KJ Lannon - Tasting Table

Location

Grand Rapids, Michigan

School

Michigan State University

Expertise

Vegetarian Cooking, Baking, Food Science

KJ is a spice girl. The hotter, the better.
She's the designated pie maker for every family event and a firm believer in butter crusts.
She's helped Kellogg and Nestlé explain food and nutrition facts to consumers around the world.

Experience

KJ has been a freelance writer and editor for over 25 years. Over that time, she's teamed with international food and nutrition clients, worked on the blog for The GFB, written quirky packaging copy for many flavors of Joe Coffee, and even written a play to teach kids about eating breakfast.
As an adventurous cook, she's always looking for ways to fit one more flavor into her spice cabinet, proving that vegetarian cooking can be exciting and nutritious. KJ mastered pie-making at her grandmother's side and is still perfecting her techniques for Dutch oven bread. She's also raised a kid with food allergies and is interested in ways to alter recipes around those needs.

Education

KJ majored in English and French at Michigan State University.

Tasting Table Editorial Policies

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 KJ Lannon

Cook

Cook By KJ Lannon

Make Naturally Pink Mashed Potatoes With One Vibrant Potato Variety

On the outside, they look similar to other red potatoes. But cut into them, and you'll see marbled swirls that look like they were painted with beet juice.
By KJ Lannon Read More
Grocery

Grocery By KJ Lannon

Why Seeing Multiple Countries On An Olive Oil Label Is A Red Flag

When shopping for olive oil, you can learn a lot from carefully reading the labels. Here's one reason you may want to rethink your purchase.
By KJ Lannon Read More
Cook

Cook By KJ Lannon

Here's What You'll Miss Out On With A Smokeless Indoor Grill

We spoke to a pitmaster about smokeless indoor grills, to see what they thought the pros and cons of the kitchen equipment were compared to the real deal.
By KJ Lannon Read More
Cook

Cook By KJ Lannon

If You Don't Like Raw Carrots, A Kimchi Twist Might Change Your Mind

If the thought of another raw carrot stick in your lunch has you yawning, there's a way to make them more exciting with Korean kimchi.
By KJ Lannon Read More
Cook

Cook By KJ Lannon

Giada De Laurentiis' Secret To Boiling Salty Pasta Comes From The Ocean

You've heard of the farm-to-fork movement, but what about sea-to-stock pot? That's exactly what chef Giada De Laurentiis tried while traveling in Italy.
By KJ Lannon Read More
Cook

Cook By KJ Lannon

The Freshest Way To Upgrade Instant Ramen For Extra Flavor

Packets of instant ramen may be perfectly delicious during your younger years, but as your palate improves those noodles often need an upgrade.
By KJ Lannon Read More
Cook

Cook By KJ Lannon

The Major Pumpkin Pie Mistake To Avoid This Thanksgiving

Getting your Thanksgiving dinner and dessert to turn out perfectly is a monumental undertaking with countless pitfalls along the way. Here's one to avoid.
By KJ Lannon Read More
Cook

Cook By KJ Lannon

The Non-Dairy Milks You Should Avoid For Baked Goods

These days, bakers have more options than ever, including countless varieties of plant-based milks, but don't forget to look carefully at the label.
By KJ Lannon Read More
Grocery

Grocery By KJ Lannon

The Company Behind Costco's Kirkland Brand Organic Balsamic Vinegar

Kirkland Signature Organic Modena Balsamic Vinegar is a newcomer to Costco's shelves, and here's what we know about the company that makes it.
By KJ Lannon Read More
Cook

Cook By KJ Lannon

The Sugar Mistake That Is Ruining Your Homemade Fudge

Few things are better than delicious homemade fudge, but if you aren't careful about one particular thing, the batch could be ruined.
By KJ Lannon Read More
Cook

Cook By KJ Lannon

This Is Why Your Homemade Fudge Turned Out Grainy

While the recipe may look simple, you'll need to pay close attention if you want to avoid graininess and create a velvety, creamy texture in the final result.
By KJ Lannon Read More
Restaurants

