My Name is Nikki…
Thanks for visiting! My name is Nikki and I am the recipe developer, photographer, writer and publisher here at Seeded at the Table. After spending seven years behind a corporate desk in the suburbs of Chicago while putting my husband through graduate school, then spending two years in Southern California as a Pastor’s wife, I am now building my roots as a stay at home mom in Mississippi. My family consists of the love of my life, Ben (the professor) and our sweet little toddler son, Judah (the charmer). We have another boy arriving late April or early May! 
Why Seeded at the Table?
I started cooking and baking as a newlywed in 2005. Friends and family took notice of my new-found love and started asking for recipes I tried and liked. Because my friends and family were all across the country, I decided that posting the recipes on a website would be much easier than writing them down or emailing them separately. Hence, in February of 2007, I started my first food blog called Pennies on a Platter.
At that time, I wanted to focus on cheaper recipes and share money saving tips, which is how I came up with the title. As the blog developed, my main focus shifted to finding new ways to advance my culinary skills so I can hopefully instill in you a new confidence in your own kitchen. Because my motto is: “If I can do it, you most definitely can, too!”
As time went on and my family grew, my passion moved away from frugal cooking and developed more into a desire to share community at the table. So, after six years of blogging as Pennies on a Platter, I decided it was time to re-brand. And, honestly, the idea for Seeded at the Table came to me 1 1/2 years before actually launching the new site. But, we were going through many life changes (moving, babies, job changes, etc.) that it had to be put on hold. In February of 2013, I finally launched Seeded at the Table!
My goal for Seeded at the Table is to write about more than meals we can share together as a family at the table, but to also incorporate other activities at the table. Examples are having friends over for meals, kids’ craft ideas, family devotional time, game night, etc. We don’t even have to be thinking about the dining table, but maybe what do you do to fellowship or be nurtured (and nurture others) at a coffee table, a desk table, a side table, maybe even a massage table! 
My husband may even contribute some of his DIY wood-working and handyman skills from the workbench table!
There is so much joy and community we can experience together at the table. I hope you will continue to follow me in this new journey and passion, as we learn together how to nourish our family time together, build friendships that are everlasting, make meals for the hungry, and not forget to have fun while doing it all!
My Photography, Forever a Learning Process
Being self-taught, I love using this blog to chronicle growth in my culinary and photography skills. I’ve gone through a few different cameras and lenses since 2007, starting out with a small Canon point and shoot. Currently, I shoot with a Nikon D7000 (thanks to my father-in-law!) typically using this portrait lens and this macro lens. I have a long ways to go in my photography, but looking forward to learning something new every day!
Get in Touch
Whatever reason you’re here, I’m glad you found this little space of mine on the Internet. I love hearing from everyone, so please either leave me a comment, fill out the contact form, or email me at seededtable [at] gmail.com. Feel free to send me your ideas and let me know how you spend time with family and friends at your own table!
Family Photos by Sarah Sotro.
Nikki,
I really believe you are making something special out of Pennies on a Platter! You are quite the entrepreneur and I am proud of your love of cooking (and saving $) that enables you to be the lovely wife for my son and perfect hostess you always are–keep it up and I’m praying for continued success!
Love,
Mom Gladd
I’ll have to try your pumpkin cake with chocolate chips! But I have to tell you, I love the looks of those dipping spoons!!!
I found your blog today from TasteSpotting and have been visiting all your pages. I really like your blog and it reminds me of my own journy to the culinary world. I, however, arrived from a need of wanting to eat healthier and in the process discovered that I truly enjoy cooking. I would have never imagined that I could love cooking. Keep up the great blogging and I’ll be checking in to see what you’ve cooked!
Hey there, Nikki–
Haven’t visited in forever! I forgot you had switched to wordpress–no wonder my reader wasn’t picking you up anymore! Can’t wait to catch up on what you’ve been up to.
You were mentioned today on one of my favorite mommy art blogs–The Artful Parent. You have done so much with this blog . . . I feel like I’m friends with a celebrity.
Miss you!
amber
THANK YOU PENNY!
Hi, we found you via the Pizzelle Ice Cream Sandwiches photo of yours that was featured in one of FoodPorn’s tweets — you take gorgeous photos, and you have great recipes, too. We’re just about to make some pumpkin ice cream with fresh sugar-pumpkin puree, but I know where we’ll be coming to decide what to do with any puree we have left over!
–Jack, from What’s Making You Hungry Today? | foodgasms for all
Nikki, i have been married for almost 12yrs and cooking, has never been easy for me! Your blog is great! I’m going to try harder in the kitchen this year, you make it sound so fun, and i know it can be if i give it a REAL try!!
