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/
Read my work HERE: https://www.thetakeout.com/author/lauraallan/
Pinned
Laura C. Allan
@lcallan.bsky.social
· Dec 4
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
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
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
#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 Your Bartender Does This, They're Breaking The Law - The Takeout
www.thetakeout.com
January 6, 2026 at 6:02 PM
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
#laws #bartenders #marrying #liquor #drinks #bottles #illegal #breakingthelaw #bars
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
#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.
San Francisco Is Home To The Country's Oldest Tea Garden - The Takeout
www.thetakeout.com
January 6, 2026 at 5:17 PM
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
#sanfrancisco #travel #teagarden #reviews #advice #visit
Reposted by Laura C. Allan
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.
The Absolute Worst Way To Reheat Pizza (And The Best) - The Takeout
www.thetakeout.com
January 5, 2026 at 1:16 AM
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
#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.
The San Francisco Restaurant That Cooks All Its Food Over An Open Flame - The Takeout
www.thetakeout.com
December 18, 2025 at 6:44 PM
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
#lacigale #foodsky #restaurant #sanfrancisco #foodies #review #fire #california
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
#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.
Why You Should Avoid Taco Bell's Steak, According To Employees - The Takeout
www.thetakeout.com
December 17, 2025 at 7:05 PM
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
#donutpan #foodsky #foodhacks #breakfast #eggs
A donut pan is your secret weapon for making perfectly shaped eggs for breakfast sandwiches.
This Pastry Pan Is Actually Your Secret Weapon For Perfect Breakfast Sandwiches - The Takeout
www.thetakeout.com
December 17, 2025 at 5:32 PM
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
#donutpan #foodsky #foodhacks #breakfast #eggs
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
#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.
Give Bold BBQ Sauce A Fast Food Twist With Just One Easy Addition - The Takeout
www.thetakeout.com
December 16, 2025 at 5:44 PM
This is a straightforward one: Do NOT buy window-display beer. The closer your beer is to constant sunlight, the worse the quality will be. Just don't do it.
#foodsky #foodhack #beer #sunlight
#foodsky #foodhack #beer #sunlight
Beer on display in a store window is subject to UV light and heat that could cause it to break down quickly, creating a skunky smell and taste.
Never Buy A Case Of Beer That's Located In This Area Of The Store - The Takeout
www.thetakeout.com
December 16, 2025 at 5:16 PM
It's easy, it's healthy, and kids love em. What more is there to say? Try making them yourself, it's a fun food experiment at the very least.
#foodsky #foodhacks #breakfast #pancakes #bananapancakes #bananas #healthy #homecooking
#foodsky #foodhacks #breakfast #pancakes #bananapancakes #bananas #healthy #homecooking
Buttermilk pancakes are plenty tasty, but these banana pancakes only require two ingredients and offer the nutrition you need to kickstart your school day.
These 2-Ingredient Banana Pancakes Are The Perfect Before-School Breakfast - The Takeout
www.thetakeout.com
December 15, 2025 at 6:16 PM
It's easy, it's healthy, and kids love em. What more is there to say? Try making them yourself, it's a fun food experiment at the very least.
#foodsky #foodhacks #breakfast #pancakes #bananapancakes #bananas #healthy #homecooking
#foodsky #foodhacks #breakfast #pancakes #bananapancakes #bananas #healthy #homecooking
Let me be clear once again: Not ALL Irish children do this, but it's neat that any of them do in the first place! I love the holidays, and I love holiday traditions. I wouldn't mind picking this up as part of my own family's celebrations ;)
#christmas #holidays #tradition #irish #ireland #beer
#christmas #holidays #tradition #irish #ireland #beer
Per a longstanding Irish tradition, families leave a pint of Ireland's most famous beer, Guinness, for Santa to enjoy on his long gift-giving trip.
