Hi! I’m Emily Culino, the chef and creator behind Easy Cooking Us. If there’s one thing I know for sure, it’s that cooking at home doesn’t have to be complicated to be amazing. I started this blog to help home cooks like you feel confident, inspired, and maybe even a little excited to get dinner on the table—even on the busiest of nights.
My recipes are all tested in my own kitchen, where life is real and a little messy. I tweak everything until it tastes just right because I care about flavor just as much as I care about keeping things simple. To me, cooking should feel less like another task and more like a small, joyful ritual—something that fits into your life instead of taking it over.
After college, I decided to dive headfirst into culinary school—French training, right in the heart of New York. It was intense, humbling, and honestly, one of the most fun and fulfilling experiences of my life. I went on to work in fine dining, starting as an apprentice and working my way up to the line. The pressure, the pace, the heat—it was exhilarating. But it was also exhausting, especially as the only woman in a kitchen fueled by adrenaline, flames, and more than a few short tempers.
Eventually, I traded my chef whites for a different kind of hustle: marketing and PR for some of the top restaurants in NYC. I stayed close to the food world, but in a space where I could breathe a little easier. Still, the hours were long, and when I became a mom, everything shifted. I realized that what I loved most about food wasn’t the show—it was the comfort, the connection, the chance to nourish and delight the people I love.
That’s when I found my rhythm in home cooking. I started applying the same techniques I learned in restaurants to everyday meals that made sense for my family. Over time, I started sharing those recipes online, and Easy Cooking Us was born.
This blog is my way of reaching out to fellow home cooks—people who want to make great food without stress, without fuss, and definitely without sacrificing flavor. Whether you’re a beginner or just in a rut, I’m here to help you find joy in the everyday act of cooking.
Beyond the Kitchen
When I’m not in the kitchen, I enjoy spending time at home with my family. I was born and raised in New York, and I still live here with my husband Daniel, our two college-aged kids (when they’re home), and our two sweet—and always hungry—chocolate labs, Rocky and Max.
The best part of what I do is connecting with readers. So if you ever have a question or just want to say hi, feel free to email me at [email protected] or leave a comment—I’ll get back to you as soon as I can!
Still Curious? Here’s a Quick Snapshot of Me…
Our team
Meet Our Culinary Dream Team
Behind every delicious recipe and inspiring story on **Easy Cooking US**, there’s a passionate team of culinary experts, storytellers, and digital strategists. We’re a diverse group united by one mission: to bring joy, flavor, and confidence to your kitchen.
Emily Hartwell
Editor-in-Chief & Culinary Director
Emily leads our editorial vision, ensuring every piece of content resonates with warmth, authenticity, and irresistible flavor. With over a decade of experience, she’s the heart behind our storytelling.
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Michael Reyes
Head of Recipe Development
A Culinary Institute of America graduate, Michael is our flavor architect. He meticulously develops and tests every recipe, ensuring they are foolproof, delicious, and perfect for your home kitchen.
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Sara Livingston
Food Photographer & Videographer
Sara brings our recipes to life visually. With a keen eye for natural light and emotional styling, her photos and videos make every dish look as incredible as it tastes.
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Jason Cole
Nutrition Specialist (RDN)
As our certified nutritionist, Jason ensures our recipes are not just delicious but also balanced, healthy, and adaptable to various dietary needs. He makes healthy eating accessible.
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Olivia Turner
Visual Creative Lead
Olivia crafts the entire visual identity of our brand. From color palettes to photography style, she ensures that every image reflects our warm, modern, and appetizing aesthetic.
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Ethan Brooks
Senior Video Producer
Ethan is our video wizard, specializing in captivating short-form content for Pinterest, TikTok, and Reels. He makes sure our recipes are not just seen, but experienced in motion.
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Sophia Perez
SEO & Content Strategy Lead
Sophia is our digital architect. She ensures our delicious content ranks high on Google and Pinterest, bringing our recipes to millions of hungry readers through smart, data-driven strategies.
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Marcus Reid
Community Manager & Brand Partnerships
Marcus is the warm voice of our brand, connecting with our audience and building meaningful partnerships. He ensures everyone feels welcome and heard in our growing culinary community.
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