Elaine Johnson

Elaine has over 20 years experience as a food editor, writer, and recipe developer for both digital sites and print publications. She found her passion at age 10 when she started cooking dinners for her family. That’s grown into a love for sharing meals with readers, inspiring them with practical skills and trusty and memorable recipes. 

She joined the Simply Recipes team in 2025 as Senior Editor, Library. Prior to that Elaine was a senior editor at Yummly and at Sunset magazine, as well as a freelance writer. Along the way she has edited and contributed to cookbooks including the award-winning Sunset: The Great Outdoors Cookbook, Camp Sunset: A Modern Camper's Guide to the Great Outdoors, and additional books for Sunset and Weber. As a mom to two boys, Elaine has navigated the weeknight dinner dilemma, cooked for kids and hungry teenagers, and shared her cooking knowledge with young adults.

Favorite spice: "Cardamom. I love its heady aroma and warm flavor in everything from morning oatmeal to shortbread, summer fruit crisps, and of course curries."