School
Penn State University, University of Pennsylvania
Expertise
Healthy Cooking, Kid-Friendly Meals, Home Baking
- Amanda began working in restaurants at the age of 14 and has been fascinated with "Yes, chef" culture ever since.
- The best meal she's ever had is the rigatoni ala vodka at Pietro's Pizzeria on Walnut Street in Philadelphia.
- Her favorite home-cooked dish is her Polish grandma's pierogies, filled with ground beef and cheese, then deep-fried to golden perfection.
Experience
A professional writer for over a decade, Amanda is passionate about discovering new cuisines, both in her kitchen and at hidden gem restaurants. Her previous experience in teaching biology and working as a personal trainer has helped her develop a talent for finding and creating recipes that fuel the body and the soul. Amanda's kitchen isn't just about wellness, however — she's known for spending hours (and pounds of powdered sugar) perfecting her signature buttercream icing. She loves sharing the kitchen with her seven-year-old son. When Amanda isn't working on her copycat Starbucks Cranberry Bliss bars or marinating chicken in pickle juice, she can be found running, attending a jazz dance class, or cheering for her son at baseball.
Education
Amanda has a bachelor's degree in psychology from Penn State and a master's in education in school and mental health counseling from the University of Pennsylvania.
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You don't need to cream butter and sugar for every recipe when baking, but when it is called for, it's worth doing. Here's why, plus expert tips to do it well.
By Amanda Berkey
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BBQ chicken thighs are some of the most succulent proteins you can treat yourself to, so long as you cook them right. Here are some tips from an expert.
By Amanda Berkey
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Miami, Florida
By Amanda Berkey
Only in fast-paced Miami could you find such a charming throwback burger joint serving a mix of good old fast food nostalgia and Cuban fritas.
By Amanda Berkey
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Eat Like A Local
By Amanda Berkey
Located off the northwest coast of Florida, this island has a bounty of fresh seafood. Read on to know what it's famous for and best places to eat at.
By Amanda Berkey
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Restaurants
By Amanda Berkey
The next time you're at Olive Garden, remember to take an extra portion of this popular item home. You can use it to make ridiculously flavorful hot dogs.
By Amanda Berkey
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Food History
By Amanda Berkey
Steak is one way to start your morning with protein. Though it was this president's go-to breakfast choice, he enjoyed steak multiple times per day.
By Amanda Berkey
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Coffee And Tea
By Amanda Berkey
If you're a coffee lover, chances are good you've noticed the increase in prices, whether you're brewing it at home or grabbing a cup at the local coffee shop.
By Amanda Berkey
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Food History
By Amanda Berkey
Back in the Old West, cowboys needed foods that traveled well and filled their bellies. This vintage preserved meat checked all those boxes.
By Amanda Berkey
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A thick, fatty steak for dinner sounds perfect, until you forget to thaw it from the freezer. Here's one cut that you need to cook from cold, but not frozen.
By Amanda Berkey
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If you consider pineapple and anchovies to be controversial pizza ingredients, celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay's favorite toppings might just surprise you.
By Amanda Berkey
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Food Science
By Amanda Berkey
You've always heard that bananas have a lot of potassium, but they've got nothing on this hydrating liquid that contains around 600 milligrams of it.
By Amanda Berkey
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Baked potatoes can be a delightful vessel for a range of other ingredients. But have you ever tried topping your potato only for all the good stuff to fall out?
By Amanda Berkey
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Fast Food
By Amanda Berkey
As one of the largest restaurant chains in the country, Chipotle naturally goes through a lot of food. But what happens to the stuff that doesn't get sold?
By Amanda Berkey
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Shopping Tips
By Amanda Berkey
Add some extra charm to your kitchen with these Aldi decor finds. If you see them in the store, grab them while you can, because they don't always last.
By Amanda Berkey
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Denver, Colorado
By Amanda Berkey
Looking for the best breakfast in the Mile High City? There's a family-owned Denver spot where locals go for massive smothered breakfast burritos.
By Amanda Berkey
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Food Science
By Amanda Berkey
You might be surprised to find a type of sugar listed on your salt container. There's a surprising reason why dextrose is added to iodized table salt.
By Amanda Berkey
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Fast Food
By Amanda Berkey
If you've ever wondered why Chick-fil-A employees always say "my pleasure" instead of "you're welcome," it's all thanks to this luxury hotel.
By Amanda Berkey
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Stores and Chains
By Amanda Berkey
Walmart is certainly known for its budget-friendly prices, and this extends to its bakery cakes. But why are they so much cheaper than a traditional bakery?
By Amanda Berkey
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Most home cooks have no idea how that simple can of tuna actually reaches their pantry. There's a complex journey that ensures the fish stays flaky and safe.
By Amanda Berkey
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Julia Child shared many brilliant tips over the years, but this was perhaps her most important piece of advice for every home cook.
By Amanda Berkey
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Make burgers that taste straight off the grill without the hassle of setup, weather planning, or cleanup with this simple add-in.
By Amanda Berkey
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T-bones are made up of two different cuts (filet and strip) separated by a bone. Seasoning with salt and pepper is a good start; just don't make this mistake.
By Amanda Berkey
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Carrots are versatile and delicious, so they're great to keep in the fridge. However, they can sprout roots before long. Here's what you should know about them.
By Amanda Berkey
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There are many ways to upgrade mashed potatoes. But if you want richer, creamier spuds with a bit more flavor, follow this Gordon Ramsay tip.
By Amanda Berkey
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If you're looking for a more flavorful chicken dinner, ditch the skinless chicken breast and reach for this cut that celebrity chef Alex Guarnaschelli loves.
By Amanda Berkey
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Restaurants
By Amanda Berkey
How can you tell whether a steakhouse is any good without splurging on a high-priced steak? Here's an expert's take on what to order and look out for.
By Amanda Berkey
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Do you want that bakery taste for your own cakes without making the icing from scratch? There's a secret to getting your hands on professional-grade frosting.
By Amanda Berkey
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