Helena Nichols
Location
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Expertise
Vegetarian Cooking, Baking, Spirits & Cocktails
- Helena wrote her thesis on veganism in punk rock culture.
- During 2020, Helena made over 300 different cocktails.
- Her whiskey chocolate caramel cake recipe won first place in a baking competition.
Experience
Helena has been a professional foodie for close to a decade. Following a lifelong love of desserts, she worked as a baker, where she honed her skills in making all things sweet. While completing her master's, she began writing about food and has never looked back. She has been published in multiple food and news outlets, including TABLE Magazine, Mashed, Tasting Table, and the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Helena continues to pursue her passions by trying new foods and interesting cocktails whenever she can.
Education
Helena holds a bachelor's degree in English Literature from Chatham University; and a master's degree in Food Studies from Chatham University. Her program at Chatham provided her with a variety of hands-on food experiences, including making chocolate and brewing beer, as well as a deep knowledge of food history and culture.
The Daily Meal’s content comes from an authoritative editorial staff that is dedicated to current and comprehensive coverage. With an aim to provide only informative and engaging content, our writers, editors, and experts take care to craft clear and concise copy on all things food-related, from news in the food service industry to in-depth explainers about what’s found in readers’ refrigerators, original recipes from experienced chefs, and more.
Our team also regularly reviews and updates articles as necessary to ensure they are accurate. For more information on our editorial process, view our full policies page.
Stories By Helena Nichols
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A perfectly-sliced piece of pie is a thing of beauty, but making that clean slice can be tricky. Try these hacks next time for picture-perfect slices.
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Whether you're hosting an intimate gathering or bringing a dish to a large party, there are plenty of delicious vegetarian foods to choose from.
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Figs are considered a fruit, but they are actually a collection of inverted flowers. There are plenty of easy ways to use up those figs before they go bad.
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Pumpkin spice is one of the most popular autumn flavors but sometimes you just want something different. Try these flavors to kick up your fall this year.
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You might know papayas are tasty and healthy, but did you know they are also great for tenderizing meat and creating face masks? It's true. And that's not all.
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There's nothing better than a bowl of homemade chili, especially on a cold day. Avoid making these mistakes to ensure your pot of the good stuff is perfect.
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The flaky and buttery layers of puff pastries make them delectable treats, but making them can be tricky. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.
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Shrek is a powerhouse franchise and the loveable, green ogre's face has been used to promote countless snacks foods. Here are some you have forgotten about.
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Field trips are exciting adventures, but packing a proper lunchbox for them can be tricky. Here are some tips to help you along.
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From kids to adults, ice cream is beloved by all. While there are plenty of delicious flavors, some brands produce a better scoop than others.
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From freshly-baked breads to muffins to pies, Costco's bakery section is full of delicious treats. Here are some of the best that you should stock up on today.
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We love filling up on free bread while waiting for our meal, but which restaurant bread offering is best? Our definitive ranking will tell you.
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Who doesn't love brunch, especially when cocktails are involved? From sweet to fruity to spicy, there's a drink for all tastes. Here are some of the best.
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Butterscotch is a classic flavor found in hard candy, sauces, pies, puddings, and more. But do you know the fascinating history of this sweet and buttery treat?
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The smell of bread baking is like no other. Making your own may sound daunting, but we've put together some tips to make sure your loaf is ready to be buttered.
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While you may assume the best vodka only comes from Russia, several countries actually produce some amazing brands. Here are some of the best you need to try.
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Many burgers play a strong role in television, movies, and video games. They may be fictional, but they make our mouths water. Here are some of the best.
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Orange liqueurs, also known as triple sec and curaçao, are citrus cordials that can be sipped or mixed into drinks. Here's what you need to know about them.
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Hush puppies are a staple at southern fish fries, but their naming and history are a topic of debate. So, what are they and how did they get their name?
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While dining out is a great way to socialize, dining solo can be very rewarding. However, it can also be nerve-wracking. Here are some tips for dining alone.
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Some vegetables and fruits have peels that are rich in vitamins and nutrients. Some peels are poisonous. So, which should you eat and which should you toss?
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There are plenty of Irish culinary options out there that don't involve corned beef, and we've tracked down 13 that you should really know about.
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For some, Peeps signal that spring is here, and no Easter basket is complete without a Peeps chick or bunny. But how much do you really know about the treats?
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Dr Pepper has an interesting history. Here are some of the things you should know about the brand and drink.
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From Wales to China, dive into the fascinating culinary history of the world's oldest restaurants, including one that dates back to the 7th century.