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/
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Okay, for 200 followers (THANKS ALL!) I figured I'd explain my profile pic.

That's me COMPLETING the 2X SPICY KOREAN NOODLE CHALLENGE!
At the time, they were the spiciest on the market. I completed a bowl in less than 9 minutes! I was sweating so much...
#foodsky #aboutme #2xnoodlechallenge #spicy
YES! THIS IS FINALLY OUT!
One of the most fun articles I've written recently, this one is full of food history and death. My favorite! :) You can make purple stewed pears still, but might I recommend the red wine version? It tastes good & it's less deadly.

#foodsky #foodhistory #pears #poison #DIY
This stewed pear recipe from Hannah Glasse was published in 1747 but is actually dangerous if followed to a T. Here's why, as well as safer cooking methods.
The 18th-Century Stewed Pear Dessert That Was As Pretty As It Was Poisonous - The Takeout
www.thetakeout.com
December 10, 2025 at 6:58 PM
Honestly, you can make stock out of just about anything. And you should! Experiment! Get weird! Use bones, shells, skin, organs, and make stock you can keep in your freezer. It's ALWAYS worth it.

#foodsky #foodhacks #stock #shrimp #diy #soup #homecooking
Shrimp shells certainly seem like the kind of thing you would just toss in the trash, but you can actually easily turn them into a whole new dish.
Why You Shouldn't Throw Out Your Shrimp Shells After The Meal Is Finished - The Takeout
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December 10, 2025 at 6:49 PM
Want to eat the most famous dish from Mama Cash? It takes 6 ingredients, tastes sweet, and you may have never heard of it before. Here's hoping you're a fan of pineapple.

What sort of pie is YOUR favorite?

#johnnycash #mamacash #foodsky #pineapplepie #pies #chesspie #homecooking #recipes
Johnny Cash loved his mother's pineapple pie. Calling for just six ingredients, this iconic dessert puts the spotlight on canned pineapple and Southern cooking.
This 6-Ingredient Tropical Pie Was One Of Johnny Cash's Favorites - The Takeout
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December 9, 2025 at 7:10 PM
I did math for an article... MATH! AAAH!

Seriously though, researching this was so disheartening. Fast food isn't good for you, & should be a treat... but it should be an AFFORDABLE treat. It's a travesty how bad prices have gotten at this and other places.

#foodsky #mcdonalds #fastfood #inflation
If you ever eat fast food, you've likely noticed how much more expensive it's gotten in recent years. Price surges at McDonald's since 2019 are brutal.
McDonald's Prices Have Surged Since 2019 And The Numbers Are Brutal - The Takeout
www.thetakeout.com
December 9, 2025 at 7:07 PM
I recently actually tried a few dollar store dinner recipes that claim to feed a family of 4. To my surprise, they DO feed that many, they DO taste good, & they really are less than $20 to make. They also were not THAT bad for you, which was a super shocker.

#foodsky #dollarstore #kitchenhacks #diy
When it comes to holiday meals, there's often pressure to make the best food available, but dollar store groceries can be used to make premium dinners.
Why The Dollar Store Should Be Your First Stop When Shopping For Christmas Dinner Staples - The Takeout
www.thetakeout.com
December 8, 2025 at 10:48 PM
Want a protein-rich queso to dip chips in? Well, you're in luck! It's hardly traditional, but cottage cheese is a great & easy ingredient that's super creamy. If you're a cottage cheese hater, don't worry! The texture isn't any thing like cottage cheese when you're done.

#foodsky #foodhack #queso
This easy, simple ingredient queso dip uses cottage cheese, taco seasoning, and cheese for a delicious appetizer that's even a bit more healthy.
You Only Need 3 Ingredients To Make A Super Creamy Queso Dip - The Takeout
www.thetakeout.com
December 8, 2025 at 5:39 PM
Okay, for 200 followers (THANKS ALL!) I figured I'd explain my profile pic.

That's me COMPLETING the 2X SPICY KOREAN NOODLE CHALLENGE!
At the time, they were the spiciest on the market. I completed a bowl in less than 9 minutes! I was sweating so much...
#foodsky #aboutme #2xnoodlechallenge #spicy
December 4, 2025 at 2:01 AM
Please keep in mind that this method is best for SUPER tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs. If you brefer your ribs to fight back a little, this isn't the method for you. How do YOU like your ribs?

#bbq #foodsky #DIY #foodhacks #ribs #homecooking #howto
The 3-2-1 method involves a three-step process by which ribs are smoked, baked, and steamed, and then cooked for blocks of an hour or more to make tender ribs.
For The Most Tender Pork Ribs You've Ever Had, Employ The 3-2-1 Method - The Takeout
www.thetakeout.com
December 3, 2025 at 7:31 PM
Ever spotted one of these bad boys in a Goodwill? If you do see one, grab it! They are hardly rare, but they tend to be really expensive otherwise. If you enjoy canning foods, like jams, these suckers are lifesavers.

#foodhacks #thrifting #secondhand #weck #jamjars #canning #diy #foodsky
If you tend to beat yourself up for failing to recognize a good find at the thrift store, you should know these vintage jars are highly coveted.
The Vintage Jars You Should Never Leave Behind At The Thrift Store - The Takeout
www.thetakeout.com
December 2, 2025 at 9:18 PM
Look, if Dick Van Dyke eats ice cream with chocolate syrup every single night, I should too. He's about to turn 100! He must be doing SOMEthing right! (It's probs all the dancing but ice cream could be a secret imortality ingredient, right?)

#foodsky #dickvandyke #icecream #chocolate #happybirthday
Dick Van Dyke loves indulging in two heaping scoops of Häagen-Dazs ice cream topped with Hershey’s chocolate syrup, a nightly treat for the actor.
The Simple Sweet Treat That Dick Van Dyke Loves - The Takeout
www.thetakeout.com
December 1, 2025 at 8:22 PM
Son-Mat translates as "hand taste" and is the Korean concept that food made by hand has a special taste that only human care and skill can lend. There might even be a little science behind the concept. MAYbe.

#sonmat #foodsky #korean #fermented #handmade #foodscience #kimchi #homecooking
Even the best store-bought kimchi doesn't include what the Koreans call son-mat, or the comforting, extra delicious taste of something made by hand, with love.
The Key Ingredient You Won't Find In Store-Bought Kimchi - The Takeout
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December 1, 2025 at 5:26 PM
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.
www.thetakeout.com
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.
www.thetakeout.com
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
www.thetakeout.com
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
www.thetakeout.com
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
www.thetakeout.com
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
www.thetakeout.com
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
www.thetakeout.com
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
www.thetakeout.com
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
www.thetakeout.com
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
www.thetakeout.com
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
www.thetakeout.com
November 10, 2025 at 8:26 PM