Getting to Know Food Blogger Kathyrn Marris

Q & A with Kat Marris

Kathryn Marris is a local Indianapolis chef with a focus on creating healthy food that is easy to make and delicious.  She writes and develops healthy recipes for her blog Fresh and Balanced, www.freshandbalanced.com, and shares healthy eating tips and tricks on her Instagram (@katmarris). Kathryn teaches private cooking lessons and presents group cooking demos that focus on healthy cooking techniques and other topics.  She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Communication and attended the Art Institute of Indianapolis culinary school to become a chef. She lives in Indianapolis with her husband and two cats. 

EI: What about food inspires you?

KM: What inspires me is how food has the power to change your life! Eating fresh wholesome food can change your life in ways you never thought possible. As I’m preparing a meal, knowing how the ingredients I am working with are going to help nourish my body is incredibly inspiring to me. 

EI: What kitchen tool can you not live without?

KM:My food processor! I use it for everything from sauces to pie crust. My favorite way to use it is during my weekly meal prep. When I’m cooking in bulk for the week I use it to chop my onions, peppers and garlic for fast and easy meal prep.

EI:What is your favorite recipe to make and why?

KM:At the moment, my favorite recipe to make is my light fettuccini alfredo. It’s full of flavor and is extremely versatile. Using creme fraiche in place of a typical alfredo sauce reduces calories without sacrificing flavor. I swap out my noodles with it as well, some nights I will do zucchini noodles and others I will stick with whole grain fettuccini. I love this recipe so much that I put it in my e-cookbook!!

EI: If you could eat just one meal for the rest of your life - what would that meal be?

KM: Tacos! I am in love with tacos and anything taco related. I think it’s mostly because I am obsessed with guacamole and a taco is a convenient vehicle to load up with guacamole!

EI: Who is your hero in the food world?

KM: Every single person who takes the time to cook healthy and nutritious meals for themselves and their loved ones! They are truly my inspiration and my motivation to continue to find ways to make cooking healthy meals delicious and easy. I also really appreciate Jamie Oliver and his approach to healthy cuisine and education!