About
Hey There! I’m Chloe Sanders
Chef | Detail Detective | Quality Guardian | Age 31
Portland, Maine-based culinary perfectionist who believes every step of soup-making deserves attention, documentation, and care.
My Story
I’m the person who reads instruction manuals cover to cover, color-codes kitchen tools, and once spent six hours testing the difference between 15-minute versus 17-minute simmers. My family calls it “extra.” I call it ensuring recipes actually work when you follow them.
Growing up, I watched my mom cry over failed recipes because the instructions said things like “cook until done” or “add salt to taste” without any actual guidance. Those vague instructions waste time, money, and confidence. I became obsessed with clarity—what does “simmer” actually look like? How do you know when soup is “thick enough”?
The Turning Point
Two years ago, I tested a popular food blogger’s “foolproof” minestrone recipe. Following the instructions exactly resulted in mushy vegetables, bland broth, and pasta that turned to mush. When I commented asking for clarification, I got no response.
That experience crystallized my purpose: someone needs to be the quality control person actually testing whether recipes work as written. Not testing with professional equipment or intuitive adjustments—testing with regular pots, standard store ingredients, and zero assumptions. That’s when I joined Soup Cozy.
What I Learned the Hard Way
My perfectionism initially slowed everything down. I’d test recipes seven, eight times, adjusting tiny details that honestly didn’t matter to most home cooks. Olivia finally asked me, “Are you testing for perfection or for functionality?”.
That question changed my approach. Now I test until recipes work consistently—not until they’re perfect. I focus on identifying where things go wrong (unclear instructions, bad timing, technique confusion) rather than pursuing some impossible ideal.
My Approach Now
For every recipe published on Soup Cozy, I test it three times in my regular home kitchen using standard equipment. First test: follow instructions exactly, noting confusion points. Second test: incorporate clarifications, documenting every step with photos. Third test: hand it to someone with zero soup-making experience and watch them work.
I photograph critical steps—what does “translucent onions” really look like? How thick should “puree until smooth” be? Those visual guides prevent 90% of reader confusion.
What I Believe
Precision enables creativity: Once you master basics, you can innovate confidently
Visual guides beat verbal descriptions: Always show, don’t just tell
Failed recipes damage trust: We owe readers recipes that work
Standard equipment only: If it requires specialty tools, redesign the recipe
Honest timing matters: Account for real prep time, not professional speed
How I Can Help You
At Soup Cozy, I’m the final checkpoint before recipe publication—ensuring instructions are clear, timing is accurate, and results are consistent. I create our step-by-step photo guides and video tutorials breaking down techniques that confuse home cooks.
I also answer reader troubleshooting questions: “Why did my soup turn out watery?” or “Can I fix over-salted broth?” That detective work helps me identify recipe clarifications needed.
A Little More About Me
When I’m not obsessively testing soup recipes, I’m probably organizing something—my spice cabinet is alphabetized, my books are sorted by color, my playlists are curated by mood. I find enormous satisfaction in systems and order.
I’m also weirdly competitive about jigsaw puzzles and trivia nights. My friends stopped inviting me because I “take it too seriously.” Their loss.
Let’s Connect
I love helping troubleshoot cooking problems and clarifying confusing techniques! Share what went wrong with your soup, ask detailed technical questions, or tell me which recipe instructions confused you.
Get In Touch
Find detailed recipe guides at www.soupcozy.com | Email: [email protected] | Instagram: @chloedetailseverything
