Marlene Ridgway
Location
Leland, North Carolina, United States
School
Davis & Elkins College
Expertise
Getting Creative With Leftovers, Healthy Eating, Meals With Simple Ingredients
- For a story entitled, "Private Chefs" for Keller Williams Luxury International magazine, Marlene interviewed and worked closely with six award-winning private chefs from around the world to explore their trade secrets.
- After personally experimenting with recipes that are gluten and dairy-free but still delicious, Marlene has perfected copycat recipes for Tagalongs and Twix Bars, and makes her own oat milk at home.
- Marlene is dedicated to fresh seasonings when cooking and has curated a hearty herb garden that grows back every year on her back patio, which includes fresh basil, mint, rosemary, cilantro, scallions, lemon balm, and thyme.
Experience
Marlene began her journey as a writer at a young age, always writing stories and entering contests. After graduating college, Marlene began writing for several websites and magazines, including The High End magazine and HomeSteading.com, where food was often a topic of her writing. Always reading, and with a love for food, cooking tips, and meal prep, Marlene has personal experience and a passion for trying out new recipes and experimenting with exciting foods and cooking techniques. In addition to her Bachelor's Degree, Marlene has published a novel, been published in Appalachia: Stay or Go - Volume 20, and writes her own blog, Written By Marlene.
Education
Marlene focused on pursuing her goal of becoming a writer during her time at Davis & Elkins College, where she became the chief operating officer of the student newspaper, and tutored other students.
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 Marlene Ridgway
-
If you are looking to level up your cooking game, then you should look into getting a dutch oven. So, here's a list of the best ones to get you started!
-
If you want to eat a tasty treat and learn more about Japanese culture, pay attention. Here are 12 Japanese desserts you should know more about.
-
Take your homemade pizza crust to the next level with gooey stuffed cheese, sweet surprises, and the perfect seasoning to pair with your toppings.
-
Costco's Kirkland Signature brand offers some great products. However, some of these items are quite unhealthy and should be avoided or eaten in moderation.
-
Chick-fil-A is a famous fast food restaurant. Their many offerings are beloved by a large portion of Americans. Nevertheless, here are some to stay away from.
-
Strong and mysterious, absinthe has long been one of the most alluring alcoholic drinks in the world. Here's everything you need to know about the green fairy.
-
Frozen french fries may seem boring on the outside, but they're actually a blank canvas that's waiting to be experimented on with seasonings and toppings.
-
Brown sugar is the extra ingredient you didn't know you needed in your sweet treats. Here are some ways that brown sugar can elevate your dessert.
-
Aldi is known for offering a variety of products at low prices, including gluten-free, vegan, and organic options. Here are just some of the foods worth buying.
-
Have you ever heard of Himalayan sea salt? From cooking to lamps, there's a lot to talk about when it comes to this amazing mineral.
-
Apple cider vinegar is often touted as an elixir. Discover what sets this popular liquid apart and how to use it for optimal results in the kitchen and at home.
-
Food waste is a major problem. However, there are plenty of food scraps that can actually be used in other great dishes rather than being tossed in the trash.
-
Walmart's store brand, Great Value, promises quality and affordability. But it's not always the healthiest alternative. Here are the products you should avoid.
-
Not only are freezer foods convenient and quick, but some are also pretty healthy. Check out this list to find out which frozen foods you should stock up on.
-
Ready to cut down on your grocery bill? Follow this guide to buying food in bulk and learn how to stock your pantry without breaking the bank.
-
We have the solution if you're worried about giving up cheese and missing out on your favorite foods. Check out our list of the 12 best dairy-free substitutes.