Nikki,
This is wonderful!! I love all of the recipes! I cannot wait to try the Ham and Cheese Pretzel Bites. Keep up the great work!
hi —
LOVE your blog! found it several weeks ago on the nest. Great job – i look forward to following your cooking adventures..
I found your blog in Tastespotting and I love it. Great blog and great pictures!
What a cute picture of you on this web page! Love your recipes!
Wow! Nikki I had no idea u had this awesome blog! I’m going to definitely try some of ur yummy looking recipes! : )
Dear Nikki,
I heard your name the other day between two girls I did not know. They were talking about “Pennies on a Platter” and a girl named “Nikki!” I thought, WOW! That’s our Nikki!
I logged on to your blog today to share it with a friend from CO. Your blog has a clean, classy look! Thanks for making this everyday “have-to” look so enticing. As time goes on, I’ve become less interested in this chore, and I’ve found myself, like so many of my friends, not wanting to cook. Your photos make we want to again!
Your photos are amazing! Keep up the awesome work!
Hi Nikki, Welcome to Southern California. I wanted to tell you that we share a love of cooking and baking and we also share a love for a son named Judah. My son Judah is all grown up and getting married in a month. I hope that you have a lifetime of joy and pleasure from your Judah as we have had from ours.
Hi Nikki! Just found your blog searching for how to make my own pumpkin puree. Look forward to reading it — I’m a student on a budget so the notion of “pennies on a platter” really appeals to me
By the way, your son is ADORABLE.
-Natalie
Thanks, Natalie! I look forward to checking out your blog as well.
College is definitely a time to be frugal!
-Nikki
I was just surfing. I definitely want to join your site. I am 64 and you are an inspiration to me. Everything here looks so darn good. Your Baby is sooooooooo cute.
I’ve seen your blog mentioned a few times but never visited until today (it was the tater tots that drew me in!). I’ll be adding it to my RSS right away!!! I’ve been married just over a year and am trying to get more into cooking. And seeing as you have a similar story to mine, I’ll be using your blog as another source of inspiration to keep trying at cooking (I’ve had some failures that have shaken my confidence.. but I’m getting better!)
Hi Nikki, I love your blog! I’ve mentioned a couple of your recipes on my site (www.hungrycook.com) lately and I can’t wait to try them out! Thanks for sharing!
I’m a poor, jobless college student. But I’m always hungry. I love your blog.
LOVE your blog! I’ve made tons of your recipes and have tons more on my “to make” list! Your pictures are absolutely stunning….I always look forward to your updates!
Just stumbled upon your blog from annies-eats. Love it! Can’t wait to explore more. I, too, am a pastor’s wife!
Hi, Nikki –
I came to your site via The Brown Eyed Baker, and I’m so glad I did! I’m a Pastor serving a rural congregation in Upstate NY, and I run a homespun bakery on the side, so I’m always appreciative of new sites like yours. Thanks for the great recipes and the lovely pictures – and blessings to you and your family.
Nikki, Great site! Found you from Foodbuzz! I’m definitely trying those Malted Cupcakes, maybe for our St Patrick’s celebration at our church! Thanks again, and keep up the good work!
Nikki-
Your blog is making me hungry! Everything looks so good, but I’m definitely eyeballing the cupcakes! Your pictures are very nice, and what a beautiful family you have!
Thank you, Patty.
I am a new follower from The Pettijohn’s and look forward to reading more on your blog and learning new recipes. I am a mom, wife and full time worker who loves new ideas for supper. What I have read so far is very interesting andI would love to read more.
Hey Nikki, just wanted to let you know that I just added you to my favorites
It might not sound like a big deal…. but this is actually the very first website I have put in there! Facebook hasn’t even made it yet 
haha! Thanks, Billynda. I’m honored!
Hi Nikki!
Thank you for sharing all your food ideas! I enjoyed reading that you served some of the dishes to your small group…it’s always nice to come across a fellow Christian! I found so many great recipes that I’m going to try with my husband.
Thanks again! This is a wonderful ministry.
Genelle
You’ve got an amazing figure for all these yummy decadent recipes….Perhaps you’ve just fattened up your neighbours
!
I just discovered this through pinterest, and I love it! I love cooking/sewing/photography and other crafty things. I am a newlywed and I am currently experimenting with different recipes and building my photography skills through my small business (Hope Lauren Photography). My husband is currently studying youth ministry through Liberty University online, so I love developing skills that will help me be a greater help to him in his misitry in the future. This will be a great resource as I continue on in my adventure!
