Staff Writer
Allie has been Lifehacker’s Food Writer since 2021. She earned her bachelor’s degree at Ithaca College in drama and studied at the Institute of Culinary Education to earn her diploma in Pastry and Baking Arts. Allie worked professionally as a private chef for over a decade, honing her craft in New York at places like Balthazar, Bien Cuit, The Chocolate Room, Billy’s Bakery, and Whole Foods. She spent evenings as a chef instructor, and also earned a master’s degree at Hunter College for teaching English. Allie’s YouTube channel, Thainybites, features recipes and baking tricks. She lives in Brooklyn, NY.
MORE BY Allie
How to Recognize an AI-generated Cookbook
AI-generated cookbooks and recipes are here, but they can be easy to spot if you know what to look for.
Nine Foods (and Drinks) Made Better by Pickles
Pickles make a splash as a garnish, main dish, or cocktail ingredient, and I'm here for every bit of it.
Use a Mug Warmer to Cut Down Bread Proofing Time
Yeast likes to be warm. So does coffee.
The Easiest Ways to Fix Bad Barbecue Sauce
No matter how your BBQ sauce disappointed you, improve it with one of these easy additions.
Khai Dao Is the Sexy Bad Boy of Fried Eggs
Khai dao is a crispy Thai fried egg and it deserves more than toast to carry it.
My Favorite Kitchen Essentials From Amazon's Spring Sale
If you've been waiting for the right moment to buy these kitchen essentials, it's here.
Make a ‘Winter BLT’ With Chunky Tomato Sauce
How to get robust tomato flavor when tomato season is still months away.
How to Freeze Batches of Sauce Now for Easy Dinners in the Future
Put the ice cube trays away—these methods make more sense.
Treat Yourself to an Air Fryer Scotch Egg This Easter
Nothing says "special occasion" quite like wrapping your eggs in breaded sausage and frying them.
This Five-ingredient Banoffee Is a Low-Effort Pi Day Treat
Whether it's March 14 or not, it's always a good time to whip up this quick banana-and-toffee pie.
The Best Bread Box Is Your Freezer
Bread can stale or go moldy on the counter or in the fridge. Instead, make a proper home for your bread in the freezer.
Don't Give up on Your Leftovers, 'Pizza' Them
Even the saddest container of leftovers can make a bitchin' pizza.
Move Aside, Kettle Corn—Peanut Butter Popcorn Has Arrived
Where sweet and salty are concerned, kettle corn is old news. Make this simple recipe for an irresistible popcorn coating.
Make These Emergency Rice Krispies Treats in the Microwave
In five minutes, you can make a personal portion of this comforting childhood sweet.
Fry Your Eggs in Barbecue Sauce for a Feisty Start to Your Day
Frying BBQ sauce concentrates its nuanced flavors into a powerful companion for eggs.
Make This Perverted TikTok Ramen Carbonara Even Better
I like the regular ramen carbonara idea, but there's a big missed opportunity here.
How to Take Care of Your Knives Like an Adult
Here's how to sharpen and hone your kitchen knives to keep them cutting clean for years.
You Might Be Using the Wrong Rolling Pin
A rolling pin should feel like an extension of your arm, not a pain in the wrist.
Air Frying Frozen Dumplings Creates a New Kind of Crispy
Pan frying and steaming have always been my go-to cooking methods, but air frying frozen dumplings is a serious contender.
The Best Pans Depending on What Style of Eggs You’re Making
Cast iron, stainless steel, a wok, or nonstick—which pan is the best pan for eggs?