The NSSA Community Recipe Tester List

a stacked resource + a stack of avocado

Not So Secret Agent is an email newsletter all about the inside scoop on cookbook publishing from senior literary agent, Sally Ekus (that’s me!). Make sure we never miss the chance to connect. Subscribe!

Dear Not So Secret Agent reader,

My first professional interaction with recipe testing was when I was 12. My “profession” at the time was mother’s helper.

The gig? Hanging out with a three-month-old while their mom worked in the kitchen.

What was she doing in there? Testing recipes for a food magazine!

Now that I’ve lived through going back to work with a three-month-old myself, I appreciate the new mom’s juggle and hustle. This was my first real job though (I think I made $5!), and all I could focus on was trying to soothe and entertain this baby all the while keeping said baby out of mom’s line of sight.

Luckily, I turned out to be a natural at the baby sway. Even still, midway through the day I was ready for a break from the boredom that accompanies hanging out with a baby (IYKYK).

Lunchtime couldn’t come fast enough – I was excited to chat with a human who could actually reply. The woman I was working for was kind enough to feed me. However, the handoff was brief, without much chit chat, and my meal had been made from the recipe she was testing.

Before I tell you how absolutely disgusting it was, please keep in mind that I was 12 and it was the late 90s. Vegetarian food was in a weird moment. Depending on your perspective, it was either all the rage or an unappealing fringe trend. Looking back, it was actually on the cusp of taking hold as a true movement.

My 12-year-old tastebuds and I were NOT ready for it. “This mush has to be meant for the baby,” I muttered to myself as I bit into sprouted bread, moist with slices of avocado and mayonnaise.

The perfectly-stacked avocado had a cut cross section that was profoundly tall. So tall, in fact, that I could barely grip the sandwich between my tween fingers. Reflecting on it now, I realize that the rigidity and precision of the composition was a trial run for the upcoming magazine photoshoot.

The stack was intentional.

The texture? Who knows.

Nevertheless, lunch that day lacked crunch, flavor, and any semblance of the cravings of an “almost adolescent”.

Was it nourishing? Sure, probably.

Was it what I needed to help get me through the remaining four hours with my non-verbal companion? Absolutely not.

When I went to return my plate, the kitchen looked like a seeded wheat loaf murder scene. Discarded crusts of all sizes, sunflower seeds, and schmears of oxidized avocado were strewn all about the counter and cutting board.

I smiled at the mom, thanked her, placed my plate in the sink, and then dashed back to my official post with the monitor in hand.

Even though I thanked the woman, I didn’t appreciate her as much as she deserved. I mean, what this Not So Secret Agent wouldn’t do today for someone to hand me a homemade avocado sandwich in the middle of my workday!?

Photo by Olga Zhushman on Unsplash

Whether it be assistance with watching the kids, washing the dishes, or just being kept company, having help in the kitchen can be a delight. That’s why I am beyond floored by the number of readers that added their name to the NSSA community-generated recipe testing list.

As I mentioned last week, the response was so overwhelming it took me over a week to carve out the time to organize this list!

If you have no idea what I am talking about, I encourage you to read this post on why recipe testing is essential, and check out this resource on how to enlist your friends to test recipes.

***Not So Secret Agent Side Note: I mostly write this newsletter late at night after I’m finished reading proposals, pitching projects, managing client needs, and being a mom to Maybs. People often say that summers in publishing are slower, but it seemed like everyone, current and prospective clients, sent me their proposal for review this past week!***

Before we scroll down the NSSA Community Recipe Testing List, I want to point out a few things:

I have not vetted this list whatsoever. It was a public call for anyone who is interested in recipe testing and looking for more work (as of July 2025). Accordingly, it is up to you to do your homework and ask about someone’s level of expertise, experience, rates, etc.

The goal in providing the names below is twofold.

Well to be honest it started out as onefold. Is onefold a thing people say?

Anywaaaaay, originally my thought process went like this:

Since I am about to host a Recipe AMA, wouldn’t it be awesome to be able to give attendees a list of names of people who could test their recipes?

Oh wait, I don’t want to limit that resource to only those who pay and attend the AMA. Wouldn’t it be awesome to share that resource with all my NSSA readers?

Cool, I’ll put a call out to people ahead of time so I can recommend them far beyond my immediate known network of recipe testers.

Whoa, wait a minute, look at all the incredible people adding their names to this list!

I bet the authors (established and aspiring), editors, and anyone else reading this would benefit from having a list to reference.

Okay, that’s about the time when the goal evolved from being a straightforward (onefold) resource share to a multi-faceted (twofold at least) resource sharing/community building/networking extravaganza.

Not So Secret Agent readers who’ve been a part of this newsletter for any time at all know I love a good NSSA Side Note. These side notes are added context and tidbits where I share specifics that pertain to the topic of the day.

Readers, what follows is quite possibly my most emphatic NSSA Side Note yet. PAY ATTENTION:

***Not So Secret Agent Side Note: At first glance, the list below may appear to be just a series of recipe tester names. After all, that’s what I asked for right? But guess what? This list is also a snapshot of some of the most talented, connected, experienced people working across the cookbook industry.

Do not just file this newsletter away until you may need recipe testing. If I were you, I would research each of these people and what they do to contribute to our industry. You will go down rabbit holes of industry organizations and committees, websites of expertise, educational social media accounts, award winning writers and cookbook authors, and so much more.

This list below is networking GOLD. And no, I don’t mean it’s a “send a cold email to see what you can do for me” kind of networking resource. I’m talking about community building. Poke around a website, give a follow on social, engage in a conversation, buy the books these people have written or worked on. Expand your network. This list has some enormously talented individuals that you should know.***

Do I know everyone on here? Nope. And that’s awesome.

I can’t wait to dig in to learn more about the people who have shown up and opted in to this unexpectedly rich community resource!

My readers are truly the best.

Not So Secret Agent Recipe Tester Community List***:

If you missed the deadline to add your name, leave a comment with your contact info to keep this list actively growing!

1. Devan Grimsrud
dev.grims@gmail.com
https://www.instagram.com/devan.grimsrud/

2. Charlotte Rutledge
charlotte284@gmail.com
@Myvtworld (IG)

3. Rebecca Frey
rebeccadfrey@gmail.com
www.bastecutfold.com (or @bastecutfold on socials)

4. Melissa Altman‑Traub MS, RDN, LDN
melissaaltmantraub@gmail.com
www.melissatraub.com

5. Meghan Glass
meghanwglass@gmail.com
Instagram – @meghanwglass

6. Chef Hadassah Patterson
WellLeafChef@gmail.com
https://wellleafchef.square.site

7. Kerry Faber
kerry@dishlister.com
Dishlister.sustack.com

8. Nava Atlas
navaatlas@mac.com
https://theveganatlas.com

9. Julia Skinner
julia@root‑kitchens.com

10. Carrie Havranek
cbhavranek@gmail.com
@writercarrie (IG)

11. Gen La Rocca
contact@twocloveskitchen.com
https://twocloveskitchen.com/work‑with‑me/

12. Kristen Hartke
kristen@kristenhartke.com
www.kristenhartke.com / @kristenhartke (IG)

13. Liz Tarpy
lizatarp@hotmail.com
www.teaberryproductions.com

14. Sophia Wronsky
shwronsky@gmail.com

15. Jodie Chase
jodie@chase‑ink.com
chaseinkpr.com | instagram.com/jodiechase01

16. Allyson Reedy
allysonreedy@hotmail.com
@allysoneatsden

17. Cynthia Graubart
cynthia@cynthiagraubart.com
www.cynthiagraubart.com

18. Julie Laing
twiceastastyblog@gmail.com
https://twiceastasty.com/

19. Elizabeth Baer
culinursa@gmail.com
www.culinursa.com

20. Belinda Luksic
BELINDALUKSIC@OUTLOOK.COM
clippings.me/belindaluksic

21. Andrea Livingston
andrea@andrealivingston.com
https://andrealivingston.com/

22. Anne Danahy
annemdanahy@gmail.com
https://cravingsomethinghealthy.com

23. Sarah Zorn
SarahZorn1@gmail.com
sarahzorn.com

24. Betty Williams

Bettywilliams5971@gmail.com

25. Abby
abby@abbyshearth.com
abbyshearth.com

26. Brooke Lewy
brooke.lewy@gmail.com
www.brookelewy.com / 

27. Maia Paul
thecookbooknerd@gmail.com
https://www.instagram.com/thecookbooknerd

28. Melissa Haskin
melissa@melissa‑haskin.com

https://www.melissa‑haskin.com/

29. Molly Adams
molly.adams4@gmail.com
@mollyjeanadams

30. Kristina Vanni
KristinaVanni@gmail.com
Instagram @KristinaVanni

31. Amber Turpin
ambersturpin@gmail.com
https://muckrack.com/amber_turpin

32. Lauren Utvich
laurenutvich@gmail.com
@laurenutvich (Instagram)

33. Becca Jacobs
becca@cookingbybecca.com
@cookingbybecca

34. Olivia Counter
ohcounter@gmail.com
@oliviascounter @bffeast

35. Sam Tackeff
sam@thesecondlunch.com
thesecondlunch.com / samtackeff.substack.com / LinkedIn.com/in/stackeff

36. Kamilah “Kam” Quash
inthekitchenwithkam@gmail.com
@InTheKitchenWithKam (IG & FB)

37. Stacey Ballis
stacey@staceyballis.com
www.staceyballis.com ; IG @stacey.ballis

38. Jessica Harlan
jessica.harlan@gmail.com
@jessica_g_harlan /

https://www.jessicaharlan.com/

39. Clare Langan
clanganchef@gmail.com
Instagram @clarelangan

40. Carly Hackbarth
carlyahackbarth@gmail.com
Instagram.com/carlyahackbarth

41. Lala
effortlesshomebaker@gmail.com
effortlesshomebaker.com

42. Gerrie du Rand
gerrie.durand12@gmail.com
Instagram g_loves_red

43. Elaine Gonzalez
elaine.gonzalez@gmail.com

44. Peggy Paul Casella
hello@peggypaulcasella.com
https://www.peggypaulcasella.com/cookbook‑editing‑and‑consulting

45. Corrie Locke‑Hardy
lockehardy@thetinyactivist.com
IG @thetinyactivists

46. Pamela Florence
pam@zestforcooking.com
www.zestforcooking.com

47. Maren Ellingboe King
marenellingboe@gmail.com
http://marenellingboe.com

@marenellingboeking

48. Giovanna S.

giovanna.soli.g@gmail.com
 @giovannasoli_ (IG)

49. Kathryn Conrad
kathryn.conrad@hotmail.com

https://www.kathrynconradfoodstyling.com/

50. Camille Morgenstern
hello@thecariocakitchen.com
@theriokitchen

51. Mary Helen McNally
maryhelenmcnally@gmail.com
www.maryhelenmcnally.com

52. Ceri Marsh
marsh.ceri@gmail.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ceri-marsh-44099a24/

53. Roxanne Wyss
roxannepluggedin@gmail.com
www.pluggedintocooking.com

54. Ellen Fort
ellenfort@gmail.com
IG ellen_fort_feasts

55. Kathy Moore
Kathy@pluggedintocooking.com
www.pluggedintocooking.com

56. Danielle DeLott
danielle.delott@gmail.com
@danielledelott7

57. Dawn Yanagihara
dmyanagihara@yahoo.com

58. Lauren Chandler
laurenbchandler@gmail.com
www.laurenchandlercooks.com

59. Naomi Tomky
naomitomky@gmail.com
www.naomitomky.com

60. Kari Headings
kari@alittlespoon.com
https://alittlespoon.com/

61. Morgen Schroeder
hello@mvcheesery.com
www.mvcheesery.com

62. Joanne Stekler
joanne@uglyducklingbakery.com
Uglyducklingbakery.com

63. Annette Nielsen
annettenielsen@mac.com
https://www.instagram.com/annettenielsen/

64. Becky Calvert
beckycalvert@gmail.com
IG @beckyecalvert

65. Annada Rathi

Annada.rathi@gmail.com

66. Amy Allen

Amyallen99@gmail.com

Palateandpalette.substack.com

67. Kelly Vaughan

vaughankellym@gmail.com

68. Vivian Jao

Bittermelon.vj@gmail.com

69. Jill Keller

jillfoodstylist@gmail.com

70. Jo Hemenway

joehemenway@gmail.com

71. Sarah Lippa

sarahlippa@gmail.com

https://www.facebook.com/SarahLippaPersonalChef

72. Alice Knisley Matthias

aliceknisleymatthias@gmail.com

https://aliceknisleymatthias.com

https://muckrack.com/alice-knisley-matthias

73. Gloria Kobrin

gbkgourmet@gmail.com

74. Deborah Clark

deborahclark@mywritemind.com

75. Catherine Cogliandro Alioto

ccalioto@yahoo.com

76. Julie McAllister

hello@juliemcallistercakes.com

https://juliemcallistercakes.com

77. Alison Brushaber

alisonbrushaber@gmail.com

78. Kara Elder

kara.elder.v@gmail.com

79. Ashley Mincey

contact@enviebymincey.com

IG: @enviebymincey

80. Kayla Anderson

Kaylaanderson1080@gmail.com

81. Anne

mailmelly@yahoo.com

82. Johanna Lowe

johanna@tastefultart.com

tastefultart.com

83. Jeanie Jo

jeaniejo@mealandgrace.blog

84. Megan Litt

meganelitt@gmail.com

https://www.meganlitt.com/

85. Angela Burke

angelabfandb@gmail.com

burkeangela.com

86. Judy R. Merhar

judymerhar@gmail.com

87. Amanda Luchtel

Aluchtel88@gmail.com

***Yes I know the formatting on this list is wonky. I’ve spent an embarrassingly long period of time trying to format and create consistency across this list (please don’t try to offer suggestions as I have consulted a number of people already). But much like the hard lesson that i have to constantly remind myself about in life, sometimes good enough and done is better than not at all. I’m just a human over here overthinking things and fighting perfectionism.

This list also tells me that a LOT of talented people are looking for recipe testing work. I believe it is Priscilla McKinney who, at least for me, planted the reframe that “collaboration is the new competition.”

I hope that people on this list connect with one another to network with each other. Many of you have complimentary skillsets and who knows what opportunities are on the table. Because hopefully we all can agree that when there is a seat at the table for everyone, the meal just tastes better.

Even sprouted whole grains.

~Sally~

REMINDER:

If you’re interested in honing your recipe writing skills and want to network with the NSSA reader community, I highly encourage you to come to the first NSSA Skill Building Session.

When: July 30^th from 1-2:30ET (deadline to “register” aka upgrade your subscription is July 28^th at 12ET)

Where: on Zoom (recording provided after)

Deets: The first hour will be an overview and AMA. Then, during the last 30 mins, I will facilitate an OFFER & ASK networking session. This is your opportunity to either make an offer to someone in our virtual room to help support their work, or to make an ask of those who might be in a position to help you with a specific career goal. Come with a generous and abundant mindset, whatever this means to you.

Please note that the OFFER & ASK session is NOT specific to recipe writing, so feel free to come for the whole 90 mins and participate in whatever part feels aligned with how you want to show up.

This event is reserved exclusively for paying readers to ensure that those most engaged in professional development are in the same room. Registration for the event closes at noon ET on July 28th. All paying subscribers will get an email with the Zoom info by Tuesday the 29th.

To “register” you must upgrade your subscription to this newsletter.

Want to join? Upgrade your subscription HERE. Equity spots available.

Lastly, as a thank you to this incredible community, I will be giving away one 30 min consult to a randomly chosen paid reader during the Recipe AMA. All paying subscribers are eligible and you do not have to attend live to win.

Upgrade your subscription HERE.

To all my readers, I am cooking up something special for you in August so stay tuned!