For Talk To Me Tuesday this week, Im featuring an interview with Jenny Flake from the Picky Palate. We have the same blog designer and that’s how I first noticed her site, browsing through Shannon’s portfolio. Jenny’s blog header is completely fabulous and so are her food tutorials. I’ve been itching to tell you all about Jenny and her Picky Palate.
1. Would you kindly introduce yourself to the Tip Junkies?
Im Jenny Flake, the girl behind Picky-palate.com. I am a wife and mom to 2 little boys that are my life! I also am a very part time pilates instructor which is another passion of mine, but thats a whole other story! I love everything about food. Sweet and savory .everything really. It is so rewarding to create recipes, photograph my creations and share it with others. I enjoy focusing on family friendly creations for the busy family who doesnt have a bunch of extra time to get dinner on the table.
2. Who or what was your inspiration to start blogging?
My family and friends were my inspiration to start blogging. My boys were pretty picky eaters, so I was enjoying the challenge of creating meals that they would both eat. When people kept asking for my recipes, I figured why not put them all in one place where I can share with everyone. I would have never thought Id still be blogging a year and a half later. I love it.
3. If you had to describe your blog in less than 15 words how would you do it?
Family friendly creative recipes that the whole family can enjoy, with minimal effort!
4. What are your top 3 favorite recipes for busy moms?
I am all about simple yet delicious casseroles, soups, chilies and such. The faster food gets on the dinner table the better in my book. Here are three of my favorites recipes from Picky Palate for busy moms:
5. What is your go-to recipe when having another family over for dinner?
I love doing a big casserole style meal when we have company, its easy and everyone loves it, so I would probably do my Fiesta Chicken and Spinach Enchiladas.
6. What would you make for a girls night dinner? For instance, for book club or a BUNCO night.
Id do one of my favorite hearty salads: Pecan Crusted Chicken Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing then Id do a big dessert bar with the following:
- Cookies and Cream Rice Crispy Treats
- Peanut Butter Mini Cheesecakes
- Raspberry White Chocolate Blondies
7. Whats your favorite dessert to make for company?
My newest favorite dessert to make for company is Chocolate Lovin’ Cream Centered Cake thanks to my great new pan from William Sonoma!
8. Do you plan a monthly menu or do you wing it each week? Whats your system?
No, I dont have a good system. I tend to fly by the seat of my pants when it comes to my cooking/baking. It depends on my mood for the day that determines what Ill whip up. My goal is to start menu planning sooner than later!
9. What are your top 3 grocery shopping tips? (ie. Money saving, spice shopping, quality control, that sort of thing)
- Dont go shopping hungry
- Go with a list in hand
- Buy fresh produce!
10. Who is your current blog crush? Be honest, I know you have one. {{wink}}
I LOVE Pioneer Woman and Bakerella. Their success and talent is inspirational.
11. Do you have an every day ritual that either calms your or one that you enjoy?
My newest love is running. I try to run for 30 minutes in the morning and 30 minutes in the evening. It is so refreshing. I also LOVE to do Bikram yoga 2-3 times a week. It is the most challenging workout Ive ever done, but the most rewarding.
12. Where is your favorite store to spend your cash?
Oh boy, so many to choose from, but Id have to say Sur La Table and William Sonoma. Too hard to pick between the two of them!
Jenny thank you so much for letting us get a peek into your life and see your favorite recipes! This interview has made me so hungry and I’m off to print out your blog posts so I can make something yummy for my boys.
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Not a good article for a pregnant woman to be reading at 10am; must be time for 2nd breakfast or 1st lunch! Seriously, the recipes look soooo good & I can’t wait to check out this blog & add some new recipes to my collection!
I love Jenny’s blog, she has tons of great recipes. I’ve made the pecan crusted chicken salad that she mentioned and it is amazingly delicious!
It’s my pleasure. You have such an informative blog and I know all Tip Junkies will love it!
Thank you Laurie for allowing me to be a part of your fabulous blog!! I enjoyed reading the interview, have a great day!!