Meet Nikki from Seeded at the Table

01/08/2015

Nikki’s delicious recipes on her food blog Seeded at the Table make us wish that we were seated at her family table. From these festively sweet Gingerdoodles to this savory Cheddary Chicken Pie and everything in between, Nikki has us coming back for seconds, thirds and even fourths.

Recipes aren’t the only thing you will find on Seeded at the Table. You can also get the scoop on Nikki’s travel and life adventures. We recently caught up with Nikki and got the scoop on her inspiration, favorite kitchen gadget and more.

What inspired you to become a blogger?
When I started my original food blog – Pennies on a Platter – in February of 2007, I didn’t really know what a blog was. I used the platform to create a common space where my friends and family could visit on the Internet to find the recipes I was making at the time. I didn’t know much about cooking back then, but as I kept trying more recipes and posting them, I started to love everything about it and kept on going!

Favorite food to eat:
My husband and I have this in common, which I know is rare. We both love Middle Eastern food! So, I have to say that I would take a bowl of tabbouleh or a mezze plate over pizza any day. I love the flavors and especially like that it’s lighter and I feel good after eating such a meal.

Favorite food to make:
I love working with all types of bread dough from loaves to pizza dough to buns, etc. But, my favorite is soft pretzel dough and using that same recipe in various forms. I’ll use it for slider buns, mini bites, pretzel knots, hot dog sticks, dippers, rolls and sliced bread even! Very versatile and somewhat of a stress relief when playing with the dough.  🙂

Sweet or savory … or both:
Definitely both. I never like too much of one thing, so mixing it up is the way to go!

Favorite trick of the trade when it comes to cooking/baking:
Keep a clean kitchen. Don’t be fooled… I definitely do not have a sparkly clean kitchen 24/7. But, I find that when my kitchen is tidied and I pick it up as I go, I’m much more willing to cook and/or bake. My motivation is much higher when working in a clean space.

One piece of advice you would give to novice cooks:
Since I was a young kid, I’ve been a fan of Nike. So, that comes into play here when I say my advice is “Just Do It!” More often than not, someone will give up on cooking because it might seem intimidating. However, the more you “just do it,” the more you’ll learn and get used to working in the kitchen. Every recipe you try you learn something new, which makes the next time you cook a little easier and more enjoyable. Give it some time!

What is the hobby you don’t get to do nearly enough?
Watch movies. HA! All parents can identify with this, I think…

Favorite kitchen gadget:
My kitchen scale and pastry mat. These are two items that I think a novice baker easily overlooks as being helpful. When you have these two items, your world of baking gets that much better.

Biggest food flop:
Oh, wow, do I have to pick just one?  🙂  I’ll go with the most recent when the other day I forgot about my pancakes on the griddle. You can fill in the story after that…  🙂

Favorite recipe you’ve posted:
I have two. This  Semi-Homemade Chicken Pot Pie, which is a family favorite …

and this White Cheese Dip/Queso Blanco, which is a reader favorite.