Kate. Truthfully, it’s Kathryne, but I decided “Cookie and Kate” has a nice ring to it, like cookies and cream. So hello, my name is Kate.
I’m writing this post from a couch in my light-filled second floor apartment, which overlooks green trees covered in fledgling leaves and the rooftops of cozy college homes in Norman, Oklahoma. I live here with a silly black-and-white spotted dog named Cookie. Cookie is an ornery little girl who wouldn’t get away with everything if it weren’t for her floppy, mismatched ears, big brown eyes and funny raccoon-striped tail, which is going thump-thump-thump against the cushions. Hello, Cookie.
I’m attempting to make some ch-ch-changes in my life, and I’m trying to set my priorities straight: to spend time doing what I love, and to let go of the rest. Easier said than done, but hell, I’m trying.
My hope is for this blog to help me reconnect with two of my long-lost loves, writing and photography. My second goal is to discover the underlying themes in my latest interests and to share what I’ve learned with you*, because I don’t want to hoard all the good stuff for myself. I do hope you’ll join me as I explore photography, design, nutrition, plant appreciation, bicycles and whatever else tickles my fancy. Enjoy!
Here’s my Cookie on Monday:
*Hi Mom
Vegetable enthusiast. Dog lover. I'm probably making a big mess in my Kansas City kitchen right now. 
Natalia
Hi Kate (and Cookie) :)
I just stumbled across your blog, and I love it! <3 your pictures, writing and delicious looking food, which I will definitely be trying out!
kate
Thank you, Natalia! Glad you’re following along. :)
Kristen
I stumbled upon it too and I have to say this is such a cute blog! I love everything on it! I think I have like 50 tabs of things I want to make haha.. Can’t wait to try the recipes!! So glad you made this blog! : )
Kate
Thank you for your sweet comment, Kristen! Please let me know how those recipes turn out. :)
Kristen
I made the winter apple slaw and the pumpkin bread! They are wonderful!! I made them with my friend in the dorms and it smelled like pumpkin spices and fall in the kitchen area! mmm.. : )
Kate
I’m impressed you’re cooking in the dorms, Kristen! Glad you two enjoyed the recipes.
Catherine
Hi! Please put out more cookbooks. Your recipes are the best ever!!! Honestly, can’t get enough! I preordered. Follow you. Keep up the amazing work!
Your biggest fan,
Catherine
Kate
Thank you, Catherine!
Rebecca B.
Wow, this post makes me so happy! I’ve been following along with you and Cookie for a while now after a friend from work introduced me to your blog (and I just HAD to get your cookbook too!). I read a lot of food blogs but yours is my #1 go-to when I’m meal planning. I can’t thank you enough for the recipes and the bits of inspiration and laughter that you share with all of us. Keep up the good work and know you’ve got a lot of us readers cheering you on!
Alfred
First time on your site and have to say it has a positive and uplifting vibe, very nice. Especially like your love for the “ crumb catcher “, Cookie. I once had a reject mini long haired dachshund with a bad overbite who was my crumb catcher. That little dog would eat anything that fell to the floor, including fiery peppers. No better kitchen companion than a furry, four legged friend.
Kate
Welcome, Alfred! Thank you for your comment. I hope you enjoy the blog.
Faye Stone
just wanted to let you know that I bought those towels from William and Sonoma that you recomened & I love them
thanks faye
Nancy Morgan
Hi, I am new to your blog-referred by my daughter-in-law. I am not that computer savvy so still trying to find the place to leave my recipe 5 star reviews-we have loved everything we have made so far. I only wondered if you could help me find dairy free recipes. My son does not tolerate any cheese-so I do leave the cheese out whenever he comes. But any tips or suggestions would be appreciated. I have not tried to use the cashews insteps and such but I will. I can find the cashew butter at Trader Joes and it is great. And I do substitute coconut milk which he can do with some great results. Anyway thank you for all of the recipes to make us all a little healthier.
Kate
Hi Nancy! Thanks for sharing. You can search dairy free recipes in the menu under All Recipes > diet > dairy free. Or, I try to provide substitutions when available under the recipe in the notes section. This includes dairy free. I hope this helps!
Linda
Thank you so much for posting such great recipes. I use many of them and they turn out perfect! From breads to desserts..yum. Happy New Year to you and cookie!
CJ Kreikebaum
Kate,
I wished for and received your new “Love real Food” for Christmas. Love the recipes and their pictures but very disappointed that calorie information and nutritional data are not included for the recipes. Whether cooking for my family or our guests, this is very important info especially with varied dietary needs and preferences. Please provide the nutritional information for your recipes.
Thank You!
CJ
Kate
I’m excited you got my cookbook! Thank you for your comment, CJ.
CJ Kreikebaum
I’d like to keep your “Love real Food.” cookbook but without nutritional info, it’s value is limited to ur family. Please provide nutritional info for your recipes in “Love real Food” so we can keep and enjoy your book. Thank you. CJ
Kate
Hi CJ. I appreciate your feedback. Although that isn’t something I can’t provide. You can always use an online nutritional calculator for the specific recipe if you need to. Sorry to not be of more help!
CJ
Very disappointed with your response. Of course, other users and I can use an online nutritional calculator but so could you then post the into once for everyone on your site. Or better yet, include it in your book. I had planned to purchase your book for friends and family but this is a major miss. May even return my copy. Nutritional info is not an option in today’s healthy lifestyles. Very disappointed, indeed.
Shirley E. Thomas
Hello, I have been trying to UNSUBSCRIBE and can find no way of doing so. I would like my name to be taking off your mail list since the recipes are not suitable for me. Thank you.
Tim Nona
So how is Cookie doing. Any updates on her health?
Kate
Hi Tim, nothing to update. We are still going through treatments and it will be a long road. But, she is still acting like herself which is helpful.
Tim Nona
Sounds encouraging, best wishes to you both.