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 BFA in media performance, and a master's 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 tasted Annie’s new cheesier Shells & White Cheddar to see how it compares to the brand’s classic version of shells and cheese. Here are all the details.
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Want to flip your eggs perfectly? Then you need to avoid these mistakes our expert has identified over the course of a long and egg-filled career.
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Stouffer's new mac & cheese is designed to go head-to-head against Velveeta's Shells & Cheese. We tried both brands to find out how they really compare.
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It's easy to feel spoiled for choice, with all the varieties of hard iced tea available. We tried several of the most popular to see which was best.
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From their purported role in casting spells to the idea they can't be used in desserts, this fruit has had a complicated road. Here's the truth about tomatoes.
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Ceviche isn't difficult to make, as long as you know how. If you've ever noticed that restaurants make it taste so much better than homemade, here's how.
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From bacon to chicken to brownies, we cooked 11 foods in both an air fryer and oven to find out which appliance produces the best results. And we were shocked.
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From the type of eggs used to how they’re mixed to ingredients added, our resident chef explains why restaurants have the most velvety and delectable scrambles.
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While we didn't love all of them, three of Panera’s new baked goods were home runs we’d definitely recommend pairing with your next cup of coffee or tea.
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There are a number of red flags that can indicate that the meat is spoiled, has not been stored properly, or has been in the freezer for too long.
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Some fruits fare better than others when canned, and peaches are one of them. These expert tips and tricks will help you maximize their flavor and texture.
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Celery is often perceived as having no flavor and just a useful vessel for toppings. However, when prepared properly, it can be a tremendously tasty ingredient.
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Green bean casserole doesn't have to be the same old dish every time. These are the swaps you can make to turn an old recipe into something fun, new, and tasty.
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A simple way to spruce up a cheesecake recipe is to swap out one of the usual ingredients for an alternative. Here are some chef-approved ingredients to try!
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Looking to upgrade your canned tuna? Our expert has 13 ways to elevate this pantry staple into a gourmet experience, from ceviche to chowder.
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What do chefs do differently behind the scenes that makes their vegetables turn out so succulent, vibrant, and flavorful? Our resident chefs spills the beans.
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Why do mushrooms taste better in restaurants than when you prepare them at home? Our expert has the answers, and plenty of tips for better at-home mushrooms.
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The new candies come in one bag that contains three snappy varieties, each inspired by the Snapple flavors of Mango Madness, Kiwi Strawberry, and Fruit Punch.
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French toast is a classic breakfast dish, but with a few substitutions you can turn it into something absolutely decadent. Our resident chef shares her tricks.
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Not all spaghetti is made equal. Here's our ranking of which boxed spaghetti brands have the best flavor and texture, so you can choose the best one.
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If you enjoy making your own lasagna from scratch, there are some ways you can make this dish even better, with chef-approved ingredient swaps.
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Jars of store-bought marinara sauce can be a great way to whip up a quick and easy meal. Here's our ranking of which popular brands are best to buy.
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Upgrade your pancakes by using unique ingredients -- like canned artichokes or apple pie filling -- that will turn this basic breakfast into something new.
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In an effort to determine the best canned black beans, I scoured local grocery stores, seeking out the most popular varieties, as well as more niche ones.
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While Dairy Queen is known for sweet treats, the brand has steadily been expanding its savory options. Of those, the chicken strips are especially excellent.
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Nostalgia alone should make this snack a hit with those who ate the stuff from the blue box, but we had to find out first-hand if it's a revelation or a regret.
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Dairy Queen may be better known for its Blizzards, but its burgers are nothing to sneeze at. Here's why you won't want to miss its FlameThrower Stackburger.