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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Anything fried is bound to be delicious so let's delve into what exactly is in Olive Garden's stuffed ziti fritta, a restaurant original.
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Sometimes, coffee tastings will be themed around coffee from a certain region of the world, or will feature a specific coffee brand's best brews.
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What if we told you there was a way to have all your favorite waffle toppings in one small package? The rich, melty goodness of butter gets an upgrade.
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Store-bought applesauce can have a reputation as being like baby food. But you could make it the way you like it by using the versatile potato masher.
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For fans of the fast-food chain's iconic hot sauce, here's your chance to find out what ingredients you need to attempt recreating it at home.
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Kimchi is typically added to rice bowls or noodle dishes to add a little kick. But it has so many more uses, including an unexpected addition to cornbread.
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Restaurant-quality steaks are attainable at home. Putting the finishing touch on your steak just might be the important step to finally getting there.
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There's a pretty standard array of fruits typically used in smoothies, so switch things up by using persimmon the next time you break out the blender.
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Who knew that the two terms couldn't be used interchangeably? There's a bit of a difference between these two warm, chocolatey drinks.
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A praline base typically consists of nuts, caramelized sugar, butter, and cream, while butter pecan flavor combines pecans, butter, and vanilla.
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Eggs are a popular staple in many households, but their price can vary wildly. Find out whether Aldi or Walmart offers the best deal on eggs.
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A charcuterie board is a crowdpleaser, but you can take it a step further with handheld charcuterie cones. Here's why these should be your next centerpiece.
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There's a way to uplevel your Bolognese that comes from an ingredient you may have in your pantry. It's oyster sauce, and this is why you should try it.
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You love tacos, and you love ramen. But have you ever thought about combining these two comfort foods for an exciting update to an old favorite?
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When buying eggplant at the grocery store, there are a number of things you'll want to keep in mind to ensure that you pick ones that are perfectly ripe.
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If you only associate nutmeg with sweet baked goods, think again. This surprisingly versatile spice adds a unique dimension to savory dishes too.
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Pickles and tuna go together almost as well as peanut butter and jelly. So it's no surprise that pickle relish is the key to outstanding tuna salad.
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Everyone seems to want to ramp up their protein intake these days. Wouldn't it be great if you could boost your protein while eating mac and cheese?
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If you're looking for an easy way to take your French toast to new heights, then you need to ditch the gadgets and gizmos and bust out some instant pudding mix.
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Did you know canned tuna can be used for more than just a classic tuna salad? Try transforming your canned meal into a hearty, savory creamed tuna dish.
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For marinated fresh mozzarella that's full of flavor and ready to serve with bread and wine, you need to let it soak in your marinade for at least this long.
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Pickle de gallo is a briny twist on the classic Mexican salsa, pico de gallo. Here are tips for how to make your own pickle de gallo at home.
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Tofu is full of vitamins and is a great way to get protein without eating meat. It doesn't have to be boring; for the best tofu of your life, try broiling it.
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Gruyère's versatility allows it to be taken from the cheeseboard to the fondue pot. When it melts, it melts evenly, without leaving a pool of fat behind.
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When serving multiple cheeses, having different utensils for each type is crucial to avoid overlapping flavors and ensure each cheese is properly sliced.
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Save the seeds next time you make pumpkin soup. They make a nutritious snack and add crunch to salad and soup. And a microwave can toast them in minutes.
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’Tis the season for sturdy winter squash. But these are vegetables notoriously difficult to cut. Make the job easier with this quick microwave trick.