Italian-American recipes, & more.
Welcome to A Simple Palate!
Here you’ll find some of my favorite Italian and Italian-American recipes, plus a little bit of everything else I love to cook. My hope is that these meals bring your family together the way they’ve always done for mine.
About Bethany
Hey, I’m Bethany 😊 I’m so glad you’re here.
A little bit about me personally…I am the youngest of four kids, born in Bergen County, New Jersey, before my family later moved to Pennsylvania. While most of my years were spent putting down new roots in PA, I was always drawn back to our original roots in Jersey and New York, especially through the food we cooked.
Food played a huge role in my life growing up. My mom and many of my aunts were incredible cooks, and they always brought our family together through the food they made. At a young age I often found myself sitting with the women in my family, watching cooking shows such as Ina Garten, Martha Stewart, and Giada (to name a few).
I started helping my mom in the kitchen around eight years old, reading her recipes written on envelopes or pieces of old mail, while Frank Sinatra played in the background. Even though I was the baby of the family, I was my mom’s helper, whether that meant helping her in the kitchen or preparing meals for my family when she couldn’t. That’s really where it all began for me.
Italian food was the first cuisine I learned to cook, and you’ll see plenty of that influence here on my blog, along with other favorites I’ve picked up along the way.
I realized early on that food isn’t just about eating-it’s about bringing people together. Some of my favorite memories are from being gathered around the table with my family, sharing these very recipes that were at the center of our time together.
My hope is that these recipes help spark those same kinds of moments with your own family and friends.
From my family, to yours. xo
About the Youtube Channel
After 10 years of blogging and sharing recipes, I finally stepped out from behind the camera and started our YouTube channel in April of 2024. What started as a leap of faith has turned into one of the greatest joys for Drew and me. We’ve been able to connect with so many wonderful people from all over the world through it.
Even though Drew works full-time, he still gives up his days off to help me film. It’s just the two of us, so we wear a lot of hats to make this all come together, but we truly love doing it.
From the beginning, it was important to me that our cooking videos felt approachable. Like something you could actually cook along with. Growing up, I loved watching the classic cooking shows with my mom and aunts, and the heart of that has been a big inspiration for how I wanted our videos to feel. In a fast-paced world, my hope is that these recipes give you a chance to slow down, enjoy the process, and share a meal with the people you love.
We’re always learning and trying to get better, but above all, I genuinely love making these videos. I look forward to each one, and I’m so thankful for your support along the way. 🙂
Fun Facts
I run A Simple Palate with my husband Drew. When he's not working as a full time Web Designer, he is A Simple Palate's official taste tester, web developer/designer, film crew for our youtube channel, and tech support. He wears many hats and I couldn't do any of this without him!
Drew and I have an English Springer Spaniel, Hudson (also known as "Huddy") whom we completely adore. If he’s not chasing birds outside, you can find his little snoot sniffing behind each recipe or YouTube video hoping a delicious ingredient falls to the floor (preferably cheese).
I've been cooking for as long as I can remember. From being my mom's helper in the kitchen, to cooking full meals for my family by the time I was 12.
I am a former competitive figure skater so cold ice rinks were where I spent most of my childhood. My dad played ice hockey when he was younger, so he was the one who first taught me how to skate. I skated competitively for most of my childhood then continued skating lessons in my 20's. You can still find me lacing up my skates and hitting the ice a few times a week to skate for fun or coach at my local ice rink. :)
My Most Popular Italian Recipes
Get my top 10 tried and true Italian recipes right to your inbox! From my family to yours.
My Italian Cooking Playlists
I grew up listening to oldies while cooking with my family, and that music still fills my kitchen today. Here are some favorites!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are you Italian?
No 🙂 A lot of people may assume I am, but I’m not. My mom was taught by Italian relatives how to cook, and she taught me those recipes while I was growing up. We also love Italian-American food because it’s a common cuisine in the NY/NJ area, where we are initially from. I never knew any different. Italian-American dishes were what I grew up knowing and loving.
Where can I find you on social media?
Who does your photography and videos for YouTube?
I handle all the photography and food styling for A Simple Palate, while Drew handles the filming for our YouTube videos. 🙂 Although the editing of our videos is my job!
Can I share your recipes on my own website or social media?
I am always happy when anyone wants to spread the word! However, I kindly request that you refrain from sharing my recipes on websites or other platforms. You are welcome to share my photography with a link credited to the original post! Please do not copy or paste my recipes to your blog, site, or any other platform.
Who designed your website?
My husband, Drew! To find more details, head to our Resources for Food Bloggers page.
