Samantha Cochran
School
Sweet Briar College
Expertise
Coffee, Cookware, Small-batch Recipes
- Samantha began honing her expertise in food and beverages during her years spent as a dining server, bartender, and barista.
- She recently tested, rewrote, digitized, and privately published her family's many recipes, some over a hundred years old, into an heirloom family cookbook.
- Samantha's hobbies include converting large baking recipes into versions that only serve one or two people— because sometimes you only need ONE cupcake.
Experience
Samantha has worked as a full-time content writer since 2020, focusing on the food, beverage, and lifestyle niches. She began as a staff writer for Just Coffee Lovers and Roasty Coffee, where she wrote recipes, extensive feature articles, "best-of" lists, and product reviews dedicated to all things coffee. She also recently worked as a kitchen product review writer for Prudent Reviews, where she wrote deep-dive review pieces on kitchen appliances and cookware. In her spare time, she's an avid home cook who is always on the hunt for weird and unique recipes to try.
Education
Samantha received an interdisciplinary Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Sweet Briar College in 2016.
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 Samantha Cochran
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Costco's bakery section is a hidden gem, full of freshly baked treats. From cookies to wedding cakes, here are a few things you might not know about it.
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Grab your spoon and prepare your taste buds; we're about to explore six of the finest and six of the less appealing frozen desserts you can snag at Aldi.
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From the history of the sausage to your biggest food safety concerns, join us on a journey to uncover the truth about everyone's favorite ballpark snack.
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Most kitchens have some vinegar on hand, and has a surprising number of uses. Here are some helpful tricks to use it for both culinary and household purposes.
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Ever wondered which sweet confection took the cake (pun intended) the year you were born? We rounded up those that were popular from 1925 to 2012.
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Corned beef is surrounded by a multitude of myths from its history to its safety. So, here are 10 myth-busting facts about the meat that you need to know.
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From coupons for free food to surveys that enter you into giveaways, there are plenty of great reasons to ask for a receipt at these restaurants.
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Aldi is a welcome respite from high grocery prices but that can also lead to a lack in product quality. So, here are six Aldi meats you may want to avoid.
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The stoic can of corned beef in your cupboard may be in periphery of your meal plan. But, this guide will help you understand how to use this ubiquitous food.
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Though it may be hard to resist choosing everything the Krispy Kreme menu has to offer, there are often better alternatives to your go-to orders.
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Plenty of fast food chains sell frozen treats, but did you know that many of them aren't made with real ice cream but rather a close cousin of it?
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There's more to this deceptively simple cake than meets the eye. Curious about its longer history, and that famous four-square checkerboard pattern?
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Nuts are a great source of plant-based protein, essential nutrients, and heart-healthy fats, but there are some you should steer clear of. Here's why.
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Even if you've never had macadamia nuts before, you've likely heard of them. But do you know where they come from, or whether or not they're good for you?
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The '80s were a time of teased hair and neon digs, but the decade also had its fair share of tasty dishes that are making a comeback at dinner tables today.
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The story of chocolate is a rich tapestry of culture, trade, and innovation. From its health benefits to how it was used as currency, here's 12 things to know.
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Love him or hate him, it's impossible to deny that Ronald McDonald is one of the most famous faces on the planet. Here's how he has changed over the years.
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When it comes to food, each decade is known for certain recipes. From Spam 'n eggs to molten lava cake, here are the most popular the year you were born.
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Worcestershire sauce adds a punchy kick to any dish, but which brands reign supreme? From those with classic recipes to bold flavor profiles, here are the best.