! Holy cow the lemon in this just adds something that I never knew I was missing! I ate this for like a week straight & couldn’t get enough of it! PLUS it’s packed full of lentils my FAV! If you found this recipe and are thinking about making it, do yourself a favor and make it asap! Thanks so much for sharing, this will be one of my go-to’s now!” – Rachael

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Earlier this week, I shared your favorite recipes from last year. Here are my favorites. This is always a tough list for me to make since I legitimately love every single recipe that makes it the blog.

You might be aiming to eat healthier after the holidays (me, too) so I tried to select meals that are pretty darn healthy and enticing at the same time. Granted, if you’re craving comfort food, try this spinach artichoke dip or a soothing mug of creamy golden milk.

We’re setting into our new home and I finally have an organized pantry and desk space. I’ll be back next week with brand new recipes. Stay well!

1) Fresh Black Bean Burrito Bowl

Gluten free and easily vegan

This bowl is basically what I want every meal to be! Super fresh, flavorful and satisfying. Make the components on the weekend and enjoy them throughout the week.

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