Forget The Milk: Santa Gets A Pint Of This Iconic Beer When He Lands In Ireland - The Takeout
www.thetakeout.com
December 15, 2025 at 5:05 PM
Let me be clear once again: Not ALL Irish children do this, but it's neat that any of them do in the first place! I love the holidays, and I love holiday traditions. I wouldn't mind picking this up as part of my own family's celebrations ;)
#christmas #holidays #tradition #irish #ireland #beer
#christmas #holidays #tradition #irish #ireland #beer
Want creamy scrambled eggs? Then add cream! It's really that simple, what more is there for me to say. ;)
#foodsky #foodhacks #scrambledeggs #cream
#foodsky #foodhacks #scrambledeggs #cream
Adding a splash of heavy cream in your scrambled eggs is a cheap way to give the dish a richer, fluffier, and more tender texture.
The Cheap Ingredient That Makes Scrambled Eggs Taste Extra Decadent - The Takeout
www.thetakeout.com
December 12, 2025 at 6:36 PM
Want creamy scrambled eggs? Then add cream! It's really that simple, what more is there for me to say. ;)
#foodsky #foodhacks #scrambledeggs #cream
#foodsky #foodhacks #scrambledeggs #cream
Have you noticed that Honey Smacks cereal tastes different over the last ten years? You're not imagining it. The cereal was permanently changed in 2018 after tainted product caused illness, including one death.
#kelloggs #cereal #recall #foodsky #foodhistory #contamination #honeysmacks
#kelloggs #cereal #recall #foodsky #foodhistory #contamination #honeysmacks
In 2018, Kellogg's issued a breakfast cereal recall for Honey Smacks after a Salmonella outbreak at one of its production facilities sickened 135 people.
The Major 2018 Kellogg's Cereal Recall That Landed 30+ Consumers In The ER - The Takeout
www.thetakeout.com
December 11, 2025 at 8:07 PM
Have you noticed that Honey Smacks cereal tastes different over the last ten years? You're not imagining it. The cereal was permanently changed in 2018 after tainted product caused illness, including one death.
#kelloggs #cereal #recall #foodsky #foodhistory #contamination #honeysmacks
#kelloggs #cereal #recall #foodsky #foodhistory #contamination #honeysmacks
I'm a California native, and we're no stranger to large Asian markets. This one, however, is a little different, and it's growing VERY very fast. New locations are opening this month, in fact.
#asianmarket #foodsky ##oasakamarketplace #japan #sushi #grocerystore #california
#asianmarket #foodsky ##oasakamarketplace #japan #sushi #grocerystore #california
Osaka Marketplace brings a true taste of Japan to California, flying in fish weekly from Tokyo and offering hard-to-find snacks and beauty products.
The Expanding California Grocery Chain That Brings A Taste Of Japan To Customers - The Takeout
www.thetakeout.com
December 11, 2025 at 8:05 PM
I'm a California native, and we're no stranger to large Asian markets. This one, however, is a little different, and it's growing VERY very fast. New locations are opening this month, in fact.
#asianmarket #foodsky ##oasakamarketplace #japan #sushi #grocerystore #california
#asianmarket #foodsky ##oasakamarketplace #japan #sushi #grocerystore #california
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
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
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
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
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
#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
www.thetakeout.com
December 10, 2025 at 6:49 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
#foodsky #foodhacks #stock #shrimp #diy #soup #homecooking
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
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
www.thetakeout.com
December 9, 2025 at 7:10 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
What sort of pie is YOUR favorite?
#johnnycash #mamacash #foodsky #pineapplepie #pies #chesspie #homecooking #recipes
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
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 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
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
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
#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
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
#foodsky #dollarstore #kitchenhacks #diy
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
#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
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
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
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
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
#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
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
#bbq #foodsky #DIY #foodhacks #ribs #homecooking #howto
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
#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
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
#foodhacks #thrifting #secondhand #weck #jamjars #canning #diy #foodsky
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
#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
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
#foodsky #dickvandyke #icecream #chocolate #happybirthday
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
#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
www.thetakeout.com
December 1, 2025 at 5:26 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
#sonmat #foodsky #korean #fermented #handmade #foodscience #kimchi #homecooking
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
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
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
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