Laura C. Allan
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lcallan.bsky.social
Laura C. Allan
@lcallan.bsky.social
I am a food writer and home cook currently working for The Takeout, as well as an avid San Jose Sharks fan and lover of all things fiction.
Read my work HERE: https://www.thetakeout.com/author/lauraallan/
Want to get better with chopsticks? The material of your chopsticks might actually be holding you back. Consider using wood instead!

At this point I can pick up single grains of rice with these puppies, but I'm sure some of you are even more adept than I am. ;)
#foodsky #foodhacks #chopsticks #wood
Why Wood Is Actually The Best Material For Novice Chopstick Users - The Takeout
Using chopsticks efficiently is a learned, practiced skill. Just like any skill, there are methods that help beginners learn. For chopsticks, that's using wood.
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November 26, 2025 at 8:46 PM
Sinatra enjoyed the ritzy life, but he also liked home cooking, simple Italian dishes, and a good grilled cheese sandwich. I've seen some articles call his last meal "sad" because it was just grilled cheese. No, I say! I think it suits him fine.

#sinatra #foodsky #blueeyes #lastmeal #grilledcheese
Frank Sinatra enjoyed simplicity as much as he liked extravagance, but the last thing he ate before he passed was of the former. The cheesy dish is a classic.
The Last Thing Frank Sinatra Ate Was A Simple And Nostalgic Classic - The Takeout
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November 25, 2025 at 9:46 PM
Cheese?? In RAMEN?! Blasphemy!
...or is it? Historically, American cheese has been a popular add-in to Korean ramyun for decades. If this still sounds weird to you, just give it a try sometime. It's... actually really tasty & gives the broth an amazing texture.

#foodhacks #ramyun #foodsky #cheese
The Easy Cheesy (And French) Upgrade Your Ramen Is Begging For - The Takeout
Ramen is a godsend for many people and for many reasons, but it can get tired after awhile. Next time you make some, try this cheesy French upgrade.
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November 25, 2025 at 5:34 PM
I'll admit, freezer hash browns are a very special comfort food to me. They are cheap, simple, and easy to crisp up. However, the packaging often leads to freezer burn. Luckily, there are a few things you can actually do about it.

#hoodsky #foodhacks #aldi #hashbrowns #freezerburn #cookingtips
If you're tired of eating freezer-burnt Aldi hash browns, we have good news for you. Do this to prevent freezer burn from getting to your frozen goods.
The Simple Solution That'll Save Your Aldi Hash Browns From Freezer Burn - The Takeout
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November 24, 2025 at 11:28 PM
Ever heard of the soup brand Bon Vivant? You probably wouldn't have. A deadly incident with this soup changed the way companies prep their products, & increased regulations on safety checks. Given what happened, Bon Vivant was lucky things weren't worse.

#foodsky #foodhistory #bonvivant #soup #FDA
Moore & Co.'s 100-year history of making canned soup ended in 1972 after the FDA found lethal bacteria in their products. All of their products were recalled.
The Deadly Soup Recall That Ended An Old-School Brand - The Takeout
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November 24, 2025 at 5:08 PM
Don't know what a Beurre monté sauce is? That's ok, because it's EASY to learn and needs only two ingredients. For all my fellow buttered-noodle lovers out there, this really is a gamechanger & it doesn't take long. I promise.

#butterednoddles #foodsky #cookinghacks #burremonte #homecooking #pasta
Buttered noodles is a tried-and-true comfort dish that hits the spot when you need something easy. Make it even better with this quick upgrade.
Add Easy Luxury To Buttered Noodles With This Quick Trick - The Takeout
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November 21, 2025 at 9:16 PM
Hello, Dolly!!

Her new travel stop will be opening in 2026, sometime during the summer. If you're in Tennessee during that time, you should try stopping by for a little Southern Hospitality, Parton-style.

#foodsky #tennessee #travelstop #dollyparton #dolly #restaurant #news #comingsoon
Dolly Parton is fully embracing her life as an entrepreneur these days. The latest venture is a new collaboration with Tennessee Travel Stop.
Dolly Parton's Stepping Into The Rest Stop Business With New Tennessee Travel Shop - The Takeout
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November 21, 2025 at 9:13 PM
Writing and researching this article started out as "hey, let's get extra crunchy chicken at Cane's!" and took a left turn into "jeeeeesus people are so mean to fast food workers! Please, can we be just a LITTLE nicer to fast food workers?!"

#foodsky #raisingcanes #foodhacks #secretmenu #fastfood
Raising Cane's is a hit with its fans, but sometimes the chicken comes out a little soft. If you enjoy crunchy tenders, here's how to order them specifically.
How To Get Extra Crispy Chicken At Raising Cane's Every Time - The Takeout
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November 20, 2025 at 6:20 PM
Okay listen...I know mom taught us that gift cards are crummy gifts but that's really not true anymore. The gift of a nice meal out, especially in our current economy, is a VERY kind one. Particularly if you shop local.
Plus buying for teens is hard, okay?!

#foodsky #giftideas #holidays #giftcards
Christmas presents are supposed to be a source of joy, but buying them can sometimes feel stressful. Restaurant gift cards aren't as bad as people say.
Struggling To Find Christmas Gifts? Restaurant Gift Cards Might Be The Answer - The Takeout
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November 19, 2025 at 11:33 PM
Looking for fewer carbs and more veggies in your enchiladas? Well, there's one hack you can use to manage it for a delicious result every time. Plus, squash is perfect for the holiday season!

