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
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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.
My wife and I just came across your YouTube channel today. We enjoyed watching the videos on the smash burgers, chicken piccata, and lasagna. Thank you for sharing your recipes! We will definitely continue to watch and try your recipes!
Chad, that means so much to hear you and your wife are enjoying the channel!! I truly appreciate it and hope you enjoy the recipes you try! If you have any questions don’t hestitate to reach out. 🙂
Hi! love the simplicity of your website . Love the chicken parm recipe
I really appreciate it, Billy! 🙂
Hey Bethany😊
I have been following your channel for a few months and all your recipes are perfect. I love the way how you explain and make things look easier. I have tried a lot of your recipes and they have turned out pretty good. You’ve an amazing personality. Thank you for your cooking inspirations!
And, your kitchen looks amazing😊
Thank you so much for the kind words. So glad you are enjoying the channel it means so much! 🙂
I visited my daughter Arial in Denver Colorado. I taught her how to make your Lasagna Bolognese with Ricotta while on vacation. We had so much fun making this easy to follow receipe. The Lasagna Bolognese with Ricotta turned out so deliicious! My son in law, Angel, loved it! Thank you for sharing Bethany❤️
I love that you taught her out to make it, Sally! That’s so wonderful. Means a lot that you all enjoyed it too! Thank you so much for sharing🥰
Hi there!!
Your recipes are so inspiring and I love your beautiful kitchen 🥰 we have a very similar layout and taste for style haha. Would you mind telling me your backsplash? I know it’s a random question haha we built two years ago and everytime I cook and an ingredient splashes back I cringe lol. We been waiting to install one we loved and I fell in love with yours. Just completes the kitchen ❤️
Hi Chantel! That’s so sweet. Of course! It’s pure white zellige tile by Zia Tile 🙂 Looking back I would’ve maybe considered their color Casablanca but love the tile! You will have to let me know if you use it!
Hi bethaney!
It’s Billie from Illinois.
I made the Tuscan chicken today. I wasn’t sure if I was gonna like the flavor profile, with the rosemary. But it was really good. I planted an herb garden this year, and I got to use my rosemary. I was so excited. I also planted basil, parsley and cilantro. You are so right. Fresh herbs are sooooo much better! I’m definitely going to make this chicken again. Your rosemary bread would be a great little side with the Tuscan chicken. I love the show and can’t wait to see the new episodes. Thank you bethaney!
Billie, I’m so glad you enjoyed it! And so glad the fresh herbs made a difference, I always think they do 🙂 I really appreciate the support for the channel it means so much!
Great Chili!! I love how simple and short your videos are. Short and sweet and to the point. Keep then coming!!
Thanks!
That means so much, Rusty! So glad you’re enjoying the videos 🙂
Bethany:
Really enjoy your practical to-the-point video recopies. Sending a quick note requesting a video on how to cook Polenta.
Thanks,
John
I really appreciate it, John! 🙂 so glad you’re enjoying the videos. I will make note of the polenta!
Hello Bethany, I just discovered your website today. It is exactly what I was looking for and more! Your pictures, recipes and presentations are excellent. You can tell by the pictures that your dishes are going to be delicious. Can’t wait to try them I’ll let you know when I do.
Robert
Robert, that means so much! I truly appreciate the kind words. I hope the taste of the dishes lives up to how they look in the photos when you do try them☺️
Hi Bethany, I made your artichoke dip yesterday for a party. It was a big hit. I’ve tried some of your other recipes and they are amazing. Thanks for sharing them . I look forward to trying the rest of them.
So happy to hear the dip was a hit, Tony!! That really means a lot. I appreciate you trying that out! If you try any other dishes, I hope you enjoy them just as much😊
Bethany,
I really enjoy your youtube channel! Your san marzano tomato sauce is the best. After I made it the first time I threw out or gave away all the store bought pasta sauces I had on the shelf.
Thanks for sharing your recipes.
Alex
Alex, I’m so glad you’ve been enjoying the channel! 🙂 And so happy to hear you enjoyed the sauce. I’m very honored it was good enough to replace the store-bought sauce! Thank you so much for sharing!
I LOL when you mentioned putting on Sinatra and pouring a glass of wine before starting cooking. It is how I’ve always done it for years.
I, too, am a LI refugee. I split time between AZ, CA and Sweden (wife’s family). I am often disappointed in what’s offered as “Italian” food in these places and tend to make my own out of self-defense.
My HS GF, was 100% Italian. She taught me to add ground Fennel to my red sauce. It has a wonderful aromatic effect. Give it a try?
R/S,
“Doc”
So great to hear! I love the addition of fennel to the red sauce. My mom always mentions it but we never actually did it unless sausage is in the sauce, then you have that fennel flavor. But I love it and will try it for my red sauce next time I make it:) Thanks so much!