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
My Cookbook of the Week: Hershey's Best-Loved Recipes
A great dessert cookbook for budding bakers, chocolate lovers, and anyone seeking simplicity.
Your Summer Fruit Salad Could Use a Fish Sauce Dressing
Fish sauce dressing brings complexity and sophistication to your summer fruit.
For Soft, Spreadable Butter Every Time, You Need a Butter Keeper
Stop tearing up your toast and get a butter keeper.
A Few of My Favorite Instant Coffees, Which Decidedly Don't Suck
Gone are the days when instant coffee was punishingly gross.
Why a Cleaver Is a Great Multi-Use Knife
A chef's knife fit to chop, julienne, mince, and scoop—the cleaver might surprise you.
Make These Whimsical Funfetti-Style Biscuits
Confetti rainbow sprinkles are the cheerful improvement you never knew your biscuits could look good with.
The 13 Best Things to Cook in Your New Air Fryer
While the internet is flooding with air fryer recipes, here's a good place to start.
If You Want Quiche Without the Work, Make This Savory Cobbler
When you're too lazy to fuss with pie dough, drop biscuits are here to help.
These Air Fryer Mushroom Chips Are Salty, Crispy Perfection
These two-ingredient mushroom chips get as crispy as pork rinds.
The Combi Microwave Might Change the Way You Cook
At this point, companies are just smashing appliances together, and I'm here for it.
Reheat Fried Chicken in the Air Fryer to Maximize Crunch
This method makes leftover fried chicken taste even better than it was on the first day.
Stop Sleeping on Canned Mushrooms
The canned mushroom can save your meal in an ingredient crisis, and it deserves our respect.
Make Fast and Easy Meatballs With Taco Seasoning
To make faster and more delicious meatballs, cut out the busy work.
How to Choose a Wok, Based on Your Cooking Style
Need a pan that can deep fry, sear, braise, and steam? The wok might be the pan you're looking for.
How to Make the Best Fruit Pie (With No Soggy Bottom)
You shouldn’t have to put your pie in the oven and wonder if it’ll be fruit soup when you take it out.
My Favorite Foods I Always Buy at the Asian Grocery Store
From hot foods to cookware, here are my must-buy items.
This Summery Shrimp Roll Is a Budget-Friendly Alternative to Lobster
Move aside lobster roll, you're too expensive and I need to pay my air conditioning bill.
'Fridgescaping,' TikTok's Latest Trend, Isn't All Bad (But It's Mostly Bad)
TikTok's fridgescaping is mostly a waste of your time, but there are a few useful takeaways.
Turn Small Amounts of Leftover Fruit Into Mini Galettes
When you have a single peach that's going wrinkly, or a couple spoonfuls of blueberries, turn to the mini galette.
Dress Up These Frozen Foods for Your Next Party
Take the assist from your freezer section, and add your homemade touch for the win.