Restaurants By KJ Lannon

The Fried Snack That Turns Into A Soggy Mess When Delivered

Every once in a while you have a craving for fried food. But make sure that when you feel the call, you don't order these items.
By KJ Lannon Read More
Cook

Cook By KJ Lannon

The One Step You Shouldn't Skip When Making Costco's Pupusas

Costco's pupusas have gotten a bad reputation as being too dry, but that might be because some shoppings are skipping an important preparation tip.
By KJ Lannon Read More
Culture

Culture By KJ Lannon

The Fascinating 1930s Origin Of Bourbon Balls

Kentucky bourbon balls may now be seen as the signature dessert of the Bluegrass State, but the tale of how that came to be is amazing.
By KJ Lannon Read More
Cook

Cook By KJ Lannon

Elevate Coleslaw With A Few Shakes Of One Savory Seasoning Blend

Its pungent onion flakes and garlic mix with sesame and poppy seeds and coarse salt, creating a complex experience to delight your senses of taste and smell.
By KJ Lannon Read More
Cook

Cook By KJ Lannon

Spend Way Less Time Cooking Lentils With An Easy Method Switch

Thanks to the invention of the Instant Pot, you can cut down on the lengthy prep time involved in cooking lentils to 15 minutes or less.
By KJ Lannon Read More
Drink

Drink By KJ Lannon

The Winery Behind Trader Joe's Brut Sparkling Wines

Trader Joe's offers a ton of delicious wines at an affordable price point. We especially enjoy the sparkling wines from this winery.
By KJ Lannon Read More
Culture

Culture By KJ Lannon

The US President Who Reportedly Ate Raw Eggs In Grape Juice For Breakfast

If history has taught us anything, it's that U.S. presidents have eaten some pretty strange things. But this one's raw egg and grape juice breakfast might win.
By KJ Lannon Read More
Cook

Cook By KJ Lannon

The Parchment Paper Hack To Easily Smash Potatoes

Making crispy-edged smashed potatoes? When you're pressing cooked potatoes onto a baking sheet, there's a risk that they'll get stuck.
By KJ Lannon Read More
Culture

Culture By KJ Lannon

President Nixon's Last Meal Before Resigning From Office Was A Light Breakfast Dish

The White House kitchen has the capability to whip up whatever a president desires at any hour. So what did Richard Nixon dine on before resigning?
By KJ Lannon Read More
Cook

Cook By KJ Lannon

Pain Complet Is The Nutritious Baguette Alternative All Bread Lovers Should Know

You don't need to give up your French bread when you follow a healthier diet, you just need to switch to pain complet.
By KJ Lannon Read More
Drink

Drink By KJ Lannon

Wine Is Considered Gluten-Free, But There's A Catch

Considering that wine is made from grapes, most of us assume it is gluten free. The reality is actually a bit more complicated than that.
By KJ Lannon Read More
Culture

Culture By KJ Lannon

The Oldest Restaurant In Indiana Once Served Abraham Lincoln

A lot of places in the United States have claimed an association with Abraham Lincoln, including the oldest restaurant in the Hoosier State.
By KJ Lannon Read More
Restaurants

Restaurants By KJ Lannon

The Rhode Island Tavern You Need To Visit Just For The Chocolate Cake

Most taverns aren't thought of as must-visit dessert destinations, but this Rhode Island eatery changes that with its decadent chocolate cake.
By KJ Lannon Read More
Cook

Cook By KJ Lannon

How To Store And Reheat Leftover Melted Chocolate

If you've made a little too much for your chocolate-covered strawberries or layered chocolate bark, what's the best way to store and reuse the rest?
By KJ Lannon Read More
Cook

Cook By KJ Lannon

The Difference Between Manchego Cheese And Pecorino Romano

Both made from sheep's milk, Manchego and Pecorino Romano cheese can sometimes to be hard to tell apart, but the two cheeses have plenty of notable differences.
By KJ Lannon Read More
Cook

Cook By KJ Lannon

The Easy Way To Upgrade All Of Your Holiday Cookies With One Extra Step

Holiday cookies come in many varieties, but regardless of which type you prefer, this one extra step is a surefire way to upgrade them with minimal effort.
By KJ Lannon Read More

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