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Laura C. Allan
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/
276 followers546 following160 posts
Hey, don't knock it until you try it. Ginger is a powerful ingredient in many dishes, this one included. #porkchop #gingerbeer #foodsky #cooking #foodhacks #ginger #marinade
Tenderize pork chops with ginger beer, a fermented drink whose enzymes, acidity, and carbonation create juicy, flavorful meat with a caramelized finish.
As always, I love getting to write about my local haunts. Spancky's is one such spot, & I cannot speak highly enough about it. It's a quaint little dive bar, but it's warm, friendly, & welcoming. It's also got some of the best bartenders in town! #cotati #spanckys #foodsky #norcal #bayarea #sonoma
Discover this Bay Area bar that has a history of hosting famous musicians and continues to draw crowds for the music, hospitality, and drinks.
What do YOU think the proper etiquette here is? The Internet seems to be divided on this specific question, so to any Aldi shoppers out there, what do you think? #aldi #foodsky #etiquette #carts #shopping
Asking for someone else's shopping cart at Aldi isn't rude so long as you offer them a quarter in return and don't mind getting turned down.
Laura C. Allan reposted
At Dollar Tree, you may find discontinued snacks, rare sodas, and limited-edition treats thanks to overstock and closeout deals from other major retailers.
So, is this hack work it? The consensus seems to be... not really. It's an easy one to do, and it doesn't cost you a thing, but the results you get out of it are lackluster or even bad. Have you tried this before? What did you think? #foodsky #foodhacks #mcnugget #mcdonalds #chickennugget #welldone
Ordering Chicken McNuggets well done at McDonald's is a good way to get food that's fresh out of the fryer, but it takes a long time and isn't perfect.
I am blessed enough to live near this legendary pizzeria, and you should try it. Tommaso's opened in 1935, and it's still going strong. It also has a few rather unusual pie options as far as toppings, but be adventurous! It's worth it! #Tommasos #pizza #foodsky #foodhistory #pizzeria #sanfrancisco
Believe it or not, the very first pizzeria on the West Coast is still serving up hot and fresh pizza pies. This San Francisco joint keeps it classic.
Ok folks, time to weigh in: Pan Pizza Crust or Hand Tossed Pizza Crust? (Of course, the real answer is make your pizza from scratch at home, but if you gotta hit the Hut for pizza, which do you prefer?) #pizzahut #pizza #foodsky #choice #panpizza #handtossed #crust
The debate about whether Pizza Hut's pan or hand tossed crust is tastier rages on, but Reddit users have made it abundantly clear that pan crust reigns supreme.
Ramsay loves Cuban food, and he's said as much on numerous occasions. Can he make a Floridian-approved cubano sandwich though? Maaaaybe not... #gordonramsay #cubano #cuban #foodsky #celebritychef #miami #sandwich #florida
Gordon Ramsay has been vocal about his love for Cuban food, so it makes sense that whenever he's in Miami he makes a point to grab a Cuban sandwich.
Want to try some of Elvis' favorite food? You actually still can, as the spot he liked to party at on late night's still serves his preferred ribs and sandwiches. It even has a new location, if you happen to be in town. #elvis #tennessee #foodhistory #ribs #bbq #foodsky #leonards #memphis
Leonard's Pit Barbecue in Memphis, Tennessee was a BBQ restaurant that Elvis Presley loved. It's still open today more than 100 years later.
I have so SO much love for 7 Stars. If you are in the South Bay, I recommend you make the trip to try it. I hope the adoration I have for this bar comes through in this article. :) #foodsky #restaurantreview #bars #starwars #nerd #campbell #7stars
Located near San Jose, California, 7 Stars Bar and Grill offers a galaxy far, far away experience with "Star Wars"-themed drinks, decor, and fun.
I know I've had it before, but did your family ever make Salmon Loaf? I used to love the stuff and in my opinion it's one of the best ways to use canned salmon! The recipe is at least 125 years old, too. #foodsky #salmonloaf #foodhistory #cannedfish #homecooking #foodhacks
Ground beef or turkey is likely what comes to mind when you think of meatloaf, but there are many good reasons why you should use salmon instead.
