School
University of Western Ontario
Expertise
Comfort food, Budget meals, Creative recipe ideas
- Ian has has worked as a cook in several restaurants, ranging from fine dining to roadhouse to an old-fashioned diner.
- He has developed many of his own recipes with unique twists, including a number of horror-themed recipes for an intended movie-inspired cookbook.
- He has been cooking since he was a child when he learned the value of being frugal, stretching a budget and ingredients to make a lot from a little, while never having to skimp on taste.
Experience
Ian is a professional writer with over 17 years experience. He also went to culinary school and has spent time developing and testing new recipe ideas. Some of his work has also delved into trying new, rare, and even intimidating foods like ghost peppers in pursuit of an interesting story and a fresh perspective. As a writer, Ian has covered food from several perspectives ranging from simple reviews of new products to the more in-depth science of things like GMOs, how chemicals create certain flavors, and more. He doesn't just enjoy the food -- it's also understanding what makes it interesting and unique in the first place, whether that be history, chemistry, or something else.
Education
Ian earned a degree in English and Philosophy before moving on to a post-graduate Communications and Public Relations program
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.
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Cooking Tips
By Ian Fortey 5 hours ago
There are so many ways to make burgers, but if you’re looking for a delicious and unique one, this simple recipe only requires an unexpected extra ingredient.
By Ian Fortey 5 hours ago
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Design & Decor
By Ian Fortey 18 hours ago
While several factors can directly impact the longevity of your kitchen countertop, the good news is that marble lasts quite a long time.
By Ian Fortey 18 hours ago
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Beer and Wine
By Ian Fortey 2 days ago
IPAs aren't going out of style, and brewers keep finding new ways to experiment with flavors. Here are our favorite IPAs of 2026.
By Ian Fortey 2 days ago
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News
By Ian Fortey 3 days ago
We scoured the internet to learn what customers think are the best Walmart freezer finds this year. You'll want to check these products out right away.
By Ian Fortey 3 days ago
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Baking Tips
By Ian Fortey 4 days ago
This simple dessert puts a chocolatey spin on classic fruit cobblers, and it's easy to throw together when a sweet craving hits.
By Ian Fortey 4 days ago
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How-Tos
By Ian Fortey 6 days ago
A grilled cheese and a tomato soup are a match made in heaven, but see what happens when you use this special trick inspired by French toast to make it better.
By Ian Fortey 6 days ago
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Appliances and Gadgets
By Ian Fortey 9 days ago
While air fryers were touted as the best thing since sliced bread not long ago, it turns out that basket-style ones have a few problems according to owners.
By Ian Fortey 9 days ago
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Cooking Tips
By Ian Fortey 10 days ago
Vintage meatloaf recipes can be hidden gems worth uncovering, and this microwave version from Whirlpool may be the time-saving dish you're looking for.
By Ian Fortey 10 days ago
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Baking Tips
By Ian Fortey 9 days ago
These cookie bars are rich, indulgent, and so easy to make thanks to a simple store-bought shortcut, with layers of buttery shortbread, caramel, and chocolate.
By Ian Fortey 9 days ago
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Cocktails and Spirits
By Ian Fortey 11 days ago
The good news is that a good bottle of vodka doesn't need to break the bank in 2026. You should, however, bear a few things in mind when shopping.
By Ian Fortey 11 days ago
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Grocery
By Ian Fortey 11 days ago
Skip the popular yellow cake and use these Duncan Hines boxed cake mix varieties, including some from the Dolly Parton line, to whip up a tasty new dessert.
By Ian Fortey 11 days ago
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Cooking Tips
By Ian Fortey 13 days ago
A classic meatloaf is great when you're in the mood for it, but if your recipe is starting to feel a little stale try mixing things up with this ingredient.
By Ian Fortey 13 days ago
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Cooking Tips
By Ian Fortey 14 days ago
This is one method you may have never tried, or even thought possible for making cheeseburgers.
By Ian Fortey 14 days ago
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Trader Joe's
By Ian Fortey 15 days ago
Fall is finally here, and the best way to celebrate autumn is with a seasonal beverage from Trader Joe's. Here are 15 drinks you can't miss out on.
By Ian Fortey 15 days ago
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Fine Dining
By Ian Fortey 15 days ago
If you feel like treating yourself to a huge steak for dinner, these U.S. steakhouse chains offer the biggest tomahawk and porterhouse options you could find.
By Ian Fortey 15 days ago
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Fast Food
By Ian Fortey 16 days ago
Five Guys is a fan favorite for a reason, but these 5 ordering hacks will take your cheeseburger to the next level. Craft your ultimate burger today.
By Ian Fortey 16 days ago
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Fast Food
By Ian Fortey 16 days ago
As good as Popeye's Cajun Rice is, there's an easy way that you can make it even tastier with two simple requests.
By Ian Fortey 16 days ago
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Grocery
By Ian Fortey 18 days ago
It used to be that frozen store-bought desserts were a compromise for convenience, but customers say these five frozen desserts are better than homemade.
By Ian Fortey 18 days ago
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Shopping Tips
By Ian Fortey 18 days ago
Frozen food is the answer when you're short on time, energy, or ingredients — and these five options are even better than takeout.
By Ian Fortey 18 days ago
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Food History
By Ian Fortey 21 days ago
The Hershey's name has a surprisingly complicated history, involving two Pennsylvania companies, similar products, and decades of trademark disputes.
By Ian Fortey 21 days ago
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Fast Food
By Ian Fortey 21 days ago
An Egg McMuffin, a cup of coffee, two hash browns and ... swing music? It might sound odd, but that's the order McDonald's was dishing out back in the 1980s.
By Ian Fortey 21 days ago
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Fast Food
By Ian Fortey 23 days ago
Whether you can order it or have to assemble it yourself, there are quite a few spots where a chili cheeseburger is possible. Try it at these chains.
By Ian Fortey 23 days ago
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Cookware
By Ian Fortey 24 days ago
America's top-selling grill brand ran into some financial trouble in the early '70s, and its solution was to diversify into a pretty wild mix of products.
By Ian Fortey 24 days ago
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Baking Tips
By Ian Fortey 24 days ago
If you find cream cheese frosting too rich or aren't a fan of the flavor, try this simple, customizable cinnamon roll topping that can even be dairy-free.
By Ian Fortey 24 days ago
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Cooking Tips
By Ian Fortey 24 days ago
With this tip, you can make yourself a perfectly melty grilled cheese sandwich much faster — plus you won't end up with with burnt bread.
By Ian Fortey 24 days ago
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Cooking Tips
By Ian Fortey 24 days ago
Bland dinner? You can make your store-bought rotisserie chicken way better than it is with these great recommendations for a flavorful stuffing.
By Ian Fortey 24 days ago
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Cooking Tips
By Ian Fortey 25 days ago
When it comes to canned foods, baked beans are one of the best purchases out there. Take the flavor of those beans up a notch with this breakfast staple.
By Ian Fortey 25 days ago
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