Glad to have you here, Hope!
Just found you via Pinterest (the White Cheese Dip). I’ll have to explore more tomorrow.
I am a Native Mississippi Girl, so Welcome to Mississippi!
Thank you, Lana!
I am defintitely going to be coming back again and again these recipes look like something I can make !! : ) I am totally looking forward to making the cheese dip ! I also found you via pinterest ! Much blessings and love from Birmingham, Alabama
Thank you, Kaitlyn! As soon as we move to Mississippi next week, we’ll be “neighbors!”
I just discovered you via Pinterest and I am SO glad I did! I am loving what I’ve looked at so far and can’t wait to read more. My daughter and I are planning to make the Easter Nest Sugar Cookies this weekend
Jennifer
Thanks, Jennifer! Hope you enjoy the cookies!
I found your recipes and web site by exploring Pintrest. I am excited to try some of the recipes. Saving money in these times is very important. God bless you and your family
Sincerely Norma
Lovely blog ! I ‘ll come back to read more..
Cendriani
Nikki, I have visited your site for recipes periodically for awhile, but just recently started following your blog. I have gotten so much good information fromyour site. I just read, from “going through your purse,” that you are living in MS. I am in Florence MS. If you are ever doing any public speaking, I would love to come hear/meet you! Do you ever do speaking at churches? My mom’s church, my former church, does a ladies night out twice a year and are always looking for new speakers. I would LOVE to tell them about you! I am longwinded, sorry, but thanks for your blog and all the great recipes and advice!
Hi Deanna! Thanks for the note! I’ll send you a separate email.
Actually, I’m not sure I have your correct email address, so I’ll respond here. I’d love for you to share my site with the ladies at your church! I don’t usually do public speaking, but you can shoot me an email and we can discuss a possible future opportunity.
penniesonaplatter@yahoo.com
Your photographs are amazing and I love your positive energy and spirit—Judah will surely break some hearts, he’s so handsome!!!
Hi Nikki! You don’t know me, but I stumbled upon your website because of good ol pinterest! For some reason I like to read the “about” section on blogs and see the pictures of the people behind the words……
Anyway, I lived in Pasadena CA and then we relocated in Baton Rouge LA…..I am also a Pastor’s wife and stay at home mom! But the fun part is that our first borns are both Judah’s!
But my Judah is now 9….and we have added Creed (7) and Haven (almost 4) to the mix!
Anyway, I just wanted to tell you since we sort of migrated in the same direction and chose the same name for our boys…..its a good strong name!
I enjoy your recipes! Take Care!
Kate Maurer
Hi Kate! Thanks for the note! I love stories like this. You have fun names for all three of your kids!
Thanks for stopping by, I’m glad to have you here!
-Nikki
Just found your blog on Pinterest! Very cool. And, by the way, welcome to Mississippi! I was born and have lived in Mississippi all my life. It is a great place to raise a family!
Thanks, Michelle!
Sister, I live you life! I am a stay at home mom married to a preacher! Love you page Keep it up!! what part of mississippi are yall in!
LOVE your site. I posted the link to the birthday cake pancakes. BRILLIANT!
I’m excited for your new blog! I’ve been sort of lurking from time to time but am ready to commit to a full time subscriber! haha! (I went to school with Ben- I was in Clayton’s class!) Love the new name and logo. God bless!
haha! Thanks, Christine! Glad you’re ready to commit!
So Proud of you Friend! Love the new site and how your vision has come to life. Congratulations and best wishes on launching Seeded at the Table!
Thanks, Renee!
I loved what I read your “about”..sounded like my life with my husband of 50 great years! Thanks for all your hard work..what a wonderful life you have ahead of you! You are so Blessed! I am looking forward to hearing more about your ideas, thoughts and adventures..where it be in crafts, food, thoughts from The Lord, or just girl talk..I am there to listen..
Thanks, Kathy!
Just happened upon your site and love it. Pinned alot of recipes tonight. Just lost my job so have time to cook and bake. Keep up good recipes.
Nikki,
Everyone needs to be Seeded at the Table! Thank you for opening your LOVELY new home to us just a mere two weeks ago! Love…
Nikki,
I can’t believe I found someone from Mississippi on here by accident! I’m from Brandon and live and work in Russia! My church is Pinelake there on Lakeland! Small world! I have lived here a very long time and it’s nice to read and see the simple things on your blog that we “actually” have the products for here in Russia. Bless you girl and your sweet family! From Russia with Love!