Expertise
Cooking Tips & Tricks, Grilled Cheese Sandwiches, Comfort Foods
- Karen joined the Chowhound news team in 2025.
- She has written dozens of articles for the food site and its sister properties, but her favorite article so far is "The Bourbon Brand Ulysses S. Grant May Have Drunk By The Glassful."
- Karen is currently cooking her way through Nigella Lawson's "Nigella Bites."
Experience
Karen has worked as a professional writer for over two decades, most recently for Daily Meal, Tasting Table, and Mashed. She freelanced for the Washington Post, writing for its retired Sunday Source, as well as the D.C. Examiner. When she isn't trying the newest ice cream spot, she is exploring the culinary scene in other states and countries.
Education
Karen has a B.A. in English Literature.
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.
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If you're traveling to Italy soon, Rick Steves has a fantastic food recommendation. It may seem strange at first, but we guarantee you'll go back for seconds.
By Karen Hart
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Pomegranate seeds have a variety of wonderful uses, but if you want to make sure you get the most from the fruit you pick, follow these instructions.
By Karen Hart
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There are many options to choose from when planning to buy a new stove. Actress Zooey Deschanel picked up a vintage-looking stove for her apartment kitchen.
By Karen Hart
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Sweet potatoes are delicious and healthy, but cooking them properly can be tricky. If you follow this tip, you can bring out their natural sweetness.
By Karen Hart
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French toast is a popular and classic breakfast that is generally sweet. In the U.K., it is done as a savory meal that is definitely worth trying.
By Karen Hart
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Hot chocolate is a delicious and comforting beverage on a cold day. Bone broth has become a popular ingredient, but you want to use the right kind.
By Karen Hart
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Food History
By Karen Hart
A lot of vintage dishes were born out of necessity. This beloved 100-year-old dessert recipe is an inexpensive treat from The Great Depression.
By Karen Hart
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Pumpkin spice may have a monopoly on the hearts of latte lovers, but when it comes to fall pies, apple is the reason for the season.
By Karen Hart
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If you want to keep your pound cake from becoming too dry, you'll need to add a certain creamy ingredient to the batter to ensure your crumb is nice and moist.
By Karen Hart
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Tequila drinks may give you summer vibes, but this easy-to-make cocktail will keep you warm in the colder months and remind you how versatile the spirit is.
By Karen Hart
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Groceries are expensive, and if you are looking for ways to save money on olive oil, just borrow a page out of Martha Stewart's culinary playbook.
By Karen Hart
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Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but it doesn't need to be fancy. You'll just want to borrow a page from Ina Garten's morning playbook.
By Karen Hart
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Entertainment
By Karen Hart
In addition to being a talented singer and musician, Johnny Cash was a good cook. His family had a hot sauce recipe that he like to put on his chili.
By Karen Hart
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Food History
By Karen Hart
If you were alive during the 1980s, you might remember "poor man's pizza," a simple, affordable, customizable meal made with just a few pantry staples.
By Karen Hart
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John Lennon was nothing if not loyal. To his music, to his love, and to his favorite cocktail. Galvanize your inner Beatle with this old-school drink.
By Karen Hart
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Just because kitchen towels are practical doesn't mean they have to be bland. This hack makes them look more festive and your kitchen more inviting.
By Karen Hart
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TV and Movies
By Karen Hart
This classic '80s movie almost featured a different candy -- a change that could have completely altered the sweet success of the one we know today.
By Karen Hart
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Boxed stuffing makes Thanksgiving significantly less stressful, as it's one less thing to worry about, but a pantry staple elevates it with little extra effort.
By Karen Hart
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Apple butter is delicious and has so many uses, but adding this one spice will make it even more delectable and make you look like a star chef.
By Karen Hart
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One of the most essential skills for being a good cook is cutting. Andrew Zimmern has great tips to improve your knife skills and make cooking less of a chore.
By Karen Hart
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Making soup of any kind can take effort, but if you want to remove the challenge of removing lumps, this handy hack will do the trick easily.
By Karen Hart
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Your kitchen may look spotless, but it could be even cleaner if you pay enough attention to this overlooked area, and we really think you should.
By Karen Hart
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Entertainment
By Karen Hart
We trust Oprah for a lot of things, especially when she shares her annual "Favorite Things" list. This year, the list features this pricey olive oil.
By Karen Hart
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Hard-boiled eggs can be a nutritious part of any breakfast, but Martha Stewart has an ingenious tip for making them easier and even more delicious.
By Karen Hart
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Parmesan cheese is delicious and versatile and makes a great snack. Ina Garten has a particular way of slicing it that isn't perfect, but it works.
By Karen Hart
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When you're away from home, it's disturbing to return to a foul odor in your kitchen. There is a simple way to keep your sink from developing that smell.
By Karen Hart
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Chips are a great snack and when paired with a dip, are perfect for parties. Homemade dip is best and you can improve it by adding a tasty meat.
By Karen Hart
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