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
How to Take Care of Your Knives Like an Adult
Here's how to sharpen and hone your kitchen knives to keep them cutting clean for years.
You Might Be Using the Wrong Rolling Pin
A rolling pin should feel like an extension of your arm, not a pain in the wrist.
Air Frying Frozen Dumplings Creates a New Kind of Crispy
Pan frying and steaming have always been my go-to cooking methods, but air frying frozen dumplings is a serious contender.
The Best Pans Depending on What Style of Eggs You’re Making
Cast iron, stainless steel, a wok, or nonstick—which pan is the best pan for eggs?
Different Types of Bacon for All Your Salty, Smoky Needs
From streaky bacon to vegan bacon, here is your guide to all the cured breakfast meats at your grocery store.
Score These Meats and Vegetables Before Cooking
Don't let another chewy steak get you down.
How to Use an Instant Pot, Button by Button
Don't be intimidated by the panel of buttons on this clever and versatile appliance.
This Viral Roasted Potato Recipe Tastes Like a Giant French Fry
Baked potatoes aren't all that tempting, but giant french fries are.
This Is the Best Mozzarella Cheese for Cooking
Fresh mozzarella might seem lavish, but it's not alway the right choice.
The Best Gluten-free Grocery Store Frozen Pizzas
These gluten-free pizzas will make you forget all about wheat crusts.
How to Fake a Sourdough Bread
Sourdough is a pain in the ass—but this isn't.
Usher in an Early Summer With At-home Bubble Tea
The perfect ratios of tea, milk, and boba.
How to Decide Between a Juicer and a Blender
Although you might want both, one of these appliances will serve you better overall.
Elevate Chicken Fingers With Instant Potato Flakes
For a schnitzel-like coating that's light and crisp, try breading your chicken with potato flakes.
How to Use a Rice Cooker for Rice (and so Much More)
This simple appliance deserves a permanent spot on your kitchen counter.
These Are the Best BBQ Sauces for Pizza
I ate way too much barbecue sauce today to find you the best brand for a damn good BBQ pizza.
Is Cooking With an Air Fryer Healthier?
An air fryer can be a helpful gadget in your healthy cooking tool kit.
Mozzarella in Carrozza Is Easiest in the Air Fryer
It's mozzarella in a "carriage" made of egg, flour, and bread crumbs fried in oil, which is how I would prefer to be carried around too.
Make Copycat Fast Food Fried Chicken With This Simple Trick
Get your hands dirty and make that same crunchy, flaky coating on your chicken at home.
The Sous-Vide Circulator Is a Forgetful Cook's Best Friend
Sous-vide cooking may seem elaborate and mysterious, but it's truly a helpful tool for the unorganized and forgetful.