About Us

At Ignite and Simmer , our mission is simple: to empower home cooks with the knowledge and confidence to cook intuitively, creatively, and deliciously. We believe that great food starts not with rigid instructions but with understanding the fundamentals—the building blocks that make flavors sing and textures dance. Whether you’re searing, simmering, roasting, or fermenting, we’ll guide you through the “why” as much as the “how.”

Our Story

This labor of love was co-founded by two seasoned home chefs, Sofia Savellini and Mei Ling , whose decades of experience in the kitchen have been shaped by their shared philosophy: cooking should be both joyful and enlightening. After retiring from careers outside the culinary world, they found themselves reigniting their lifelong passion for food—and decided to share it with others who crave deeper connections to what they cook and eat.

Sofia brings her Italian heritage and Mediterranean flair to the table, while Mei infuses her Chinese roots and global influences into every recipe and technique. Together, they’ve traveled the world (both literally and figuratively) to curate a collection of recipes that span continents, cultures, and cuisines—all united by timeless cooking principles.

Why we started Ignite and Simmer

Unlike many cooking blogs, we go beyond step-by-step instructions. Yes, we offer mouthwatering recipes from all corners of the globe, but we also dive deep into the why behind each method. Why does salt enhance flavor? How does fat carry aroma? When does acid brighten a dish? And how can heat transform raw ingredients into something extraordinary? By mastering these elements, you’ll unlock endless possibilities in your own kitchen.

We celebrate the beauty of imperfection, too. Cooking isn’t about perfection—it’s about experimentation, learning, and savoring the process. That’s why we encourage you to trust your instincts, adapt recipes to your taste, and above all, enjoy the journey.