Meet Chef Sally Thompson
Your Kitchen Confidence Coach
Welcome to How to Cooking! I'm Sally Thompson, and I'm here to help you discover the joy and confidence of cooking delicious meals for your family. With over two decades of culinary experience, I've learned that great cooking isn't about fancy techniques or expensive ingredients—it's about understanding the basics and having the confidence to make them your own.
My Culinary Journey
My love affair with cooking began in my grandmother's kitchen in Boston, where the smell of freshly baked bread and simmering soups filled our Sunday afternoons. After graduating from the Culinary Institute of America in 1999, I worked in several prestigious restaurants, including a three-year stint as sous chef at Le Petit Bistro in Manhattan.
But my greatest culinary challenge—and joy—came when I started my own family. Balancing professional cooking with raising three children taught me the importance of efficient, practical cooking solutions that don't sacrifice flavor or nutrition. This experience became the foundation of howto.cooking.
Why How to Cooking?
I founded howto.cooking in 2015 with a simple mission: to help busy families create memorable meals together. Through this platform, I share professional techniques simplified for home cooks, time-saving tips that actually work, and recipes that have been tested and approved by both culinary professionals and picky eaters (my kids!).
My Teaching Philosophy
I believe that anyone can cook delicious meals with the right guidance. My approach combines professional expertise with practical reality. You won't find complicated techniques or impossible-to-find ingredients here. Instead, you'll discover:
- Step-by-step guides that break down complex recipes into manageable parts
- Time-saving shortcuts that don't compromise quality
- Ingredient substitutions for common dietary restrictions
- Menu planning tips for busy weeknights
- Kitchen organization and efficiency tricks
Beyond the Website
When I'm not creating content for howto.cooking, you can find me teaching cooking classes in the Boston area, developing recipes for national food magazines, or experimenting with new dishes in my home kitchen. I also regularly contribute to cooking workshops and food festivals across New England.
Most importantly, I'm a mom who understands the daily challenge of putting wholesome, delicious meals on the table while juggling work, activities, and family life. Every recipe, tip, and technique I share comes from this perspective of real-life cooking.
"Good food brings families together, and anyone can cook with the right guidance. Let's make something delicious together!"
- Chef Sally
Our team:
Sally Thompson
Culinary Specialty:
Family-friendly meals, cooking educationPersonal Quote:
"2629+ recipes by Sally Thompson – specializing in family-friendly meals, offering empowering cooking education to build your confidence in the kitchen."Experience & Training:
My culinary journey began with my grandmother in Boston, sparking a lifelong passion for wholesome, flavorful meals. As a seasoned chef and culinary educator, I'm dedicated to empowering families in the kitchen. With over 2629 nutritious recipes and counting, I offer practical guidance to build your cooking confidence and create delicious memories.Discover my recipes:
Taylor Kim
Culinary Specialty:
Weeknight Asian meals, quick family recipesPersonal Quote:
"Taylor Kim, expert in weeknight Asian meals – sharing quick family recipes and time-saving tips for delicious home cooking."Experience & Training:
I'm Taylor Kim, and I believe you can whip up fresh, hearty meals at home, even on busy weeknights. Growing up with Korean flavors in Seattle inspired my passion for quick, flavorful dishes. With a background in food science and as a former meal-planning coach, I'm here to share simple, time-saving tips so you can enjoy delicious food with your family every day.Discover my recipes:
Maya Patel
Culinary Specialty:
Vegetarian Indian recipes, food photographyPersonal Quote:
"Maya Patel, self-taught cook – Specializing in vibrant vegetarian Indian cuisine and stunning food photography, making delicious home meals accessible."Experience & Training:
Growing up in a bustling London household, the fragrant spices of my Gujarati kitchen ignited my passion for food. I love documenting my mother's recipes and capturing the beauty of vegetarian Indian dishes through my photography. With a growing collection of recipes, I'm here to share vibrant, flavorful creations that make home cooking a delight.Discover my recipes:
Alex Bradley
Culinary Specialty:
Budget-friendly meals, meal preppingPersonal Quote:
"Alex Bradley, a seasoned recipe creator – specializing in budget-friendly meal prepping with a thrifty, strategic approach to satisfying, cost-effective meals."Experience & Training:
Growing up with four siblings taught me the power of strategic planning in the kitchen. I specialize in budget-friendly meal prepping, making satisfying meals accessible. With a passion for thrift, I'll help you cook delicious food without breaking the bank.Discover my recipes: