Monika Sudakov
School
Chapman University, University Of Nevada Las Vegas
Expertise
Culinary Education, Food History, Food Anthropology
- In 2015, Monika became a Certified Culinary Professional with the International Association of Culinary Professionals
- She was the innkeeper and chef of an award-winning bed and breakfast featuring gourmet cuisine for 18 years.
- Her master's thesis entitled "Moroccan Tea Ritual: Religion, Gender, Socio-Economics and Hospitality" was published by Lambert Academic Press in 2010.
Experience
Monika has worked in the culinary field since 2005 as a chef, cooking instructor, and cookbook author. She began her career as a writer with regular contributions to the mental health website The Mighty, in 2016. Over the years she has written on topics related to chronic illness, trauma, cooking for dietary restrictions, and hospitality. In 2022, she fused her experience as a culinary professional with her research in food and culture and her acumen as a writer by joining the team at Daily Meal.
Education
Monika has a Bachelor's Degree in French, a Bachelor's in Fine Arts in Media Performance, and a Master's Degree in Cultural Anthropology.
The Daily Meal’s content comes from an authoritative editorial staff that is dedicated to current and comprehensive coverage. With an aim to provide only informative and engaging content, our writers, editors, and experts take care to craft clear and concise copy on all things food-related, from news in the food service industry to in-depth explainers about what’s found in readers’ refrigerators, original recipes from experienced chefs, and more.
Our team also regularly reviews and updates articles as necessary to ensure they are accurate. For more information on our editorial process, view our full policies page.
Stories By Monika Sudakov
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We did the dirty work of finding the easiest way to peel garlic so you can spare your nose, hands, knives, and nerves. The winning method surprised us.
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Superstitions are as old as humanity itself, as is the need for food, so it's no surprise that there are many little-known food superstitions around the world.
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You may have heard of tricks like wrapping your banana stems in aluminum foil or hanging the bunch on a hook to keep them ripe -- but which ones actually work?
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Rao's Homemade and 818 Tequila have released a Pasta Alla Tequila kit allowing you to enjoy a boozy pasta meal at home, and we tried it out.
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Panda Express' Firecracker Shrimp is back for a limited time only. We spoke with Panda's Chef Jimmy Wang to get the lowdown on this beloved menu item's return.
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Dolly Parton's releasing more Southern comfort food than ever for 2024, including new Duncan Hines baking mixes. We tried a few, and here's what we think.
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Originating in the America, beans have become a reliable food source for a large majority of the world's population and are prepared in a wide variety of ways.
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Oreo and Betty Crocker have released four Oreo-infused baking mixes and an Oreo-inspired frosting, and our professional baker tried and evaluated each of them.
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Simply Spiked is kicking of 2024 by adding four new limeade flavors to its four lemonade flavors. We've tried all eight citrus blends and crowned a champion.
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This tool looks like a spatula-tong hybrid that promises to grip and flip eggs quickly and effectively. Clearly, we had to find out if it actually works.
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Get ready for the big game by whipping up some tasty and creative party foods. From dips to desserts, these recipes are sure to be a hit with your guests.
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Cooking wings at home is less expensive than takeout and can often be more unique. Try these tricks to ensure yours are crispy, juicy, and delicious.
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The classic yellow Peep is a fan favorite version of the marshmallow treat, but are the other flavors any good? We tasted 15 of them to find out.
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From elegant lamb and beef dishes to virtually endless pasta dishes, this collection of recipes is perfect for planning a romantic dinner at home.
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Chickpeas are an essential part of Mediterranean cuisine. From snacks to full meals, here are some delicious ways to prepare them in your own kitchen.
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From lamb to pork to chicken, here’s what you need to know about cooking each type of meat to ensure it's not only delicious, but also safe to consume.
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If you're a fan of shrimp and you're looking for new recipe ideas, Daily Meal's recipe developers have come up with quite a few. Here are some of the best.
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The next time you host a dinner party, try one of these cuts of steak to impress your guests. They will not be disappointed and may even ask for seconds.
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There are a few cuts of steak you should always order when dining out, due to their probabilities for success when prepared in professional kitchens.
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Broccoli is incredibly versatile, making it easy to add into any recipe. From soups and salads to stir-fries and casseroles, here are 13 recipes you should try.
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Here are 13 chef-approved tips for making the best beef tenderloin for your next special occasion. Not only will you blow away guests, you'll also save money.
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Steak can be challenging to get just right. So, we put together 19 tips for cooking a perfect medium-rare steak every time so you can get straight to eating.
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There's an art to making French toast, and a lot of it comes down to the type of bread you use. From sweet to savory, these loaves are perfect for the dish.
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Non-dairy cheeses can be a hit or miss. We tried 11 of them to determine those that are worth buying and the one that can just stay on the grocery store shelf.
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Solo garlic's name says it all: It's a garlic bulb comprised of one single clove. Here's what you need to know about this trendy variety of garlic.
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Every loaf of bread is a unique creation, and for avid bakers wanting to take their bread-baking game to the next level, this list is for you.
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These diverse carrot dishes from Daily Meal recipe developers range from classics like soups, salads, and cake to more unique preparations.