Hi! I’m Taylar Simmons, and welcome to Soul on a Plate. 

I am a current student at Penn State University majoring in Hospitality Management. From such a young age, I’ve always been passionate about culinary arts and have spent so much time being in the kitchen at home making different dishes, coming up with recipes, or even studying the different shows on Food Network.

Growing up as an African American, surrounded by friends of various Caribbean, African, and Latino backgrounds, I always felt left out feeling I didn’t come from a place filled with so much culture as I was just American. It took me awhile to realize that even though my family has been in America for decades upon decades, being African American comes with a beautiful and rich culture from our hairstyles, to our music, our pride, strength, and grit, and our food…filled with oh so much soul.

So here’s to celebrating the beauty of our cuisine by sharing recipes, stories, traditions, and the history behind the dishes that have shaped generations. I can’t wait to bring you along on this delicious journey with me. So grab your aprons, chef knives, and mixing bowls, and let’s discover the soul on your very own plate.