Costco is doing their own green dessert this month, Shamrock Shakes be damned! And... it's cheaper. #costco #foodsky #sundae #mint #shamrockshake #new
Costco is looking to celebrate St. Patrick's Day with the arrival of a new food court dessert that may just be the Shamrock Shake competitor we needed.
Want to spice up your deviled eggs a little? I'm more a fan of making those bad boys as dill-filled as possible! But those who want more of a kick may prefer this method I describe. #deviledeggs #tajin #foodsky #foodhacks #cookingtips #partyfood
The next time you make deviled eggs, skip the paprika and reach for this Mexican seasoning blend. It's vibrant, flavorful, and just what your deviled eggs need.
Got a slowcooker? Time to make wings. It's easy and fun, and takes a lot of stress out of entertaining. But ONLY if you like fall-off-the-bone wings. #cookinghack #slowcooker #instantpot #wings #foodsky #chicken #whatsfordinner #recipes
An Instant Pot can be used to make chicken wings. It's a method that is faster than using an oven and the steam ensures they don't come out dry.
If you've never heard of Marcel Boulestin (let's face it, you probably haven't) please read this. I fell in love with this man while researching his history and cooking show. His tale is deeply tragic, even moreso than I included in the article. #foodsky #cookingshows #boulestin #chef #foodhistory
The first televised cooking show, "Cook’s Night Out," starred chef X. Marcel Boulestin — but it aired live in 1937 and was never recorded for future chefs.
The Front Porch has been around since 2006 & it's still offering up serious Southern hospitality. If you're in the area give it a visit & don't sleep on the Dr. Pepper braised short rib if it's currently on the menu. Absolutely to die for. #thefrontporch #foodsky #sanfrancisco #restaurant #guyfieri
Be like Guy Fieri and check out this unique San Francisco restaurant. This charming spot serves up comforting southern dishes in an inviting environment.
To be crystal clear: I love my Buldak so hot I can barely breathe. My profile pic is evidence of this fact. But, for those who occasionally like to take some edge off the heat, there are a few helpful tips here. #foodsky #foodhacks #buldak #ramen #spicy
Buldak ramen is notoriously spicy, but it's also famously delicious. If you've been chowing down and need a break from the heat, here's how to mellow it out.
Want to know a truly TERRIBLE way to lose weight? The David Bowie diet. I adore Bowie, but he was definitely a troubled man who made many bad decisions in his life. At one point, he lived purely off of drugs, milk, and peppers. Really, that's it. #bowie #milk #peppers #diet #eightloss #foodsky
There wasn't much that was normal about David Bowie's life, but his eating habits in the 1970s led to some pretty alarming results. This was his diet.
Lennon had a complicated relationship with food. That's... putting it mildly. However, he was a huge blood pudding fan. Incidentally, I quite like it too! #bloodpudding #foodsky #englishbreakfast #johnlennon #breakfast #foodhistory #beatles
John Lennon's ideal breakfast spread included a number of classic ingredients, but it also featured a divisive type of sausage that you either love or hate.
Have you heard of the Pizza Principle? When I started researching, I was pretty fascinated that someone noticed this correlation to begin with. I think it's also very telling about the state of our nation that it's vanishing more with each passing year. #foodsky #inflation #pizza #pizzaprinciple
NYC’s "Pizza Principle" once linked the price of a slice to subway fares, but rising food costs and inflation have broken the long-running trend.
If you enjoy the Filet-o-fish sandwich at McDonalds, you should know that the sandwich only exists because of a bet. Well, and also because of pineapple. #foodsky #mcdonalds #filetofish #lent #fish #foodhistory #raykroc #hulaburger
McDonald's founder Ray Kroc didn't like the idea of a stinky Filet-O-Fish at first, and instead wanted to sell a Hula Burger to his Catholic customers.
Do you remember these? They are kind of a flicker in my memory, but I genuinely thought they were around for longer than that. Were you a fan and do you miss them? #Wendys #frescata #discontinued #foodsky #fastfood #sandwich #retrofood
Wendy’s Frescata sandwiches were a popular deli-style menu item from around 2006 to 2008, but the fast food chain discontinued them. Here's why.
