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
Christmas Morning Is Better With Cookie Dough Pancakes
While these pancakes aren't made with raw dough, crushed cookie crumbs create a similar effect.
These Cute Christmas Candies Are Easy Enough to Make at Home
Complete your Christmas cookie spread with a sprinkle of homemade nonpareils.
These Simple Parmesan Tomato Puffs Are the Perfect Party Snack
Hosting a holiday party means you need fast and fabulous snacks. These quick, easy, and cheesy tomato puffs are just the thing.
How to Host the Best Freakin' Holiday Cookie Exchange Ever
These simple tips will show you how to host a cookie exchange so everyone leaves with a box of holiday happiness.
12 of the Best Gifts for Foodies (Whether or Not They Like to Cook)
Whether your loved one is a professional chef or just someone who enjoys YouTube cooking tutorials and food memes, there's a gift here for them.
Allie's Christmas Pudding Chronicles: Developing Flavor
The process of curing a pudding for weeks isn't as weird as it seems. I swear!
If You Hate Holiday Baking, Make a Chocolate Salami
This chocolate salami recipe is the decadent, crispy, chocolatey, wee-bit-salty recipe that you need.
Your Air Fried Chickpeas Can Get Even Crispier
The air fryer revolutionized the crispy legume, but this simple trick makes them positively shatter.
Make These Lazy Air-fried Mac & Cheese Bites
Mac and cheese is already packed with the elements it needs to build a crispy, browned crust, no breading necessary.
Reheat Fried Chicken Without Losing the Crunch
This method makes leftover fried chicken even better than it was on the first day.
Waffle This Frico-encrusted Sausage, Egg, and Cheese
This method combines the best parts of egg sandwiches and waffles. And fried cheese. Lots of fried cheese.
My Best Advice for Shipping Christmas Cookies Without Ruining Them
Ship Christmas cookies so they arrive on time and in pristine condition using these helpful tips.
Every Holiday Party Deserves a Dessert Cheeseball
This cannoli cheeseball recipe spotlights the very best part of its namesake Italian dessert.
Here's the Easiest Way to Make Chips Saltier
Whether you accidentally bought unsalted chips, or your chips just aren't salty enough, you can fix them with this easy trick.
Spice-infused Oil Is the Key to This Festive Popcorn
Flavorful popcorn doesn't have to stop at "movie-theater-style" or kettle. Use this technique to expand your popcorn flavors.
A Raclette Party Is Exactly What You Need This Winter
More than just a cheese, raclette the coziest way to spend time with friends and family for the holidays.
Allie's Christmas Pudding Chronicles: Brandy Soaking
Although you haven't created a monster exactly, it is time to feed her.
Cheese-Stuffed Biscuit Balls Are the Finest Comfort Food
Holiday parties can keep their fancy appetizers. Here's one for sitting around in your sweats.
Holiday Cookie Shots Are Fun for Drinkers and Stoners Alike
Cookie shot glasses are the perfect quirky gift to bring to a friend's holiday party, or bake for your own.
Your Meat and Cheese Board Needs a Glow-up
These amazing nibbles will immediately upgrade your holiday snack spread.