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
The Fastest Way to Skin an Almond
Almond skins are stubborn, but this blanching method makes them slip right off.
Make This Lazy Potatoes au Gratin With Alfredo Sauce
This recipe cuts an important corner, but still manages to keep “from scratch” integrity.
Make Honey Apple Butter With Those Extra Apples
This easy apple butter recipe is a deliciously dippable way to enjoy apples and honey.
Bake a Taller Cake Without Buying a Deeper Pan
Parchment paper might be my favorite tool in the kitchen. Here's one more reason it's great.
These Spider Web Eggs Are Freaky, and You Just Might Need Them
Who says dyeing eggs is only for Easter? Use this simple trick to make a convincing web pattern.
You Need to Make These Savory Crumpets
This simple crumpet recipe might even replace the English muffins in your life.
Make a Mini Loaf of Bread With a Single Cup of Flour
Make just enough bread with this five-ingredient recipe.
Make a Better PSL With Pumpkin Butter
My cravings are lazy, and stirring a spoonful of pumpkin spread into my espresso is as easy as it gets.
Make Spooky Halloween ‘Mummy Fingers’ in Your Air Fryer
Your next creepy Halloween breakfast is simple to make and ready in five minutes.
Why Not Shape Your Gnocchi Into Wee Pumpkins?
This pumpkin-shaped gnocchi recipe is perfect for fall. All you need are dental floss and some cloves.
Pop-Tarts Are the New Toast
Pop-Tarts straight out of the sleeve aren't the end, they're just the beginning.
Make High-protein Dumplings With Egg White Wrappers
These egg white dumpling wrappers are gluten-free, low-carb, and protein forward.
Make a Big Batch of Fluffy Soufflé Pancakes in Your Oven
This oven method can make any soufflé pancake recipe a little bit faster.
Make This Easy, No-Bake Slab of Cheesecake
This cheesecake recipe is so light, it leaves you room for a second slice.
Make Your Next Pie Crust With Pop-Tarts
A Pop-Tart crumb crust is quicker and a whole lot more interesting than your average graham cracker.
The Best 'Naked' Pizza Is Made With Ice Cubes
Here's how to make a naked pizza that stays tender on top.
How to Freeze Fresh Cranberries Before They Get Slimy
You can buy your cranberries ahead of time without worrying they'll spoil.
How to Add Heat to Your Food Without Scorching Your Tastebuds
Not all spice needs to set your mouth on fire. Here are a few ways to add heat to your meals in a controlled manner.
How to Measure Any Ingredient
Whether you're measuring dry or wet ingredients, using a kitchen scale is the way to go.
How to Choose and Care for a Cutting Board (so It Doesn't Mess up Your Knife)
A cutting board should be durable and yield to your knife's blade, not dull it prematurely.