Staff Writer
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
Five Ways to Make Even Better Meatballs
There are a few easy tricks to ensure you never make a rubbery meatball again.
Hallongrottor Are the Buttery Jam Cookies You've Been Waiting For
This Swedish cookie has all the best parts of raspberry thumbprints and thick shortbread cookies.
Start Your Week Off With This Giant Rösti Potato Cake
Rösti is a potato connoisseur's dream—and you only need three ingredients.
Air Fryer Stuffed Mushrooms Are My Favorite Mini-Meal
The air fryer knocks about 30 minutes off the cooking time for this substantial snack.
These Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites Are an Easy Gourmet Nosh
You'll crisp up your pork belly so easily it will feel like cheating.
For the Best Carrot Cake, Roast Your Carrots
Roasting encourages caramelization of the carrot's natural sugars.
The Biggest Thing You're Missing on Your Homemade Pizza
Put an end to crust-abandonment once and for all.
The Best Last-Minute Mother’s Day Gift Ideas for Any Mom Who Likes to Cook
It's not too late to get a thoughtful gift for Mom.
Orange Juice Iced Coffee Is a Warm Weather Thrill
Treat yourself to an iced coffee with a juicy twist.
This 'Double Potato Salad' Is Fit for Any Backyard Party
The only thing better than a classic mayo-slathered potato salad is one that's topped with crispy roasted potatoes.
This Is the Secret to the Crispiest Hash Browns
Enough with floppy edges—here's how to get a truly crunchy exterior on your breakfast potato.
My Favorite Meals for When I Need to Save Money
As grocery prices soar, cook smarter with these recipes.
Ditch the Heavy Cream and Make This Dairy-Free Vodka Sauce
Even if you're not eschewing dairy, this sauce is worth making.
How to Make TikTok's Viral Cookie Croissant Even Better
The TikTok viral cookie croissant is good, but why stop with cookie dough alone?
Go Ahead, Deep Fry Your Meatballs
Breaded and fried, these are quite possibly the juiciest meatballs in the world.
Pop-Tarts Can Be Milkshakes, Too
When eating Pop-Tarts just isn't enough sweet, frosted, pastry goodness, turn it into a milkshake.
Make Quick and Easy Blueberry Muffins From Boxed Pancake Mix
If you want delicious muffins but you're all out of eggs, boxed pancake mix is here to help.
Ricotta Gnocchetti Is a Low-effort Pasta Anyone Can Make
Finally, a homemade pasta where no special tools or refined culinary skills are required.
Why Lettuce Belongs on the Outside of Your Taco
Stop shredding your lettuce, and use the leaf for this instead.
The Best (and Safest) Way to Slice a Bagel
You should eat bagels with joy and delight—and not with a trip to the ER.