Tastemaker and influencer Kat Jamieson has amassed nearly 500 thousand followers on Instagram, thanks to her well-designed life —and travels. The With Love From Kat blogger even launched her own travel app last year, With Love From Kat Travel App , that highlights her go-to vacation destinations (plus where […]
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Tastemaker and influencer Kat Jamieson has amassed nearly 500 thousand followers on Instagram, thanks to her well-designed life—and travels. The With Love From Kat blogger even launched her own travel app last year, With Love From Kat Travel App, that highlights her go-to vacation destinations (plus where to eat, stay and shop). And now, her latest endeavor is self-publishing her first cookbook, Blended.
Featuring over 125 flavor-packed recipes—from breakfast, lunch, and dinner to small plates, snacks, desserts and cocktails—Kat offers insight into her seasonally-inspired, holistic approach to cooking. You can find lots of sugar-, dairy- and gluten-free options, but many of her family's comfort food favorites as well.
Given the fact that her world is built around stunning aesthetics, you can also find plenty of dinner party-worthy tablescapes in her book, along with custom menu designs and swoon-worthy interiors.
One of our favorite recipes happens to be her healthy cedar plank salmon with jicama and stone fruit salsa, which she shares below, along with her tips for living a Blended life.
You wrote that "a slew of health problems in your 20s" (digestion issues, food sensitivities, brain fog) inspired you to write Blended...what's that health journey been like?
It’s been frustrating at times, but also incredibly rewarding and fulfilling. Being able to finally know what food makes me look and feel my best has provided me with so much peace, energy and joy.
What's a typical day of eating (and drinking) like for you now?
I start every morning with a Yeti cup full of hot water with lemon, followed by my homemade green juice. I intermittent fast until around 12PM, and then typically make myself a big, colorful salad with a side of rice crackers (if I’m not eating out or enjoying leftovers from the night before!) I have my energizing cacao smoothie in the late afternoon—it’s packed full of nutrients and tastes like a chocolate milkshake (the recipe is in my book!) I love a big dinner, so I’ll have something like baked salmon with basmati rice and veggies, or a yummy pasta with a martini if I’m eating out.
What's your advice for anyone interested in self publishing?
For anyone looking to self publish, I suggest researching printers and requesting paper samples and quotes early on, so you can understand the true cost of printing. I also suggest taking InDesign courses so you know how to use the program because you’ll need it to layout your entire book—otherwise hire an incredible graphic designer who can work hand in hand with you! Next, decide whether you want to ship through Amazon or build out your own website on a platform like Shopify and handle shipping yourself. The fun part— writing, taking photos, etc.—is only half of what the full process entails!
What are your favorite recipes in your new book?
The butternut squash mac and cheese is so creamy and flavorful—you would never know it’s gluten and dairy free! I also love the family recipes I included like my dad’s chocolate mousse and my grandma’s lemon squares.
What are 3 essential rules every hostess should live by?
Always light a delicious scented candle (Diptyque Vanille is my go-to), have a cool playlist going in the background and dim the lights to set the ambiance.
What makes the perfect tablescape?
A beautiful tablescape should feel elegant, yet relaxed. This can be achieved with candles, flower arrangements that are low (so guests can actually see and talk to one another) and place cards so everyone knows exactly where to sit.
What will you be cooking this fall?
I’m looking forward to making zucchini chocolate chip bread, apple cider donuts, my one-pan Moroccan chicken and my cedar plank salmon, which is very easy and straightforward, but packed full of flavor.
Kat Jamieson's Maple and Tamari-Glazed Cedar Plank Salmon With Stone Fruit and Jicama Slaw
What does a cedar plank do for salmon?
It helps prevent the salmon from drying out, and gives it a nice, subtle cedar smoke flavor.
How long do you cook salmon on a cedar plank in the oven?
12-15 minutes, or until the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 135 degrees F.
Best tips:
- I like to buy wild-caught salmon.
- Be sure to soak the cedar plank for two hours before using.
- Marinate the salmon for at least 30 minutes before cooking it.
- Be sure to find stone fruit that is in season and really juicy!
- Don't flip your salmon while cooking.
