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 became a stay-at-home mom for seven years. In 2022, I started working for Allrecipes.com, editing recipes and food articles. Most days you can find me desperately trying to keep my two young boys busy and happy, 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 joy 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!