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
The Cheeses You Can Freeze (and the Ones You Shouldn't)
A freezer stocked with cheese makes me feel safe.
A Guide to Troubleshooting Your Sourdough Starter
If your wild yeast starter isn't going to plan, one of these fixes could help.
The Easiest Way to Freeze Batches of Sauce Now for Easy Dinners in the Future
Put the ice cube trays away—these methods make more sense.
How to Use a Rice Cooker (for Rice and so Much More)
This simple appliance deserves a permanent spot on your kitchen counter.
Hotel Shower Caps Are Weirdly Useful for Baking Bread
A solid rise during proofing can make a huge difference in your finished loaf.
How to Eat Healthier Using an Air Fryer
It's a helpful gadget in your healthy cooking tool kit.
The Most Important Things to Look for When Buying Steak Knives
Whether you're cutting chicken fried steak or cauliflower steak, treat yourself to a proper set of steak knives.
Martha’s Cheese-Coated Grapes Are Weird, Delightful, and Perfect for New Year’s Eve
With only five ingredients and no cooking necessary, it's the ideal elevated party snack.
15 of My Favorite Snacks to Serve at New Year's Eve Parties
Snackable, shareable, and often hand-held, these are all of my favorite things to nosh for New Year's.
This Spiked Hot Chocolate Recipe Is Perfect for a Cozy New Year's Eve
This sweet drink mixes the winter festive spirit with hibernation laziness.
Save Time and Air Fry Your Pumpkin Pie
It's a good solution if you're running short on space in the oven too.
These Easy Holiday Cookie Recipes Have Five Ingredients or Less
When you're in a pinch, these cookies don't require much measuring or fuss.
The Dreo Baristamaker Is My Favorite Frother for Professional-Grade Foamed Milk
It's too cold to go to a cafe, so I'll be making perfect lattes at home, thanks.
These Are My Favorite (Edible and Non-Edible) Food Discoveries of the Year
Food made my year more delightful.
How to Blanch Vegetables (and Why You'll Want To)
A quick hot-water plunge will bring out the best in your veggies.
This Giant Cookie Cake Gets Requested Every Year for My Christmas Party
The kransekake is a Norwegian wedding cake, but I think it fits right at home for any big celebration.
These Are the Eight Items I Always Travel With
These eight items are the best things I've ever used while traveling.
'Gather Around Cocktails' Is the Best Book for Party Drink Recipes
If New Year's Eve gets a party cocktail, Arbor Day can get one too.
I Tried the Trtl Travel Pillow and Won’t Travel Again Without It
Your exhausting days of head-bobbing, half-awake flight naps are finally over.
The Best Gifts for Foodies Who Love to Cook (and Those Who Just Love to Eat)
Whether your loved one is a professional chef or just someone who enjoys YouTube cooking tutorials and food memes, there's a gift here for them.