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
These Are the Best Breads for French Toast
Ask yourself a few questions before choosing your French toast bread.
The Best (and Worst) Types of Food to Cook for a Date
Cooking for someone for the first time is a big deal, and I'd like to help you not screw it up.
This Is How I Juice a Lemon Without a Fancy Juicer
Sometimes sticking to a low-key kitchen tool is the way to success.
I Put This Savory, Spicy Thai Sauce on Every Rice Dish
Prik nam pla is the extra bit of oomph every savory dish needs.
I Replaced the Cream With Corn for Pasta Alfredo, and I Have No Regrets
Butter, Salt, and Cheese are all old friends of Corn—the pasta just gives them a new place to hang out.
'The Woks of Life' Reminded Me to Cook With All the Flavors I Love
When you're in a cooking rut, you should reach for this cookbook.
I Replaced the Mayo in My Egg Salad With Cottage Cheese and I’ll Never Go Back
My sandwiches have been forever changed.
I Tried This Tomato-Skinning Hack and It Actually Works
Blanching tomatoes is annoying. Use this easy grater method instead.
The Delicious Way I Used up the Last of My Summer Peaches
Stone fruit season is ending, so close it out with a puff.
The Easiest Way to Make Soft Bread at Home
Adding a bit of potato starch to your bread dough is an easy way to make a homemade loaf softer.
A Heap of Unused Basil Led Me to My New Favorite Fried Eggs
Turn the classic Caprese salad into a hot and crispy breakfast.
My Favorite Thai Dessert That My Mom Makes in the Fall
This Thai pumpkin custard is a simple show stopper for your next dinner party.
The Best Gifts for Home Cooks (That Cost Less Than $50)
A thoughtful gift for the food lover in your life doesn't have to break your budget.
'Plenty More' Will Make You Fall in Love With Vegetables Again
This is a cookbook for anyone who wants to rekindle their love of vegetables.
These Air Fryer S’mores Are Just As Good
For a more thorough marshmallow melt and a lightly toasted graham, turn to the air fryer.
10 Ways to Eat Your Feelings on Debate Night
Non-messy snacks so you can text your friends in all caps; proteins you can angrily chew.
This Pumpkin Spice Bread Pudding Couldn't Be Easier
Using a loaf pan and pre-sliced bread makes a better, easier bread pudding.
You Must Make Crispy Air Fryer Kielbasa Right Now
Scoring the sides creates a multitude of edges for the air fryer to do what it does best: crisp.
Keep Gravy Hot and Un-Gloopy for Hours With a Water Bottle
Gravy is best when it's smooth and piping hot. Let's keep it that way.
How to Make the US Open's Signature 'Honey Deuce' Cocktail at Home
You don't have to go all the way to Queens to enjoy the U.S. Open's signature drink.