Lauren Wood
Location
St. Petersburg, FL
School
University Of South Florida - St. Petersburg
Expertise
Restaurant History, TikTok Recipes, Quirky Food Facts
- Lauren loves attempting to make desserts from scratch and reviewing recipes from viral cookbooks, such as Snoop Dogg's "From Crook to Cook" and "Friends: The Official Cookbook."
- Lauren has worked one-on-one with a former Food and Travel Editor for the Tampa Bay Times, who has since encouraged her to visit other countries and write about international cuisine.
- She graduated summa cum laude and is now a chapter member of Kappa Tau Alpha, the national honor society in journalism and mass communication. Only 10% of graduating journalism students are invited to join.
Experience
Lauren is a Florida-based writer with over four years of journalistic experience in the food and entertainment fields. In 2022, she received a certification regarding social marketing and ran a business account dedicated to Instant Pot recipes. She enjoys working on human-interest features and historical explorations of charming cities. Her passion for creative writing helps her produce articles with a distinct voice and style that is both personable and objective.
Education
Lauren received her BA in Mass Communications and Digital Media Studies. At USF, she excelled in numerous reporting classes (advanced, multimedia, and mass reporting) along with photojournalism, culture, food writing, and social media.
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 Lauren Wood
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Lobster mushrooms offer a hearty taste and texture to any dish. The hardest part of cooking with them is cleaning lobster mushrooms. Here's how to do it.
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The fight between Coke and Pepsi rages on, and there's actually a reason why. Pepsi contains an extra ingredient that might just sway your preference.
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Is it safe to eat shrimp tails? The answer may surprise you.
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Skinning salmon filets can be irritating. It's best to swap out those knives and let the boiling water do the talking in this effortless hack.
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There's a time for everything, and this is especially true with baked potatoes. Season and oil them near the start, and you'll taste the difference.
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Fruit salad is an anytime, guilt-free indulgent. If you're making fruit salad for a party or gathering, you can amplify its presentation with these fun ideas.
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From name changes to complete rebrands, the history of Pizza Hut's iconic name is sure to surprise you. And it all began with the space they had on their sign.
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TikTok is divided over this 3-ingredient hack for eliminating the taste of vodka. Here's what you need to know, including if it's safe to drink like this.
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You've probably dined on squid at one point or another. When prepared, the tiny, 10-tentacled triangular creature has a sweetened taste with a firm structure.
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How can you keep the yolk from breaking while frying eggs? With a few simple tips, it's easier than you might think. Here's how.
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A little fermentation will give your steak a surprising kick.
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Where does the secret to the best homemade burgers lie? Surprisingly, it's in the oven, which harbors many abilities for crafting the ultimate cheeseburger.
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Pecan milk might just be the alternative nut milk you're looking for. Here's what it is and how it might be best for your health and the environment.
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TikTok has introduced the world to some bizarre dishes, but Honeycomb Pasta is one of the strangest. Trypophobics and those of Italian heritage, beware.
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Can lunch be art? We say it sure can, especially if you're figuring out new ways to make your grilled cheese sandwich even cheesier.
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Whether you buy it in a box or use your family's long-kept secret recipe, carrot cake is a delicacy for any occasion. Here's how you can spice it up.
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With inflation costs going up, it can be hard to decide what kinds of snacks to buy at the store. Popcorn is one of the most popular. Here's why.
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For fresh flavor and added vitamins, sliced lemon is one of the best things you can include in your water. But there can always be too much of a good thing.
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Chai is a favorite beverage around the world, but what do you do when iced chai loses its kick? Sugar might be the secret ingredient you need. Here's why.
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Making an endless supply of Shamrock Shakes at home is it easier on the wallet, and it allows you to truly celebrate, especially if there's booze mixed in.
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Boiling frozen gnocchi will not only make it gummy, but it can wash out its flavor, too. Instead, pan-frying it in butter is a better way to cook it.
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In a bowl, combine your crispy nuggets, waffle fries, and a side order of mac and cheese. Drizzle on Chick-fil-A and Zesty Buffalo sauces, shake, and enjoy.
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Mineral and dirt buildup can obstruct your coffee companion's natural flow, causing it to brew inefficiently with a less-than-desirable taste.
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We've all been told at one time or another that it's "what's on the inside that matters most." The same goes for food - which is why TikTok isn't impressed.
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Mochi is a versatile crowd favorite that can be served in several different ways. Grilled mochi, in particular, can come in either sweet or savory varieties.
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Have you seen the latest TikTok trends surrounding the unique way food is served? A Belgium-based restaurant tried its hand at one. Here's the real reason why.
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Food waste in the U.S. is a huge problem. Here's how Trader Joes's "Neighborhood Shares" program strives to fight food insecurity across the country.