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
This Is the Only Way I Drink Chilled Wine in Public
Summer is hot, but your public park rosé doesn't have to be.
Does ‘Aging’ Your Dough Really Make for a Better Cookie?
It turns out some cookie dough hacks aren't worth the wait.
Poaching Is the Secret to Perfect Corn on the Cob
The best way to make no-fail corn every time is with a quick swim.
The Secret to the Fluffiest Pancakes Ever
The trick to fluffy pancakes isn't egg whites or seltzer; it's all in the wrist.
How to Make Those TikTok-Famous Olympic Chocolate Muffins
This recipe is so easy, you'll have Olympic muffins in time for your next watch party.
How to Reverse Sear the Best Steak of Your Life
It'll give you more even color and you'll actually be able to monitor its doneness.
Make This Single Serving Dessert to Honor the ‘Father of Tiramisu'
The origins of this famous Italian dessert are fascinating and fraught.
Two Tricks to Keep Baked Goods From Burning
Extra sheet trays are good for more than just baking bacon.
Turn Your Lemon Pudding Cake Into a Fluffy Meringue Pie
It's a pudding-cake-pie sugar rush and I wouldn't have it any other way.
What Is a Combi Oven? (And Three to Check Out)
Air fryers can crisp, but they can't steam, braise, and proof bread like a combi can.
Make This Savory Mushroom-Onion Dip for Your Next Party
Onion dip is the reigning champ of dips, but you can double up on your umami with this mushroom mixture.
Use Your Summer Corn Haul to Make Elotes
Summer corn is perfect, but dressing it up on occasion certainly doesn't hurt.
The Crucial Step You're Missing With French Press Coffee
Making the best French press coffee doesn't stop when the steep ends.
The Best Foods to Pack for a Long Flight
Bring a full menu of snacks so you don't spend all your money in the airport before take-off.
The Best Oven Mitts (and Why They're Not Towels)
Oven mitts are going to protect you far better than a thin, damp cotton towel.
You Can Recycle Plastic Grocery Bags Into Packing Material
If your collection of single-use plastic bags is overflowing, here's a way to give them a second life.
How to Make Salt-Flaked French Butter the Lazy American Way
You don't need to churn your own from scratch to have an excellent French-ish butter.
The Easiest Way to Stuff a Stubborn Squash Blossom
Squash blossoms can tear easily, so use this trick to open them up for cheesy stuffing.
Make the Best Meatloaf of Your Life in an Air Fryer
It'll be well-browned and juicy in less than 20 minutes.
Use up All Your Summer Berries in a Single ‘Grunt’
This recipe uses as much or as little fruit as you got.