Hi. I’M BRIDGET.
Creating plant-focused, festive, and delicious dishes that feel easy and accessible.
Welcome.
Growing up in a large family, life was always quite busy. Balancing carpools, school schedules, piano lessons, sports, and of course the weekend sleepovers with four girls was often madness. Still to this day, I’m not completely sure how my parents managed it all. In the midst of our crazy lives, one thing we could always count on was ending each day reunited around the table for a meal. From the perspective of little Bridget, this seemed to be a common ritual that kept us grounded as a family. I found that it wasn’t just about the food: to share a meal is to form a connection, build a relationship, share a story, or simply be an ear to listen.
Fast forward to college – I began working at a wonderful farm-to-table cafe near campus, which inspired me to begin cooking more for myself at home. I learned about different flavor combinations, food preparations, cooking techniques, and began to take pride in the food I prepared and shared with those around me.
I was never a big meat eater in the first place, but I did wonder why I was recovering quicker, feeling brighter, and more connected with myself and the world around me consuming a more plant-centric diet. So I started my deep dive into the research. I spent countless hours reading cookbooks, listening to podcasts, and watching documentaries about hundreds of various topics having to do with food. This included everything from plant-based nutrition at an individual level, to how the world at large is affected by the modern industrial food systems, and everything in between.
It was at this point that I began making more mindful decisions about what I put on my plate. I desired to become a more compassionate eater, by using whole foods, predominantly made from plants, to create dishes that align with my personal values.
There is so much to learn about food. It is a cross-cultural and universally inclusive human experience- there is no discrimination in good flavor. My goal is to make the times of connection with others through food more approachable, inclusive, and sustainable for all. Thanks for being here!
To share a meal is to form a connection, build a relationship, share a story, or simply be an ear to listen.
Bridget DiStefano
What to expect from this blog
A wide variety of classic, comfort, and festive recipes, always with a twist of spice. I have also recently begun compiling restaurant recommendations (supporting small businesses, always) from my travels around the world. And of course, nearly everything is inspired by plants. Thanks Mama Nature.
From Saturday brunch with a simple Hash, to your classic game nights in, with these finger licking Nachos – everyone is sure to leave your company happy and satisfied.
For your Fancier Festivities, work smarter not harder. Recipes like this French Onion Galette or Spicy Roasted Cauliflower Steaks Over Couscous Salad are wonderful centerpieces.
For the busier days, I have some quick and simple weeknight recipes that you will actually look forward to cooking (and eating) at the end of a long day like this SunButter and Sweet Potato Kale Salad, or Harvest Grain Bowl.
Do you have questions about recipes? Want to work together? Feel free to write to me for all inquiries.
