My Story

Hi! I’m Ruthie. Welcome to Black Fig Food, a space to help you get back into the kitchen and tap into your creative side! Since 2015, I’ve shared my favorite recipes that my family and I enjoy on the reg. I’ve also included tips on meal planning, grocery shopping, kitchen organization, and cooking with seasonal ingredients. BUT, THE MAIN THING I ENJOY THE MOST IS HELPING YOU UNCOVER AND EMBRACE THE CULINARY ARTIST IN YOU!

People come to me when they need ideas on how to prepare a recipe, incorporate more plants onto their plate, or kick up their food presentation a notch or two. Together, we develop a solid strategy to deliver the best dining experience to be proud to serve their loved ones.

AFTER ALL, FOOD IS WHAT CONNECTS US ALL IN MORE WAYS THAN ONE!

It’s about so much more than just asking, “What’s for dinner?” Food is a universal language and the most intimate and direct connection we have with nature. It’s such a powerful medium to inspire us artistically and mindfully each time we cook!

As an empath, I use cooking as a form of healing. To connect with the beauty and bounty that fresh ingredients provide can be a powerful experience for all. Yet, the loudest message I see from others in my niche is, “quick, simple, easy weeknight meals…” When did we decide that one of the most beautiful daily acts is a time-eating task? Why can’t cooking be one of the things you look forward to every single day?

Within Black Fig Food, I teach how cooking and sharing a meal can express love and appreciation for one another. I also show how it builds a sense of community around our tables. And lastly, I focus on how you can cultivate creativity and self-confidence each time you cook an award-winning dish, whether it’s animal protein, vegetarian, or plant-forward!

MY STORY INTO THE CULINARY WORLD

I was supposed to grow up to be a rock star! But, that never came to pass.

As a child, my relationship with food was, at times, dysfunctional. I experienced food as a form of threat, a bribe, an apology, and the proverbial comfort food.

Our family meals often consisted of thin pork chops, refried beans, homemade tortillas, and the usual argument between family members. But, I remember craving something more. I wanted a “wow factor” on my plate. If I couldn’t get it through family mealtime, by bloody hell, my barbies would at least have a nice Herbed-Chicken with Roasted Potatoes all made from Playdoh. The time I spent shaping each pea and pearl onion with my little hands JUST for my dolls should have been my first clue I would not become the rock star musician I always wanted to be…. Instead, I would become a foodie.

Fast Forward to age twenty-five

The start of my cooking journey was a bit rocky. However, the day I made THE WORST French Onion soup was when I became determined to learn how to cook. I consumed every food-related magazine and cookbook I could get my hands on. I wasn’t going to let a French Onion soup take me down ever again.

Over the next 20 years, I honed in on the craft of cooking. First, I had to break away from the identity I wed myself to regarding my past relationship with food. The mental barriers were substantial, but I worked through them like a champ and ended up in the best place for me. I no longer saw food as a threat or myself as someone undeserving of being healthy. I discovered the benefits of switching to preparing and eating more plant foods. And, I figured out a way to incorporate self-compassion, creativity, and conscious eating into the food I create. The coolest part of it all, I learned that it was okay to fail. Because of my failures, I am the cook I am today.

Fast forward to the present

*I have a combined 20+ year background in building my cooking craft, working as a personal and private chef, catering, and teaching cooking classes through a community college.

*In 2014, I traveled to Spain and Morocco to research their art, culture, and cooking methods. I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Art that same year. 

*I’ve had the privilege of being featured in local magazines and television and published in a cookbook by Covey Rise Magazine. 

*As a certified plant-based chef and artist, I have a unique perspective on what it takes to teach others how to create delicious and beautifully plated plant-forward dishes at home.  

When I’m not developing new recipes and blog content, I’m cooking up a storm for my personal chef and catering clients in my hometown.

AND THAT’S THE SCOOP ON MY CULINARY JOURNEY!

On a more personal note, here are a few fun facts about me that are a worthy “bathroom read.”

*If you call me at 3 am to have breakfast at IHop or Denny’s, I will not only get out of bed to meet you, I will always beat you there. I am a sucker for some greasy hashbrowns!

*I am a closet bullet journal junkie.  I’m pretty sure I have at least five different journals I use every day.

*I can’t meal plan or sketch out food plating ideas without my purple socks and a snack.

*If ever I’m in line behind you at the grocery store, yes, I’m judging you by the contents in your cart. I’m so sorry. #foodsnob 

*I belong to the STAY AT HOME CLUB.  You will find me at home more times than not because onsies, cozy blankets, snuggles with my pup, and coffee are better than anything going on outside of my house.

*Post-punk and old-school punk music is my life. Cocteau Twins and the Smiths are my absolute favorites!

*When I was a child, I wanted to be Darcel Wynne, the most awesome Solid Gold dancer in all the land.

*When I’m in a hurry, I stack my french fries or chips inside my sandwiches to save time.

*I can watch romance and John Hughes movies all day long.  Give me Xanadu, and You’ve Got Mail, or Somewhere In Time, and Urban Cowboy, and I’m putty in your hands. 

*I believe everyone is an artist. And that artist is either nurtured or not. If you think you can’t, it’s because you’ve never tried. It’s never too late to hone in on perfecting a craft such as cooking. Once you learn how to have a conversation with your ingredients, you can create beautiful art together.

Need some inspiration to begin?

Please head over to my Food Gallery for a few inspirational ideas on food plating.

Before you dive into your creative process, you’ll want to make sure you have your kitchen and pantry set up for cooking success! Check out Pantry Re-setting and Fridge Organization posts.

Let’s get social!

Join me on Instagram for weekly content I don’t always share on the blog! Here, you’ll find me posting food pics, behind-the-scenes stuff, and the occasional quick recipe. I’m sneaky like that…

You can also head over to my Facebook page, where I post all new content as it’s hot out off the stove!

Wanna receive new content before anyone else? Then, don’t forget to sign up for my weekly email! You can find the signup form at the top of this page.

I’ll see you here, there and all the places suggested above! Let’s create beautiful food, my friend!

*Feature Photograph by Angelina Marie