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
Here's My Secret to Changing a Beloved Thanksgiving Family Recipe
It's not a crime to change up the big meal, but your family might make you regret it.
My Four Favorite Steak Knives for Feasting Season
Truly excellent knives will elevate the experience of any holiday meal.
All the Reasons Why the Mug Warmer Is My Wintertime Best Friend
You can warm way more than just coffee on this low profile electronic hot plate.
The Better Way to Season Your Air Fried Veggies
Seasoning before air frying can lead to scorched spices, and that just doesn't taste so great.
What Martha Stewart's 'Entertaining' Taught Me About Hosting Thanksgiving
While you may not use the recipes from 1982, the practical ideas for hosting a dinner party are timeless.
Steam Your Spuds for Faster Mashed Potatoes
While preparing Thanksgiving dinner, every minute is precious. Steam, don't boil, for faster mashed potatoes.
Freeze Fresh Cranberries Now to Make Thanksgiving Easier
You can buy your cranberries right now without worrying they'll spoil.
What to Use Instead of the Tiny, Objectively Terrible Side of Your Box Grater
The spiky side of a box grater hurts more than it helps.
Five Strategies for a Cheaper Thanksgiving Dinner
Inflation hurts, but you can still serve a delicious bounty without destroying your budget.
Freeze Pre-Portioned Cookie Dough for Emergency Cookies
Sometimes you need cookies faster than you can mix the dough.
Poultry Shears Completely Changed My Thanksgiving Prep
If breaking down a chicken or turkey feels difficult, you might not be using the right tool.
Freeze Your Thanksgiving Gravy Now, Add Drippings Later
You can make the bulk of the gravy beforehand and still have that freshly roasted turkey flavor.
Vegetables You Can Prepare in Advance (and the Ones You Shouldn't)
Vegetables all decompose differently, so use their timelines to your advantage this Thanksgiving.
'Rose's Heavenly Cakes' Is the Best Cookbook for the Dedicated Baker
This cookbook has tips and recipes from one of the greatest cake legends of our time.
My Top Three Air Fryer Picks of 2025
There aren't hundreds to choose from—there are only three.
The Best Ways to Freeze Breads and Dinner Rolls Before Thanksgiving
Bake or buy ahead of time and keep those dinner rolls fresh in the freezer.
You Can Make That Store-Bought Pie Crust Look Homemade
"Yes, of course I made it from scratch. It couldn't be more from scratch!"
How to Fake Scratch Desserts With Store-Bought Ones
Even if you're not a liar, store-bought desserts are better with a finishing touch.
The Easiest Ways to Dress Up Store-Bought Rolls and Breads for Thanksgiving
These three finishing touches can easily elevate your Thanksgiving breads.
The Thanksgiving Dishes You Should Probably Make From Scratch
Potatoes can be boxed and cheesecakes can be purchased, but there are a few things that will always be best freshly made.