
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


Make and Freeze Some Roux Now for Easy Turkey Gravy
Gravy can feel less last-minute when you have your thickening base ready to go.


You Can Make Instant Mashed Potatoes Taste Homemade (Seriously)
Boxed mashed potatoes can be beautiful.


Do Yourself a Favor and Order a Pre-Cooked Turkey
For once (or forever) leave the turkey to the professionals.


How I Fool Everyone With Store-Bought Gravy
Ignore the gravy purists—you can make flavorful and elegant gravy with the jarred stuff.


This Thanksgiving, Call on Help From Your Air Fryer
With the ability to bake, roast, or crisp toppings, the air fryer can take on a whole lot of the Thanksgiving meal.


Lean on Your Slow Cooker for Hands-Off Help This Thanksgiving
The queen of set-it-and-forget-it cooking, let the slow cooker assist.


Microwaving Part of Your Thanksgiving Feast Is Smart and Good
Your microwave is here to help. Let it.


I Insist You Roast These Veggie Sides in Your Air Fryer
It's fast—and it's the best tool for the job.


These Are My Three Favorite Appliances to Cook Thanksgiving Dinner (Besides the Oven)
This team of appliances spreads out Thanksgiving cooking and makes an overwhelming menu almost feel light.


Welcome to the Cheater's Guide to Thanksgiving
Take the stress out of cooking the Big Meal.


'Cook, Eat, Repeat' Is a Great Cookbook for the Ravenous Reader
Nigella Lawson delivers sensational recipes and thoughtful stories in this cookbook.


I Am Floored by How Quiet This Cuisinart Air Fryer Is
Unlike all the others I've tried, this air fryer won't disturb your peace.


You Might Actually Love Broccoli Rabe, If You Cook It Right
If the broccoli rabe you made at home was bitter garbage, you might have missed this simple step.


'Milk Street Bakes' Is a Great Cookbook for Adventurous Bakers
Tired of the same old banana bread? Add a bit of adventure to your baking.


The Instant Vortex Is an Air Fryer With No Learning Curve
This simple basket air fryer is my favorite one yet.


Your Halloween Party Needs a Scary Charcuterie Board
When candy doesn't cut it, look to the meat and cheese board.


Make Spooky Halloween ‘Mummy Fingers’ in Your Air Fryer
Your next creepy Halloween snack is simple to make and ready in five minutes.


I Swear by This Copycat Popeyes Chicken Sandwich Recipe
Why order subpar delivery when you can make this copycat at home?


'Masa' Will Teach You Everything You Can Do With Tortillas
If you've ever heard that fresh tortillas are best, it's 100% true.