Behind the Recipes
Meet the passionate home cook behind Cook it Now and discover how our journey began with a simple mission: to make delicious cooking accessible to everyone.
Emma Thompson
Head Chef & Founder of Cook it Now
I’m Emma, and I believe that amazing meals should be achievable for everyone. My expertise is transforming complex techniques into simple, foolproof steps that work in real home kitchens.
Our Journey Began in a Small Kitchen
Cook it Now started in my 400-square-foot Portland apartment kitchen. As a 28-year-old marketing professional working long hours, I found myself constantly frustrated by recipes that assumed I had specialty equipment, rare ingredients, or hours to spend on meal prep.
I began documenting my simplified versions in a worn-out notebook—cutting unnecessary steps, substituting hard-to-find ingredients, and timing everything for my busy schedule. When friends kept asking for these recipes, I started sharing them on Instagram.
I realized home cooks didn’t need another complicated gourmet recipe. They needed clear guidance on making delicious food with what they already had in their kitchen.
The response from the home cooking community was incredible, which showed me there was a real need for practical, tested recipes. In 2024, I launched CookItNow.site to create a dedicated space where home cooks could find reliable recipes that actually work.
A Note About “I” and “We”
When you see “I” on this site, that’s me—Emma—sharing my personal cooking experiences. When you see “we,” it refers to our small team that helps with recipe testing, photography, and website maintenance. Every recipe is tested at least three times in my kitchen before our team helps finalize it.
Today, Cook it Now continues to grow as a trusted resource for home cooks. Every recipe you find here has been tested multiple times with standard kitchen equipment and ingredients available at regular grocery stores. Whether I’m developing recipes in my kitchen, finding inspiration during walks in Portland, or planning content at coffee shops, my goal remains the same: to make home cooking accessible, enjoyable, and stress-free for everyone.
Our Purpose & Promise
Cook it Now exists to demystify home cooking and make it accessible to everyone, regardless of skill level or kitchen equipment. We focus exclusively on recipes that can be prepared with common tools and ingredients found at regular grocery stores.
Unlike many recipe sites that assume you have specialty equipment or advanced techniques, we provide clear, step-by-step instructions that anyone can follow. Our mission is to build confidence in home cooks by proving that delicious, satisfying meals don’t require professional training—just reliable guidance.
At CookItNow.site, we’re committed to creating a supportive community where beginners and experienced cooks alike can find recipes that work, learn new techniques, and share their culinary successes.