purpose:

Hi!  I'm Bridget, and welcome to The Sunny Palate.  I'm so happy you're here!  My favorite thing in the world is gathering around the table to share a good meal with people I love.  This site is a place where I share my love for food, seasonal recipes, and a few technical pointers that make my life easier in the kitchen.  My dishes are inspired by fond memories and a little creative daydreaming.  I gravitate towards big, bright flavors and interesting combinations.  My hope is that you will join me on this journey as I learn, grow, and discover new foods and techniques. 

personal:

After years working as a chef in various kitchens, including a couple gigs in New Zealand, I traded in my chef coat for apron strings and am now a stay-at-home mom.  Shortly after moving to a tiny Midwestern town for my husband's job, our son was born and has been stealing our hearts ever since.  Leaving the working world to stay home was a big adjustment, but I'm thankful for the opportunity and doing my best to embrace the change of pace.

passion:

My first culinary discovery came at age seven.  I matter-of-factly let my mother know that her bologna sandwiches were not as good as Grandma’s.   With four kids, my mom didn't have time for dissent among the ranks, so that scenario played out a bit like this:  Ok, honey, that's nice...now sit down and eat your lunch.  I continued to ponder this mystery for years before discovering the secret ingredient:  Grandma used Miracle Whip.  My mind was blown.

Fast forward to today, and I am continually amazed by the simple power of food.  The combination of the right flavors can still blow your mind. Food can lift your spirits, transport you back to a certain time and place, and provide opportunities for making fond memories with those you love.  Cooking demands the body to develop a fine-tuned utilization of all five senses.  It can be challenging yet extremely rewarding.  It is an art.  It is a science.  

Thank you for joining me here...let's get cooking!