Amanda Bretz
School
Florida Gulf Coast University, University Of Washington
Expertise
Craft Beer, Cooking, Food Preservation
- Amanda has written about or visited over 50 breweries in Western Washington State, the Oregon Coast, Alaska, and British Columbia.
- She worked in the PR department at a community college that launched the nation's first craft brewing and distilling program, and Amanda interviewed experts on the science behind making beer.
- In 2022, Amanda dove into food preservation by learning to ferment, dehydrate, and can food at home.
Experience
Amanda started out as a feature reporter for community newspapers, but over the past decade, she's written for numerous print and online outlets. While she never had a dedicated "beat" as a feature writer, she often interviews chefs and restaurateurs. When she isn't writing, she's most likely in the kitchen and over the past several years, Amanda has combined her two passions to write about food. Her articles have appeared in regional publications such as Feast Magazine, a food magazine based in St. Louis.
Education
Amanda studied journalism at Florida Gulf Coast University in Fort Myers, FL. and got her start as a feature reporter for a weekly newspaper. In 2019, Amanda continued her education with a certificate in Storytelling & Content Strategy from University of Washington in Seattle. This continuing education program is aimed at strengthening storytelling skills through incorporating classic storytelling elements, content strategy, and using data to tell a compelling story to the right audience.
Tasting Table’s editorial coverage hails from a veteran group of writers and editors with expertise in their respective fields in the food and drink, hospitality, and agriculture industries. Outside experts are also consulted to help deliver factual, up-to-date information and original recipes.
We strive to publish knowledgeable, engaging articles to give readers the information they're looking for, whether that is the news of the day; cooking tips, tricks, and trends; or reviews and recommendations. In an effort to provide the most comprehensive, current, and accurate content, our team is constantly reviewing and updating articles as necessary. Click here for more information on our editorial process.
Stories By Amanda Bretz
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The canned water Liquid Death stands out because of its trendy, edgy marketing, and has quickly grown a massive social media following.
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Just as you would never put food into an oven that wasn't preheated, you shouldn't crack an egg into a pan that hasn't been properly warmed up first.
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Traditional flatbreads have been around for a very long time; here's everything you need to know about flatbread, including what it is and where it came from.
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Elevate your next party with tea sandwiches, but skip the fuss of cutting and shaping bread by using a common kitchen item recommended by chef Jacques Pépin.
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Bran is often used in baking since it can add texture, flavor, and nutrition. It's also a highly versatile ingredient and can be used in almost any recipe.
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When your fermented hot sauce is safe to consume the brine will have this specific smell and this type of appearance.
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Just because it's safe to eat canned food after a year, it doesn't mean that you'll always want to. Here's what you need to know.
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In America, glass cookware has historically been made by a couple of popular manufacturers that have lasted the test of time, like Anchor Hocking.
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Even though we're used to brewing espresso so that it's strong enough to drink in shots, the beans don't have to be prepared this way.
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If you've ever come by Early Girl tomatoes, you may wonder how they got their name. Here's how this variety came to be, what they are like, and how to use them.
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Before you purchase a grill press or pull yours out of the cabinet, make sure you're using it in the most efficient way.
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Using frozen vegetables for your casserole can cut down on a recipe's prep time, but they're not always the best choice for every dish.
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Honey can be a bit messy in its liquid form, but there is an alternative. Dried honey or honey powder is growing in popularity and for good reason.
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Swedish and Italian meatballs each have their own place in the culinary world, coming from two cultures. Here's what makes them unique from each other.
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One major mishap with mac and cheese is the dish ending up as a dry result. Here's why overcooking the noodles can actually help you avoid this mistake.
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From filling tacos to serving mashed as a side, beans are a staple in numerous Mexican dishes. Here are two varieties you should always have on hand.
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They are both great for cooking food but their approach — to heating — is quite different.
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Many can appreciate the stronger flavor of whole wheat pasta, but it's best to combine it with bolder ingredients that create the perfect flavor combination.
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Einkorn is an ancient grain that is easier to digest and full of nutrients. Here's what you need to know about the grain and how to use it.
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Although it's a grain that's readily available and has been used for centuries, there are a few things to keep in mind when baking with spelt flour.
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If you're looking for a way to add some flavor to your cooking without adding a lot of steps, then you should consider making your own oil infusions at home.
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Purslane is a nutritious weed that may be growing in a park near you, or even in your yard, that you should be eating. Here's why.
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No matter how you plan to cook dried beans, you can help them turn out more flavorful by cooking them in your choice of broth.
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The good news is you can put bread dough in the freezer to make later, but there are some things you need to know before you do that.
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If you're looking for a gluten-free flour that can add depth, rich texture, and a nutty, earthy flavor to your dishes, there's a different flour you should try.
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In a country that's known for creating decadent, delicious chocolate confections, where would one go to experience the best chocolate that Italy has to offer?
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Perfect for rice, beans, couscous, and other dishes, people around the world have been slow-steaming their meals inside tagines for centuries.