Asia McLain
School
University Of Southern California – School Of Cinematic Arts
Expertise
Southern & New Orleans Style Cooking, Baking, Celebrity Chefs & Cookbooks
- Asia's articles have been featured in Multiples of America's "Notebook" national magazine and the Disney Food Blog.
- She once won a neighborhood "Iron Chef" competition where the secret ingredient was sweet potato. The highlight of the winning menu was her Caribbean sweet potato salad.
- Her favorite restaurant is a 100-year-old Mexican spot in L.A.
Experience
Asia has been contributing to Today Meal since 2023. She has been writing since she could hold a pencil and has worked as a professional writer for over a decade. Asia began her media writing career as a parenting writer and content creator for BuzzFeed and has since expanded her coverage to a diverse variety of lifestyle topics, including TV, movies, travel, food, women's issues, health, and Disney Parks. She has also conducted interviews with celebrities like Chrissy Teigen, Kristen Bell, and "Supernanny" Jo Frost.
Education
Asia has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in writing for screen and television from the University of Southern California's School of Cinematic Arts.
Today 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 Asia McLain
-
Most of us have a drawer in the kitchen reserved for random bits. If an old gift card happens to be lurking in yours, save it as a helpful tool.
-
Before you go dumping that brine down the drain when you've eaten the last pickle in the jar, use it as your secret ingredient in salad dressing.
-
Even though there are only three main ingredients in a BLT, you might think that the bacon and the tomato are the stars, but lettuce plays a pivotal role.
-
Did you know a humble kitchen utensil usually associated with spuds can remarkably elevate the flavors of that quintessential summertime porch drink, lemonade?
-
Many Americans, when asked, would prefer cold pizza for breakfast. But no one will judge if you prefer yours reheated, so this is the best pan for the job.
-
Key lime pie is rewarding to make, but the graham cracker crust has a tendency to stick to the pan. That's why you need Ina Garten's handy trick.
-
When friends and family have gathered around your table, the last thing you want to do is ruin the glazed ham. Turns out, that can happen in mere seconds.
-
Slicing Scottish shortbread requires a particular vigilance. Thankfully, this step doesn't have to be overthought once implementing this strategy.
-
Do you love finding ways to add a flavor boost to your favorite classic sides? Add this unexpected sauce to your next batch of mashed potatoes.
-
We've been eating ice cream sandwiches the same way for years. This cracker swap with make you fall in love with these sweet treats all over again.
-
A delicious chicken soup starts with a flavorful helping of chicken. And to get the best flavor from your poultry, we recommend you first sear the chicken.
-
Baking cookies shows someone you care, so you want them to last as long as possible. Make sure you know the tortilla hack for longer-lasting homemade cookies.
-
Grilled cheese sandwiches might be the best thing since sliced bread, but they can be an even better thing if you replace your bread with sliced sweet potatoes.
-
Cooking up a batch of burgers makes for a simple, satisfying meal. But, try adding baking soda to your meat for next-level burgers. Here's why.
-
You've likely had guacamole with the avocado mashed into a spread, but you've been missing out if you've never made the dip with larger chunks of diced avocado.
-
The ultimate disappointment is banana bread that becomes dry and crumbly. It turns out all you need is a zip-top bag and a little patience to lock in moisture.
-
A small sprinkle of flaky sea salt can deliciously brighten up your peanut butter and jelly sandwich, balancing out its sweetness and mouthfeel.
-
Sometimes you want a sandwich a little on the lighter side. Doing an easy swap for nutrient-rich eggs instead of bacon can help get you there.
-
Serving food on colored dishware can enhance the presentation - and your diners' appetites. Some plate and bowl colors are the best, and some are the worst.
-
In life, it's all about timing. And making breakfast is no different. For the best egg texture, you want to pay attention to the order of events.
-
If you feel like your cheesecake could use a bit of a textural improvement, then you'll want to reach for a tub of mascarpone cheese as your secret ingredient.
-
There's an easy switch to make dips that are heavy in fat and calories lighter and healthier. All you have to do is swap sour cream with Greek yogurt.
-
Add a bit of Greek yogurt to your next batch of homemade hummus and you'll enjoy thick, creamy dip for days to come.
-
If you're looking to bake the most chewy cookies that are rich and fudgy in texture and have a delectable custard-like flavor, look no further than egg yolks.
-
For an enjoyable and unexpected twist, try throwing your garlic on the grill at your next cookout for a richer flavor and even softer texture.
-
Cheese can be difficult to grate for recipes, especially harder varieties. Luckily, there's a trick that helps add moisture that makes grating it much easier.
-
Potato salad is always delicious, but who isn't on the lookout for new ways to add some zing? Reach for that bottle of sriracha and you'll never look back.