Hi Bethany,I made your cherry tomato pasta, and it turned out fantastic. Thank for the easy directions. I now want to make your Bolognese recipe. Bolognese is my favorite meat based Italian dish. I have printed out all your recipes and started a file. I love fresh basil, so I bought two giant potted basil bushes so I have plenty for your recipes. Wish me luck. Chio
So happy to hear it John! Thank you so much for sharing, would love to hear what you think of the bolognese as it’s my favorite:) And yay for fresh basil! It’s my favorite herb (as you can see it’s in everything I make haha). Best of luck with the recipes! Reach out if you need anything:)
I am just learning to cook. My favorite food is Italian. You probably had more experience at 12, than I do at 72 !
haha, thank you so much Gary!! I’m glad you’re learning to cook, I hope some of my recipes can help inspire you:)
Hi Bethany. I am devout foodie and I love to cook. My Mother was a full blooded Hungarian and my Dad was a full blooded German. I can cook both of there ethnic recipes but what I love to cook most is. Italian. I just came across you. videos and became an instant fan. Your prentations are fantastic,clear and easy to follow. I am now hooked. More to tell about the restaurant I owned and background. I am going to cook all your recipes and can’t wait.
John, thank you so much for the support and kind words! I really appreciate it. Let me know if you have any questions along the way of making any of my recipes 🙂 Enjoy!
Dear Bethany & Drew! Recently you came across my screen. I have been under the weather and had some extra time and found myself watching your YouTube videos. I’m a retired chef and had a restaurant for 29 years and I’m originally from New Jersey also! I just wanted to compliment you and Drew about your show. You’re both so genuine. I love all the little simple touches, the beautiful kitchen, your fun pup, you and your techniques and recipes seem amazing. In a world so filled with influencers, you (and Drew) are just being yourselves! I wish you every success. Coco
Eileen, your comment truly means so much. We are anything but influencers, lol just normal people. I hope you feel better, and really glad you were able to find our videos💛 Your words and support mean a lot!
I discovered you on YouTube, and now here on your site! Just watched the eggplant parm recipe video, looks delicious! Can’t wait to try it! I really like how you don’t rush through the recipes, it feels relaxed with a real family feel. Best of everything to you and Drew.
I really appreciate that, Paul! I want nothing more for everything to feel relaxed and have that family feel like you mentioned. The feedback and support means a lot!
Hello Bethany,
I really enjoy your videos and I want to see you succeed in your quest for greatness on YouTube. Just one criticism if I may. On future videos, have Drew keep the background music very low, or not at all. Between what gets edited the sound fluctuates on the viewer end. Not bad mind you, but people think background music is necessary and I disagree. I see it as a distraction especially if it gets louder and then softer.
You both are doing amazing work!
Best regards,
Jeff
Hey Jeff, thanks for the comment and for watching! Feedback noted, we are trying to find that sweet spot between fun and engaging while not distracting with the music. Cheers!
Living in Texas, Mexican food is my favorite. But Italian is a close second. My mom used to teach gourmet cooking and her lasagna was top notch. Your show is excellent. Love your explanations. Your voice is perfect for the show also. Going to try the bolognese lasagna. Always look forward to your videos.
Chris, this means so much! Thank you for the taking the time to share. It is so encouraging to me! I hope the lasagna can live up to your moms lasagna 🙂 You’ll have to let me know.
Phenomenal production (pappardelle Bolognese)! Astonishingly good recipe, first class videography. Instructions are spoken clearly and directly right to the point. Tip of the hat to Drew whose video work is well framed, clear and tightly focused, His work really tells your story in an interesting and supportive way. Spartan kitchen is a wonderful backdrop to your astonishing production.
Press on, you two. You have made it interesting, fun and easy to follow.
Thank you, Kevin
We appreciate the support and your words so much! Truly. Thank you, Kevin!
Your site is looking like what I have been seeking for a long time. I can’t wait to try out some of your recipes. Thank you.
Thanks so much, Laura! I hope you enjoy the recipes!
Congratulations You both, Bethany and hubby Drew, who work to show online FOOD that are prepared with love, indulgence, and balanced ingredients. I’ve been entertained and filled with courage to try something new at 85 years1
Thank you so much, Doris!! Such kind words. It means so much that we could inspire you to try something new:)
Hi Bethany,
I’m getting ready to make your naan pizzas tonight. Any suggestions if and when to add pineapple and mushrooms as the toppings? Thank you!
Hi Cid! You can saute mushrooms to cook them prior to layering on the pizza, or slice them thin and top them on the pizza before baking. Pineapple should work too! 🙂 I would bake it on the pizza. Hope you enjoy the recipe!
Do you have a separate Pinterest page for vegans? I’ve been very unwell and the antibiotics made me feel so sick, but my daughter-in-law made the cauliflower and leek soup and it literally saved me ….. especially as I’m vegan! Thanks so much. Regards. Li da
Hi Linda, I’m so sorry to hear you’ve been unwell. But what a wonderful thing to hear that soup was so healing for you. Check out my vegan category! Link – https://asimplepalate.com/blog/category/vegan/ It is full of a lot more soups and stews that can be very healing to the body as well. I hope and pray you feel better!