#foodhacks #enchiladas #diabetic #lowcarb #lowfat #squash #fusion #foodsky #recipehacks #nutrition
Enchiladas are delicious but can be high in fat and sodium. For a healthier upgrade, incorporate this common veggie into your recipe without sacrificing taste.
Give Enchiladas A Delicious Veggie Twist With This Popular Squash - The Takeout
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November 19, 2025 at 5:03 PM
If you order a soda in most of Europe, you'd better be ready to get it WITHOUT ice. There are a few reasons why this is, but Americans who like some ice in their beverages will be shocked at how you'll have to request some cubes every time.

#foodhistory #foodsky #soda #ice #europe #reddit #travel
America and Europe have their fair share of differences, including in the drinks they serve. The presence or lack of one ingredient has got people talking.
What's Common In American Drinks Is Almost Non-Existent In Europe - The Takeout
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November 19, 2025 at 5:00 PM
Fake Scrub Daddies. Yep. That's the world we're living in now. Just... wow.
Still, you should know what to look for before you buy, especially if you're going through Amazon to do it.

#scrubdaddy #fake #buyerbeware #counterfeit #cleaning #shoppinghacks #sponge
When buying a Scrub Daddy, pay attention to the packaging, branding, and quality of the sponge itself to save yourself from getting duped by a fake version.
Is Your Scrub Daddy Sponge A Dirty Fake? Here's How You Can Tell - The Takeout
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November 18, 2025 at 11:57 PM
What do you think? Have you noticed the change? If so, have you figured out any hacks to make them better?

I'll stick with making my own.

#aldis #crescentrolls #gross #foodfail #shrinkflation
Once beloved by Redditors, Aldi's Bake House Creations crescent rolls got a recipe makeover that doesn't puff up, burns easily, and tastes raw on the inside.
Reddit Wants You To Avoid These Canned Doughy Disasters At Aldi - The Takeout
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November 18, 2025 at 11:53 PM
That's right! It's not YOUR fault that you hate beets! It's written into your genes!
...maybe.
Honestly I've tested this a bit with my husband. If I use enough garlic that he can't SMELL the beets, he really likes them. Take that anecdotal truth as you like.

#foodscience #beets #genetics #foodsky
According to science, some people are sensitive to the smells of geosmin and 2-ethylfenchol, which are present in beets, making them taste like dirt.
If You Hate Beets, You Can Probably Blame Your Genetics - The Takeout
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November 10, 2025 at 8:26 PM
Hey, so, I'm going to be in a cooking competition this weekend in the middle of the Mojave Desert. That's terrifying.
Wish me luck!
November 10, 2025 at 8:21 PM
It's a classic chicken or the egg scenario! This one, however, has a very likely correct answer. Also, the original martini predecessor sounds... interesting.

#foodsky #martini #foodhistory #alcohol #cocktails #martiniolive #twistoflemon
October 30, 2025 at 8:14 PM
How do you prefer your tequila? As for me, I really dig the smoothness of the Añejo. There are more than these three types, by the way, so shoutout to everyone who prefers cristalino tequila.

#tequila #foodsky #liquor #reposado #plata #cristalino #anejo
October 30, 2025 at 4:14 PM
Yes! I like green bananas!

Not like... super green, to the point where they give me a tummy ache. But I prefer my bananas with a distinctly green tint, and that's actually a somewhat healthy decision.

How do you like YOUR bananas?

#foodhacks #foodscience #bananas #green #yellow #healthyeating
October 29, 2025 at 4:41 PM
If your cutting board smells you either gotta get that sucker clean or toss it and get a new one. But getting the smell out can be hard, and it's not like you can throw it in the dishwasher. Well, there's a much better way.

#kitchenhacks #foodsky #cuttingboard #odor #lemon #cleaninghacks #diy
October 29, 2025 at 3:57 PM
This is kind of a lovely story. For those who remember Snow Jam '82, you probably already know about this. The rest of you, however, may want to learn how LongHorn Steakhouse not only used some brainy marketing but also helped a whole community.

#longhorn #steakhouse #foodsky #foodhistory #snowjam
October 28, 2025 at 9:36 PM
Want to impress your date? Trust me, this is pretty easy to do, tastes great, and looks pro. Just... don't let your date ask you to spell "prosciutto" from memory. I think I had to use spellcheck EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. While writing this...

#cookinghacks #foodsky #asparagus #datenight #prosciutto
October 28, 2025 at 6:56 PM
Anyone remember watermelon Laffy Taffy when it used to have candy seeds? Man those just hit different, I still miss them.

We now know why they were discontinued, but I'll always hope they make a comeback someday, even if it's limited edition.

#foodsky #laffytaffy #Ferrara #candy #watermelon #seeds
October 27, 2025 at 9:43 PM
It's just science, guys...it's actually "good"for me this way! Lol.

One thing I didn't add to this article is that before my wedding I jokingly did a beer, pizza, and hockey-playing diet. I lost 18 lbs in 4 months to fit into grandma's wedding dress. Coincidence? XD

#beer #pizza #science #foodsky
October 27, 2025 at 5:29 PM
During Covid, did YOU order from a place called Pasqually's Pizza and Wings? Well, I hate to break it for ya, but you were ACTUALLY eating food from Chuck E. Cheese's!

YES REALLY.

#foodsky #chuckecheese #pasquallys #pizza #wings #covid
#ghostkitchen #delivery #foodhistory #restaurants
October 25, 2025 at 11:01 PM
What do you think? Would you try this technique or is it too fancy for you?

#kitchenhacks #gordonramsay #foodsky #burgers
October 25, 2025 at 10:59 PM