Madalyn Mackarey
School
The University Of The Arts
Expertise
Food Travel, Restaurant Recommendations, Cheese/Charcuterie
- Within the past year, Madalyn traveled and ate her way through 10+ countries while backpacking solo and working on a cruise ship, discovering that the best bites were often the most budget-friendly and off the beaten path.
- Madalyn took a deep dive into the world of charcuterie after her time as a food tour guide taking guests to local markets and cheesemongers was cut short due to the pandemic. She is now happily responsible for creating beautiful, delectable boards for every dinner party and family gathering. (Her go-to cheese is an aged Havarti).
- After living in Philadelphia for five years, Madalyn definitely knows where to find the best Philly cheesesteak. She'll tell you her answer only if you promise to try her other recommendations from the city's underrated foodie scene.
Experience
Originally from South Florida, Madalyn began working as a freelance content writer while living and studying in Philadelphia, writing for numerous brands with search engine marketing company The Hoth. Over the years, she's covered topics ranging from food and travel to lifestyle and the home. Her passion for food originates from an extended family of home cooks and experience working as a hostess and food tour guide in the restaurant scene. She is currently based in NYC, voraciously exploring this food mecca of a city while cooking up news stories for Today Meal.
Education
Madalyn holds a B.F.A. in musical theatre from the University of the 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 Madalyn Mackarey
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While there are some questionable food trends that have originated on TikTok, some are just plain delicious. Getting the right amount of pickle juice is key.
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Fresh Italian cheeses are crave-worthy additions to your culinary repertoire, but they spoil fast. Here's how to store stracciatella for ideal preservation.
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There's something about an expertly executed pan sauce that can truly bring a dish together, but for the best results, you'll need to ditch the nonstick pan.
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Remember that tasty fried chicken from last night? If you want to enjoy those same flavors again, the leftovers are perfect for an elevated chicken salad.
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If you're prepping a batch of overnight oats for the week ahead, it's good to know how long they'll last before they go bad. Here's what to know.
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There are many dip options to consider for parties and snacks. Just as important, though, is your choice of accompanying snack. Here's what to consider.
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Creamy Hass avocados are great for making guacamole. But it's not the right texture for an avocado salad. For that task, reach for something a little firmer.
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Canned black beans are a pantry staple, and with the right seasonings, a delicious addition to so many different dishes. Try these tips for maximum flavor.
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A creamy, hearty pot of Bolognese is a quintessential comfort food already bursting with warmth and flavor. But sometimes you crave a little more heat.
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To create a smoothie with a silky and creamy texture, it's important to add ice or other frozen elements at a certain step in the blending process.
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Most of us just reach for a jar of our favorite stuffed olives at the grocery store and don't think twice. But if you're making them at home keep this in mind.
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When frying up dumplings, you can add a crispy, delicate skirt to the bottom simply by adding a slurry of starch and a few other ingredients.
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You'll often find a recipe that calls for a sprig of mint or thyme, but how much exactly is a sprig? It actually depends on the herb you're using.
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It's okay to get creative when making your next batch of guacamole. But not every ingredient swap is as simple as it sounds. Always read the label first.
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Sometimes, it's a happy accident for foods to fit into the parameters of dietary restrictions. So is the case as to why macaroons are a go-to Passover dessert.
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Celery stalks may get plenty of attention, but the real star of the show should be the vegetable's leaves. They're a perfect ingredient for your next stir fry.
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Eggs can be a tricky ingredient even for the most skilled home cooks. You might be surprised at which cooking techniques can be impacted by this one thing.
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Texture is everything when it comes to things like steaks and burgers. For the perfect mix in a Salisbury steak, you can rely on your trusty stand mixer.
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Natto is a sticky, pungent plant-based protein, but just like any other fermented food, it's all about the seasonings and foods you choose to pair it with.
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To avoid bland and watery cabbage soup, an extra step for preparing your greens can make all the difference and result in a deeply flavorful end result.
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Perhaps one of the most beloved regional cuisines is that of New Orleans. The Cajun- and Creole-inspired foods have rich cultural roots. Next up, try yakamein.
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Similar to homemade zucchini bread, green tomato bread is easy to make - no yeast or rising involved - and versatile enough to be enjoyed from morning to night.
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If you love butternut squash soup for its sweet notes, then try adding some apples to amp up that flavor profile. Here's what you need to know.
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The easiest and cleanest way to check if your garlic is properly roasted is by using a tool you already have in your kitchen. A paring knife.
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Breakfast can look a little different in Taiwan. Many common street foods are prevalent during breakfast hours and these are some of the best dishes.
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If you've got a batch of unripe tomatoes and you want to enjoy them before they turn red, here's how you should store them so they stay green for longer.
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To slowly infuse your velvety fondant potatoes with remarkable flavor, don’t bother mincing your aromatics - instead, add them whole to the pan.