So, I wrote this in kind of shock. I didn't realize that many people were unaware that yogurt is a main ingredient in many Indian curries, not coconut milk or cream. Not shading people who didn't know, I'm just... surprised! :) #foodsky #foodhacks #yogurt #curry #indian #dahi #coconutmilk #cooking
Out of coconut milk? Learn how swapping it for yogurt made with whole milk can make a rich, flavorful curry that adds creaminess and balance.
As much as I do want to eat my entire bodyweight of this stuff, I also kinda would like to make my own from scratch. I can make a mean alfredo, so why not? #foodsky #traderjoes #gochujang #fusilloni #pasta #new
Trader Joe's customers love the new frozen Spicy Alfredo Fusilloni Pasta, calling it absolutely delicious for its creamy sauce and drool-worthy gochujang kick.
I am going to do this... as soon as I have a proper meat refrigerator, lol. I know people who do this regularly, and they absolutely swear by it. #foodsky #foodhacks #beef #savings
If you have a chest freezer at home, consider buying beef in bulk like this. It will provide some relief for your hurting wallet from the current beef prices.
Do you live near SF and have a hankering for pastries? Then you need to try this place. There's a new location opening in Palo Alto too, if you don't want to go all the way into The City. #croissants #Arsicault #pastries #restaurants #baking #sanfrancisco #review #foodsky
The texture, flavor, and flake factor of these croissants are pretty much unmatched. Here's why you should check out this popular San Francisco bakery.
IMPORTANT! Massive recall in effect for the Midwest! The FDA has released a list of products impacted by contamination, and it's around 2,000 different items! I included info on what to do and how to find out if you've bought tainted products. #Recall #foodsky #fda #safety #contamination #classII
Laura C. Allan reposted
Weeknight dinners are supposed to be easy, but that doesn't mean they have to be bland. Give this popular dinner a Latin remake with this flavorful ingredient.
I will absolutely shout this hack from the rooftops! I've recommended it to so many, & it's so easy. I live in an area with good climate, so I don't have to do the water method. I just stick the butts into the soil & a week later I have green onions. #foodsky #foodhacks #greenonions #gardening #diy
Place green onion bottoms into a bowl or cup with the cut sides up. Fill the cup with water until the roots are covered, and set it in an area with sunlight.
My boy Mark lived in my area of the country for only a short time, but it made a lasting impression on him. Especially the oysters! I've had Olympia's only once, and they were truly unique. #foodsky #foodhistory #marktwain #olympia #oysters #seafood
Mark Twain frequently dined on Olympia oysters during his stay at the Occidental Hotel in San Francisco. They're hard to come by these days due to pollution.
If you frequent Trader Joe's you've probably spotted their pizza cream cheese. Maybe you even tried it! If so, did you like it? Because it's a WILD flavor ride, and I know a lot of customers are hoping it doesn't end up as a limited-time offering after all. #foodsky #traderjoes #pizza #creamcheese
Trader Joe's new Everything But the Pizza Whipped Cream Cheese is going viral for its bold flavor, versatility, low price, and cult following.
YES. FINALLY. Okay, I know it should be simple, but cutting between these things is SUCH a pain. Here's hoping that the perforated lines between each package actually tear clean this time... #foodsky #foodnews #costco #chicken #update #breakingnews
One of Costco customers' biggest gripes these past years has been the packaging to Kirkland Signature's chicken breast. It finally fixed the problem.
Does anyone else recall Franco American canned mac and cheese?? It had a flavor that lives in my head rent free to this day. #foodsky #francoamerican #cannedfood #macandcheese #discontinued #retrofood #nostalgia
Canned pasta is an American pantry staple, especially for young families. This once-popular canned pasta dish is one that nobody eats anymore.
I don't know WHY my editor let me get away with describing Mission burritos this way, but they did, & I'm happy. My loved ones & I have strong opinions on what makes a good burrito of this style, which you'll find at the end of the article. #burrito #mission #sanfrancisco #foodsky #foodhistory
San Francisco's Mission-style burritos may be the most popular burrito style around, so it's no wonder there are competing claims as to when they were invented.
If you've ever been to San Francisco, I'm betting you already know where this chocolate wall is. ;) #Ghirardellisquare #ghirardelli #sanfrancisco #chocolate #waterfall
You've probably seen a chocolate fountain before, but what about a chocolate wall? San Francisco boasts the largest chocolate wall in America.
