Wendy Hector
School
CSU Northridge, Bath Spa University
Expertise
Home Cooking Techniques, Spirits & Craft Cocktails, Italian Wine
- Wendy is an experienced home cook and an unabashed lover of garlic, so much so that she was once a finalist in the Gilroy Garlic Festival recipe competition
- She holds a Diploma in Wines from the Wine & Spirit Education Trust and is a certified specialist in Italian wines and Sherry.
- An avid traveler, her goal is to eventually visit and experience the cuisine and wine of every region in Italy.
Experience
Wendy is a freelance writer focused on the world of food and beverage. Based in California, she has covered the Bay Area dining scene for platforms including Eater SF and the San Francisco Examiner. Wendy has worked on both sides of the restaurant industry, as a bar program director and sommelier, and as restaurant critic focusing on the San Francisco Bay Area. A lover of all things potable, she holds multiple wine certifications and spent years of her career creating custom cocktails.
Education
Wendy earned both a B.A. and M.A. in creative writing, focusing on literary fiction. After years of working in restaurants, she decided to blend these two interests and pursue a career in food writing.
Today 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 Wendy Hector
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If you're wondering how to incorporate tomatillos into your cooking, we've got you covered. Keep this guide handy if you want to start eating more of them.
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Leave those flat, floppy slices behind for the Windy City's signature pie.
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The muffuletta is an iconic New Orleans sandwich. It is salty and tangy, thanks to its olive-based condiment and the use of savory Italian meats and cheeses.
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Roast chicken is one of those go-to comfort foods you love. But if your roast chicken isn't coming out perfect, follows these steps to make it taste better.
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For novice bourbon drinkers, it can be overwhelming to choose which brands to try. Our list of the best beginner options considers quality, flavor, and price.
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Before you toss out that leftover pickle juice, check out our list of all the other things you can do with it, from adding it to drinks, sauces, and soups.
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If you're looking for charcuterie board inspiration, here are some unconventional ingredients you can include to impress guests at your next gathering.
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There are are lot of different vinegars to choose from out there; here's a breakdown of some of the most common types and the best ways to use them.
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The world of gin is vast, wondrous ... and potentially overwhelming if you're new to it, so we've ranked some of the best-known brands from worst to best.
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If you're a fan of spinach, you should be aware of some of the most common mistakes people make. Here are some tips that will improve your spinach game.
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Cooking shrimp doesn't have to be a boring routine. Discover our favorite ways to infuse the succulent shellfish with loads of flavor and little effort.
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Shrimp and prawns are versatile seafood whose species come with surprising complexity. Here are all the types of shrimp you should get to know.
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From Irish stouts like Guinness to cream ales such as Kilkenny, Irish beers pair beautifully with food, especially with regional flavors. Try out these matches.
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For many, fried chicken is one of the most delicious meals you can have. There are drinks to make it an even more pleasurable experience and we examine them.
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Vodka's relatively neutral taste creates a blank canvas upon which other flavors can shine. Here are flavors of vodka infusions you need to start making.
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Wasabi is an incredibly versatile and simple way to add fresh, intense heat to all kinds of foods and drinks. These are some of our favorite ways to use it.
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Wanting to spruce up your next cheeseburger? Look no further. We've come up with a list of underrated cheeses that will take your burgers to a whole new level.
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Almost everyone loves chicken salad. However, there are different ways to enhance the well-known favorite. Here are 15 ingredients to give it a boost.
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If you're ready to upgrade from chips and dip, these tasty finger foods, from bacon-wrapped bites to savory tartlets, will impress and satisfy your guests.
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Compound butter adds richness and flavor to a multitude of dishes.Try these 14 delicious homemade flavored butters to amp up your next dinner party.
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If you're a Compari lover but are curious if there's other liqueurs that can match up, you're in luck. Here's a big collection of Compari alternatives.
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Scallops can be prepared so many different ways, but we've got you covered with our guide to the major scallop varieties, and how best to enjoy them.
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Sausage gravy is on the menu at many diners, but making it yourself is really quite simple. Try these tips to bring your sausage gravy to the next level.
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Worcestershire sauce brings some extra zing to any dish it touches. Next time you're making one of these items, feel free to add a little dash for some depth.
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From making pesto with a mortar and pestle to learning which sauces pair best with each pasta type, there are plenty of ways to level up your Italian cooking.
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Here you'll find some really great ways to add nutritional yeast to your cooking -- from popcorn to pesto -- giving your health and your taste buds a boost.
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Paprika is one of the world's most ubiquitous spices. If you're not sure how to add more of this spice to your life, here are some helpful tips to get started.