Professional Recipe Testing 

Recipe Testing That Delivers: Taste, Clarity & Consistency for Foolproof Results.

Whether you’re creating a cookbook, wellness program, or brand content, I specialize in precision testing and flavor refinement. Each recipe is tested for taste, edited for clarity, and refined for consistency—ensuring it’s accurate, approachable, and delivers exceptional results.

Assorted cookies decorated with white icing and yellow flower or petal toppings, placed on a dark surface with some green leaves for gluten free baking options
LET'S CREATE TOGETHER

  • Recipe Testing – Accurate, repeatable, and well documented testing with clearly formatted and organized feedback

  • Light Recipe Development – When you need new creations, ideas or revamps

  • Thorough Edits & Adjustments – Flavor balance, clarity of instructions, detailed measurements, ingredient changes and more

  • Prep Styling – Meticulous food preparation aligned with the needs of the author or stylist for shoots or visual presentation

  • Nutrition-Aware Recipes – Optional adjustments for special diets or wellness goals

A woman in a white shirt holding a jar of green herbs in a kitchen with a window and plants.

My Approach

As a nutritional therapist, recipe tester, and holistic chef, I bring a unique blend of culinary expertise and nourishment-focused insight to every project.

I test for:

  • Flavor & Balance – Recipes should taste incredible and feel satisfying

  • Clarity & Simplicity – Clear, concise instructions that make cooking joyful

  • Consistency & Accuracy – Reliable results every time, in real kitchens

  • Whole-Food & Seasonal Focus – A gentle, holistic lens when desired

You don’t have to be in the wellness space to work with me—but if you are, I speak your language.

I’ve spent my life immersed in the world of food. Growing up in a food writer’s kitchen, I helped my mother refine recipes and perfect flavors from an early age. Over time, those skills became second nature—and evolved into a professional passion.

I’ve supported food publications, cookbook authors, and content creators in building recipes they can truly stand behind. From nutrient-rich whole foods, herbs to traditional cooking techniques, I bring accuracy, creativity, and care to every project—helping turn your ideas into tested, reliable recipes your audience will love.

LET'S CHAT ABOUT YOUR PROJECT

Portfolio

CLIENTS: Andrea Livingston, Eva Kosos Flores, Simon and Schuster, Botanical Anthology.

A cup of chai tea latte topped with cinnamon powder, whole spices, and a cinnamon stick.
Pot filled with mushrooms, garlic, onion slices, carrots, ginger slices, rosemary, parsley, sage, and chives on a wooden surface.
Toasted bread slices topped with a caramelized onion spread on a rustic plate with a spoon on the side. A jar of the spread and a linen cloth are nearby.
Glass of iced mocha coffee with foam and cocoa powder on top, placed on a saucer with a spoon on the side.
Close-up of a bowl of Asian-style salad with sliced beef, cucumbers, purple cabbage, green beans, topped with crunchy fried garlic and chopped green onions.
Lettuce wrap with a veggie burger patty topped with microgreens, sliced red onion, yellow and red bell peppers.
Herbal salve in tin containers with dried flowers on wooden surface
Bowl of dried herbs and flowers on a wooden surface.
Bowl of peach ice cream garnished with fresh mint leaves on a dark tray, with a peach and mint leaves in the background.
Vegetable soup with peas, carrots, potatoes, herbs, and a dollop of sour cream in a wooden bowl.
Baked chicken thighs with roasted cauliflower, carrots, and kale in a baking dish garnished with parsley.

  • "I am so grateful that Michelle was a food stylist on the cookbook we collaborated on. She was meticulous about ensuring everything was organized and cooked to perfection, both for the camera and for recipe quality. Her ability to multi-task kept the shoot running smoothly, and every dish she prepared glowed in front of the camera. I would highly recommend working with her for any recipe testing or food styling projects!"

    Eva Kosmas Flores -photographer, 2x cookbook author, food stylist and influencer.

  • Michelle is an excellent recipe tester-thorough, reliable, and truly talented in the kitchen. I completely trust her work and appreciate her ability to approach every recipe with care and attention to detail. She brings skill, clarity and dedication to every project, and I am truly grateful to work alongside her.

    Andrea Livingston -recipe developer, food stylist and photographer, cookbook production.

  • “There is nothing this team can't do...{ they may have set the record for the shortest turnaround time in the history of publishing. Not only did they end up producing top-tier work - the book we worked on together is gorgeous - they came to us with the most reasonable budget and beat every deadline along the way. There is no problem they cannot solve. They are unshakeable, unbreakable, and can make even the lumpiest potato look like a prom queen. I can only imagine what they can do with a proper timeline, but I know I won't have to wonder for too long, because I will endeavor to work with them as often as possible. Simply put, they are amazing!

    Gideon Pine, Inkwell Management Literary Agency

Fresh dill on a wooden cutting board with a knife and a salt shaker in the background.

Working With Me

Location & Remote Work

Based in the Pacific Northwest, I work both locally and remotely. Recipe testing is done from a well-stocked kitchen with access to seasonal and specialty ingredients.

From start to finish, I make the process collaborative and smooth. Need help prepping for a photoshoot? Have 50 recipes needing polished before print? I’ve got you covered.

Here’s how we can work together:

  1. Discovery Call – We talk scope, timeline, and goals

  2. Testing Phase – You receive organized notes, feedback, edits

  3. Delivery – Recipes ready for handoff, design, or publishing

You can hire me for a bundle, ongoing monthly work, or project-specific testing.

Rates:

RECIPE TESTING $100.00 Per Recipe, Per Test.

Food costs are additional and to be reimbursed by the client.

PREP/ASSISTANT STYLIStT $750.00 per day on average

Rate may vary based on number of meals, shoot hours per day, and size of the production team.

Let's Chat

May Include:

Planning, shopping, preparation, organization, administration, cooking, assistant styling, all notes & suggestions, rewrites and a

really great attitude because…

I LOVE this work so much!!

Perfect for:

  • Cookbooks & ghostwriting projects

  • Branded food content & wellness programs

  • Food blogs, website content & newsletters

  • Social media campaigns & educational series