"When it comes to recipes and recipe development, I'm inspired by the seasons changing and new produce coming into the market. I also love reading cookbooks and exploring our delicious Portland food scene. It's always super fun to recreate a dish in my own kitchen, with slightly more wholesome twists."

We’re big fans of the #womensupportingwomen movement (if that wasn’t already obvious) and are excited to launch our She’s Empowered series! Over the next several weeks we will introduce you to some of the women that inspire us on the regular. Up first we have Kate! Kate is the founder, nutritionist, recipe mastermind, and photographer behind Vegukate. We’ve loved connecting with her here in Portland and are so excited to introduce you to her!

Also, we are LOVING this Golden Milk and Ginger Smoothie recipe that Kate shared with us!

Alright Kate, tell us a little bit about you!

My name is Kate and I am a Portland-based nutritionist with a master's degree in nutrition, recipe developer, photographer, the creator of the blog vegukate.com, and advocate for real food nutrition and wellness! 

What's the story behind your blog, Vegukate?

I started my blog as a bit of an outlet for photography and creativity, as well as to share some of my favorite healthy recipes with family and friends. I never imagined that complete strangers would start following along with my blog and creating my recipes, too! It's crazy and wonderful and so much fun! The name came from my younger brother, actually. He put together "Kate" and "educate" and we called it a day! Because I hope to educate my community on how veggies are delicious and avocados are cool, I really think the name fits! 

What ingredient is your kitchen NEVER without?

HAH. I can't choose just one, and I enter full-on panic mode when I don't have: avocado, lemons, olive oil, sweet potatoes, coffee, almond or cashew milk, and nut butter. 

Ok, we have to ask. What's your favorite way(s) to eat your Ground Up PDX?

My favorite dessert: a bowl of raspberries and blueberries smothered in Chunky almond, cashew, and coconut nut butter, and sprinkled with cacao nibs and big flaky coconut. SO good. 

How do you stay inspired?

When it comes to recipes and recipe development, I'm inspired by the seasons changing and new produce coming into the market. I also love reading cookbooks and exploring our delicious Portland food scene. It's always super fun to recreate a dish in my own kitchen, with slightly more wholesome twists. 

What are your favorite ways to #spreadgood in your community?

Shopping local and organic at the Portland farmer's market. I love supporting and talking with the people who grow/raise/produce/fish/farm the foods I'm eating. I love heading to the PSU farmer's market on Saturday mornings for pasture-raised meats and eggs, wild salmon, (and super delicious smoked salmon), all of the fresh produce, and other exciting and local foods!