Food Editor
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
Six Basic Knife Techniques Everyone Should Know
Once you master these basic cuts, only then can you refine your skills with the blade.
‘Butterfly’ Your Meat for Quicker, More Even Cooking
This simple technique can promote more even cooking, quicken overall cook time, and create a giant, thin slab of meat.
The Beans and Sausage Recipe I Swear By for Cold Winter Nights
Your Dutch oven has been waiting for Hot Bean Season.
'Kitchen Matrix' Gives You Access to Endless Recipe Creation
Quite simply, this cookbook can change your approach to cooking.
Three of My Favorite Low-Alcohol Cocktails to Close Out a Dry(ish) January
There are always options if you want a less alcoholic cocktail.
My Favorite Salads Are Modeled After Hearty Sandwiches
Leafy and delicate never worked for me.
Spatchcocking Your Chicken Is Worth the Effort
Those thighs aren't going to crisp tucked way under there.
Champurrado Is My New Favorite Hot Cocoa, and It Takes Just Four Ingredients to Make
This hot chocolate drink uses masa harina to add thickness and plenty of flavor.
These Are My Favorite Air Fryer Recipes
Of all the delicious morsels that come out of my air fryer, these recipes lead the top of the list.
I Tried This 'Foolproof' Cacio E Pepe Trick and It's Completely Legit
A starchy foundation ensures your sauce will always be smooth and creamy.
‘The Mocktail Club’ Recipe Book Can Take Dry January to the Next Level
With this recipe book, you an make mocktails worthy of a celebration.
These Dutch Ovens Are As Good As Le Creuset (and a Lot Cheaper)
I may be stirring the pot with this argument, but you don't need a famous brand to cook high-quality meals.
How to Reverse Sear the Best Steak of Your Life
More even browning and better control over its "doneness."
I Snack on This Slow Cooker 'Grazing Soup' All Day Long in the Winter
Winter is better with a hot bowl of soup whenever you want it.
This Is the Soup I Make Whenever I Have Leftover Veggies
When you have a handful of ingredients that don't seem to fit anywhere, they probably have a place in giambotta.
I Never Skip This Crucial Step When I Air Fry Pierogi
For light, crisp-shelled pierogi, try this twice-cooked method.
My Sister-in-law Introduced Me to a Colombian Cheese Drink, and It Absolutely Rules
This three-ingredient drink-snack combo has given me something to look forward to this winter.
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 Can Make Oatmeal in Your Rice Cooker
Making oatmeal in a rice cooker is your first-class ticket to bulk meal prepping.
This Overnight Risotto Saves Me Time on Busy Weeknights
The trick to a hands-off, less annoying risotto? Overnight it.