I have exactly TWO pieces in my collection. One is cracked ever so slightly, so it never comes out from the leaded glass curio. The other I do take out to show off, but I would NEVER EVER eat off of it. And, despite temptation, neither should you. #uraniumglass #antiques #thrifting #dangerous #glow
Vintage uranium glass has become the glowing rarity of collectible glassware. But think twice before dining on chipped, cracked, or glazed radioactive dishes.
Dollar store meals are nothing to be ashamed of & you should know how to get the most food for your dime. If you're seeking protein, beans offer a way to get it without spending on pricy beef or chicken. You just have to know what you're doing with them. #foodsky #dollarstore #budget #foodhacks
Shopping for groceries at the dollar store is a good way to save money, but you don't have to reach for pricey meat. This alternative offers affordable protein.
Want to upset an Australian? Tell them that Vegemite and Marmite are the same. Go ahead and give it a try if you're daring, just be prepared for special levels of swear words. :) Or, you can learn a little about how they're different instead? #marmite #vegemite #australia #swearing #foodsky #yeast
Why yes, it is winter. Why yes, you can still enjoy lemonade sorbet! No one can technically stop you except you, so go for it. Life is certainly giving us lemons right now, so why not? #foodhacks #recipes #lemonsorbet #foodsky #icecream #easydesserts
Boston Cream Pies are, admittedly, amazing. But they are a pain to make from scratch. At least with this hack, you can make them in smaller, easier batches that won't have you cleaning every dish in your house. #foodhacks #foodky #cookinghacks #bostoncreampie #dessert #advice #sweets #mugcake
Bake Boston cream pie in mason jars for the best portable dessert, and enjoy those chocolate and vanilla flavors, plus ultra decadent textures, anywhere you go.
If you're a bartender, take note of this. I don't want anyone getting in trouble or getting fired for doing something that seems "harmless" but is actually illegal. #laws #bartenders #marrying #liquor #drinks #bottles #illegal #breakingthelaw #bars
"Marrying" liquors -- or pouring one bottle into another -- is sometimes done to save space, but it is against the law and can be unsafe for customers.
If you take my advice on only ONE place, listen to me on this one. The SF Tea Garden is magical and it has a healing effect on my soul. It's got this kind of deep peace to it that you won't find elsewhere, especially in the heart of the city. #sanfrancisco #travel #teagarden #reviews #advice #visit
Tea gardens are a place of quiet contemplation and mindful sipping. If you're in the San Francisco area, this tea garden is one of America's oldest.
Laura C. Allan reposted
The worst way to reheat leftover pizza is in the microwave, which makes it rubbery and floppy. The best way is on a skillet for crisp, fresh flavor.
For my local SF foodies! Always fun to write a piece on a restaurant that's near me for a change. If you're lucky enough to snag a seat at La Cigale, consider yourself blessed because you're in for a unique experience. #lacigale #foodsky #restaurant #sanfrancisco #foodies #review #fire #california
If you're in the Bay Area, this San Francisco restaurant is worth a stop -- especially if you appreciate complex, smoky, fire-kissed flavor.
Let me be clear: I DO order steak quesadillas from Taco Bell when I need a comfort food fix. I know it's not good quality. It tastes so, so bland & the texture is terrible. And I LOVE it every time. There's a time & a place for gross food, imho. #foodsky #tacobell #steak #reddit #order #fastfood
Fast food in general has a bad reputation for food quality, but Taco Bell can't seem to shake its stigma for bad meat. Here's why its staff avoids the steak.
If you have a silicone or even metal donut pan, cooking scrambled eggs in it is pretty fun. If you like bagel sandwiches, that fun turns quickly into genuine usefulness. If you're looking to save time and meal-prep breakfasts, this is one way to do it. #donutpan #foodsky #foodhacks #breakfast #eggs
A donut pan is your secret weapon for making perfectly shaped eggs for breakfast sandwiches.
Want to get that fast food BBQ flavor? Yeah, I know it's not exactly high quality, but it has a certain something in it that's just crack-levels of addictive. So, if you want to make it at home, you'll need to add in a little mayo. Yes, really. #foodsky #foodhacks #BBQ #bbqsauce #fastfood #DIY
There is something so craveable about fast food barbecue sauce. Fortunately, you can recreate that thick texture and rich flavor with one simple addition.