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 blog 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, places I’ve lived, people I’ve loved, 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.  Most days you can find me desperately trying to keep my two young boys busy and out of trouble, and just praying they will eat SOMETHING I make. They have been my toughest audience by far, but hopefully they will grow to appreciate the fun and power of food. They are already getting lots of hands-on experience. You can read more about my journey into the food industry here.

passion:

My first culinary discovery came at age seven when I realized the bologna sandwiches at Grandma’s house tasted waaaaay better than at home. I asked my mom and Grandma again and again how this could be, but neither of them had a clue what could be different.  I continued to ponder this mystery for years before discovering the secret ingredient:  Grandma used Miracle Whip… Mind. 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!