Ilene V. Smith
School
New York University, Columbia University
Expertise
Nutrition, Food Production, Culinary Arts
- Ilene has helped the food industry craft stories about the foods they grow, produce, serve, and put on store shelves for 25 years.
- She has won two Silver Anvil awards from the Public Relations Society of America for campaigns highlighting the health benefits of specific foods.
- She is a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN).
Experience
Ilene has been a writer and storyteller since she got her first typewriter at age ten. She worked as a full-time editor and writer for various publishing companies until her personal passion for food, nutrition, and fitness led her to seek a degree in nutrition and exercise physiology. After graduation, she found a way to combine her writing skills and nutrition expertise working in public relations for the food industry. Working with everyone from small start-ups to large multinational consumer packaged goods manufacturers to ingredient suppliers and restaurants, Ilene developed a deep knowledge of the food industry and culinary arts, from seed to spoon and farm to fork. In addition to nutrition, she now writes about food ingredients, cooking techniques, growing methods, and more. In her spare time, Ilene is a personal essayist and is at work on a book of essays entitled "The Accidental Career Girl."
Education
Ilene has a bachelor's degree in journalism and mass communications from New York University and a master's in nutrition and applied physiology from Columbia University.
The Daily 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 Ilene V. Smith
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The Idaho Candy Company launched its best-selling potato-shaped Spud Bar in 1918. And it's not the brand's only candy that pays homage to the state.
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The next time you're picking up meat at the grocery store, check for this major red flag before you take home sub-par meat and ruin your dinner.
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Boxed mac and cheese is a comfort-food favorite. Before you pick one up, though, make sure you know about one of the unhealthiest brands out there.
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Today, the Netherlands is known for some worldwide favorite delicacies. But how did leftover breadcrumbs result in the country's favorite breakfast treat?
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If you want to stick to tradition when making homemade gefilte fish, it pays to know where your ancestors come from - it could affect your fish selection.
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To get the most out of this hearty vegetable, head to the grill to toast up your last charred dishes of the season.
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If you love spice and are feeling brave, you might consider giving this potent Chinese seasoning a try - but consider its descriptive name a warning.
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If you wake up on Thanksgiving morning and realize that you forgot to thaw your turkey, all hope is not lost - you can still deliver a delicious bird.
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Chocolate and bacon are a wonderful match, and pairing them up in a crunchy chocolate bark couldn't be easier. This recipe can be as simple as two ingredients.
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A flavorful grilled steak, sliced and topped with garlicky, spicy and herby chimichurri sauce needs just the right wine pairing to enhance the profile.
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For many Americans, Thanksgiving is all about the turkey, but the bird doesn't always have to be the star - you may want to consider serving up some lasagna.
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British baker extraordinaire Paul Hollywood is full of kitchen knowledge, and he has an effective hack for baking up the gooiest chocolate chip cookies.
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If you're a Delaware native, you're probably already familiar with this fan-favorite sandwich from Capriotti's. If not, here's the low-down on this tasty 'wich.
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Mousse isn't the easiest dessert to make, and there are several components that require skill and patience. Like how you whip the cream and egg whites.
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Increasingly, Costco keeps their bulk packaging and peerless deals behind the membership paywall. But, can you get a day pass to shop there as a non-member?
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If you often cook with tofu, then you might be wondering whether or not you need to press it. We consulted an expert, who gave us some helpful insight.
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Brewed iced tea is packed full of flavor and can be personalized to taste. We asked an expert which kinds of teas pair with which sweeteners.
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Even if you're not looking for a super nutritious meal when you walk through the doors of a fast food joint, you'd expect this item to be better.
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Hosting a Thanksgiving dinner to stuff your guests can add up to a big grocery bill. But this year, at least your turkey will cost much less.
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Known for its oversized cuts of meat, its classic ambiance and its staple exterior-mounted cow, the oldest steakhouse in the U.S. is a New York landmark.
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Iced coffee doesn't need much more than a spin around the blender to become more of a frappe. But what other ingredients can be used to make it even better?
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The upcoming, new Netflix documentary, "Martha", is expected to cover things we didn't know about Martha Stewart, including the affairs with her ex-husband.
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Pesto is just screaming to be used as pizza sauce, it's spreadable, garlicky, and helps turn the crust crispy because of extra virgin olive oil.
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A steakhouse menu offers a variety of cuts, and according to steakhouse chef Daniel Ontiveros, one of the best choices is also one of the most overlooked.
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Many Jewish holidays have food-related traditions, and Sukkot is no different. Traditionally, Jews eat stuffed foods to celebrate the occasion. But why?
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For Jews, Yom Kippur is one of the most important days of the year. But one relatively obscure practice for the holy day is still the subject of controversy.
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Canned pumpkin will turn your go-to banana bread recipe into a perfect loaf, since the addition imparts a delicious taste of fall and brings extra moistness.