At Taste of Home, we believe home cooks are the best cooks, and our Community Cooks are simply the best of the best. The members of this vibrant community are the creators of many of the inspired recipes at the heart of Taste of Home that are treasured by cooks across the globe. And the good news is there’s always room for more!
Welcome to our Community Cooks program. If you’re someone who loves whipping up fresh, exciting flavors, creating knockout party menus for family and friends, sharing pictures and videos of your latest kitchen triumphs, and baking every variety of cookie under the sun, you have found your people. To join us, all you need to do is read our list of benefits and asks and fill out the application at the bottom of this page.
Perks for Community Cooks
Here are the benefits of being a Community Cook.
- We are proud of our Community Cooks and will shout it from the rooftops! Recipes and tips, photos, videos and other fun content from Community Cooks will be featured across the brand, both in print and digitally.
- We’ll share inspiration from our Community Cooks across our social media channels—with an audience of nearly 10 million—including promotion on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter. Bonus! Community Cooks may be asked for additional social content, such as creation of an Instagram Story.
- You will receive a free print subscription to Taste of Home magazine.
- You will receive a discount on ShopTasteofHome.com.
- Don’t worry—Community Cooks are still eligible to win our contests, prizes and products.
- And coming soon! We are working on modifications to our website to call out your special status as a Community Cook. You will be able to create a profile on our website with links to your own blog, website and/or social media. Stay tuned for more!
In addition:
- You may have the opportunity to represent Taste of Home in media appearances in your market.
- You may be offered the opportunity to review Taste of Home books, kitchen products, special issues and other branded goodies, and receive Taste of Home products that you can give away on your blog or social media.
- Got a writing background? We may reach out to you with writing opportunities for Taste of Home.
- As an active Community Cook, you may be selected to participate in sponsored articles, videos or social promotions in conjunction with advertisers in which you’ll receive compensation for participating.
Responsibilities of Community Cooks
Here’s what we’d like you to do as a Community Cook.
- Submit a minimum of six original, unique and totally delicious recipes to Taste of Home each year. Contest submissions count and remember that Community Cooks are eligible to win contest prizes! (Note: Being a member of our community does not guarantee preferential treatment in the contests.)
- Participate actively in our community on TasteofHome.com. Rate, review and offer helpful advice or tips on a minimum of 36 recipes per year. Welcome and encourage your new friends! Help them learn their way around.
- Share your opinions and reviews on all sorts of products—food, kitchen gadgets, small appliances, serving ware, etc.—and styles of cooking. Your opinions and reviews will help inform and shape the topics we cover.
- Follow Taste of Home on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and/or Twitter and please repost, reshare, retweet or pin our recipes and articles. We’d also love your help answering the tons of questions we get every day about cooking, baking and our recipes. Let your expertise shine!
- Share your Taste of Home pride with your friends! Call out your favorite recipes and articles by linking to Taste of Home in a minimum of one social media post per month and, if you have it, one blog or website post per month. Tag @tasteofhome in the captions or Instagram Stories of a minimum of two social posts per month. Posts can drive to your recipes, other Taste of Home content or contest promotions.
- If you have a blog or website, post about two Taste of Home products (such as the magazine, Special Delivery Box, special issues, cookware/bakeware and cookbooks) each year.
- In addition, if you are an expert at making your home-baked cake look picture-perfect or you are a whiz at quick home-cooking videos, we’d love to see your stuff! We may share your photos and videos and may even ask you to create something special for us.
- Finally—encourage your friends and family to join us! The more, the merrier around our big table.
How to Apply
To get started, simply fill out our easy-peasy application. We review all applications and if you’re a fit, we’ll reach out as soon as possible.
Make Our Community Cooks' Best Recipes!
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Smoked Mozzarella Chicken with Pasta
This is one of my all-time favorite dinner recipes. It's super fast and easy to dress up or down. Add a green salad and you have a complete meal in the time it takes to cook the pasta. —Field Editor Sue Stetzel, Gainesville, New York
Pina Colada Zucchini Bread
I love the uniqueness of the bread, the ease of making it, how delicious it tastes—it has become one of my signature items for my little bakery business. It is so moist and tasty, and everybody just exclaims “Pina Colada Zucchini Bread? I’ve never heard of such a thing!” —Field Editor Debbie Johnson, Centertown, Missouri
Tortellini Carbonara
After being challenged to try something new, I decided to give this tortellini recipe a shot. My husband and I loved it so much it's now a regular addition to our menu. —Field Editor Cyndy Gerken, Naples, Florida
Stuffed Pepper Soup
Nothing warms you up like a bowl of delicious soup. We love that it brings all the flavors of stuffed peppers into a quick, hearty dish. —Field Editor Cindy Reams, Philipsburg, Pennsylvania
The Best Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
For as long as I can remember, I couldn't get the potatoes in my scalloped potatoes to cook through completely. I tried this recipe for Easter, and it turned out perfectly. It's now my go-to scalloped potato recipe. —Field Editor Becky Carver, North Royalton, Ohio
Lemon Pudding Dessert
I made this creamy treat for the very first time for a gathering last spring. It's now a top fave of mine. —Field Editor Jill Thomas, Washington, Indiana
Bacon Cheeseburger Slider Bake
Every time I make this slider recipe, folks gobble it up. It is SO good—perfect for game night. —Field Editor Debbie Glasscock, Conway, Arkansas
Rawhide's Whiskey Cake
We just love this cake! It's one of our favorite recipes to take to potluck get-togethers. —Field Editor Helen Nelander, Boulder Creek, California
Italian Stuffed Shells
This pasta casserole is our current fave! It's yummy but it's also easy enough that the girls can help make it, plus it freezes great. It's my go to recipe to take to new moms, sick friends, etc.! It's actually on my menu for this week! —Field Editor Jen Stowell, Montezuma, Iowa
Grilled Huli Huli Chicken
I’ve never come across a single person that doesn’t care for this juicy chicken! That’s saying a lot, because it is my go-to company dish that I scale up for a big crowd, or dial back for a small gathering. It’s a guaranteed winner that I make over and over. —Field Editor Shannon Dobos, Calgary, Alberta
Shrimp & Nectarine Salad
I always share this recipe when talk turns to summer salads. The tangy nectarine pairs so well with the veggies. The tarragon and orange juice are a great blend and I'm impressed that it emulsifies without the oil! The dressing is so yummy, you'll want to double it. —Field Editor Ann Sheehy, Lawrence, Massachusetts
Crispy Onion Chicken
We have this delicious chicken recipe once a week. Not only is it quick and easy, but the flavor is scrumptious. My husband and I both love it. —Field Editor Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Spice Cookies with Pumpkin Dip
OMGosh this is a fall favorite at my house! I add some special touches to the dip, and everyone I share it with asks for the recipe. —Field Editor Shawn Barto, Winter Garden, Florida
Favorite Chicken Potpie
I make this potpie all the time. The entire family loves the flavor and I like the consistency. It's thick enough that the filling holds together when you cut the first piece. —Field Editor Lorri Stout, Gaithersburg, Maryland
Amish Sugar Cookies
I love to add lemon or orange zest to these cookies, and they never fail to impress. What I love most is the fact that they absolutely melt in your mouth. —Field Editor Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon
Teriyaki Chicken Thighs
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this recipe. It's so easy and loaded with Asian flavors. I've shared this with many friends and neighbors over the years. I wish I could give it 10 stars instead of only 5. —Field Editor Susan Bickta, Kutztown, Pennsylvania
Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
These cookies are soft and delish, and the dough freezes like a charm. I like to keep some on hand to bake with my great niece. —Field Editor Rita Sumers, Niagara Falls, New York
Feta Bruschetta
If I could give this recipe 10 stars I would. I have made this cheesy bruschetta many times while catering events, and guests ask for the recipe every time. —Field Editor Kallee Krong-McCreery, Escondido, California
Washington State Apple Pie
I love that this pie has just the right amount of spice. Cooking the apples before baking is a nice bonus that ensures the filling is cooked through and the pie stays full. —Field Editor Stacy White, Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina
Slow-Cooked Chicken Enchilada Soup
My family loves this enchilada soup so much that it made our Christmas Eve menu last year. It's so easy, and perfect on a cold winter day. Added bonus: It's gluten-free and dairy-free, making it easy to serve when the extended family is together. —Field Editor Renee Page, Rochelle, Illinois
Outrageous Peanut Butter Sauce
This sauce is the best over creamy chocolate ice cream. I also love to heat it up just a little and pour it over little chocolate cakes. It's a great way to feed my chocolate-peanut butter cravings. —Field Editor Kelly Shoemaker, Stafford, Virginia
Icebox Butterhorns
I make these rolls several times a year, but my extended family considers them a requirement for the Thanksgiving table. I don't mind! Mixing the dough the night before helps make this an easy wish to fulfill. —Field Editor Angela Lively, Conroe, Texas
Banana-Zucchini Bread
I love to add all sorts of extras to this recipe. Walnuts, applesauce, even shredded carrots! I've gifted this bread more times than any other recipe in my collection. It's a staple in my kitchen. —Field Editor Peggy Brott, Colorado Springs, Colorado
Pigeon River Chicken
This fried chicken is the closest recipe I could find that could contend with my Southern Granny's version. It takes me back to her kitchen every time I make it. —Field Editor Becky Carver, North Royalton, Ohio
Buttermilk Pecan Pie
This is my absolute favorite pie! I'm flooded with compliments every time I make it. The pie plate is always wiped clean. —Field Editor Jill Thomas, Washington, Indiana
Blueberry Streusel Coffee Cake
The first time I made this coffee cake recipe, it was simply because I had everything on hand. Now I make this coffee cake regularly because everyone in my family loves it. —Field Editor Denise Beadle, Dothan, Alabama
Orange-Pecan Salmon
I love how much flavor the marmalade adds to this salmon. It's a great alternative to dill. The pecans add a nice, nutty aftertaste which pulls the whole recipe together. It's my go-to salmon recipe. —Field Editor Jane Zirbser, Mullica Hill, New Jersey
Pumpkin Torte
I make this torte every Thanksgiving, and it's a winner! Everyone shows up with pumpkin rolls. This is deliciously different. —Field Editor Teri Rasey, Cadillac, Michigan
Baked Spaghetti
I've been preparing this twist on spaghetti since the '90s. It's my go-to for every potluck, funeral or party I attend. Sometimes I stir in pepperoni for added flavor. —Field Editor Becky Carver, North Royalton, Ohio
Macadamia Key Lime Pie
Not only is this pie delicious, it's easy to make. Such a fun and delicious twist on a classic favorite. —Field Editor Laura Davis, Chincoteague, VirginiaThe post Join Our Taste of Home Community Cooks! appeared first on Taste of Home.
Taste of Home Editors