Alba Caraceni - The Takeout

Location

Queens, NY

School

Binghamton University, Fordham University

Expertise

Dessert Baking, Italian Soul Food, Food Facts

Alba is a Claire Saffitz superfan, having watched every one of the star pastry chef's YouTube videos, read both of her cookbooks "Dessert Person" and "What's for Dessert" cover to cover, made her recipes, and used Saffitz's techniques and tips to help make her baking better.
Her knowledge of food-related facts/trivia helped her get one of the questions right when she was a one-day champion on the classic TV game show "Jeopardy!" She had hoped to get a full food category or the iconic "Potent Potables."
She started her dessert journey at a young age by helping her mother make pizzelles, a waffle-like cookie native to the Italian region where her family is from, and using her aunt's butter cake recipe so often she memorized it. Overall, she's learned that mistakes can result in an even better dessert, eggnog loaf cake is the perfect Christmas gift, and baking can help you heal, as making Key Lime pie cookies did for her.

Experience

Alba's writing career began in the news department of New York City radio station WOR after graduate school, where she wrote scripts for daily morning newscasts, oversaw newsroom operations, and learned all she could about the industry. She moved on to a national radio network where she wrote news and information packages daily for stations across the country. But she realized along the way that she was enjoying writing about food and lifestyle topics more than about news and politics, more animated when she wrote about the menu they were serving at a White House state dinner for a foreign head of state than about what foreign policy issues they were discussing, or about Starbucks' new holiday coffee flavors than about their labor policies. So, when Covid and some following events shook things up for her, Alba decided to put her skills to use writing about something she's really enthused about and is excited to be doing that for Food Republic.

Education

Alba has a bachelor's degree in political science from Binghamton University (State University of New York) and a master's degree in public communications from Fordham University.

The Takeout Editorial Policies

The Takeout’s industry-leading editorial coverage is the result of collaboration between writers and editors with a wide array of experience and expertise in the world of food and drink. Every article is fact-checked by our team of editors to ensure accuracy. Outside experts are also consulted to help deliver factual, up-to-date information.

Our mission is to both inform and entertain our readers, telling them everything they want to know (and more) about food. We strive to always provide a well-rounded reading experience, bringing both the biggest food news of the day and a break from the news. Additional information on our editorial process available here.

Stories By Alba Caraceni

The Only Ingredient Ratio Your Frittata Will Ever Need

The perfect frittata has a creamy texture, loads of fillings, and plenty of satisfying cheese, and according to an expert, here's the ratio you need.
By Alba Caraceni Read More
Here's The Average Cost Of A BBQ Cookout

Thinking about hosting a backyard cookout? Here's how much it will cost you, on average, according to the very real and legitimate BBQ Index.
By Alba Caraceni Read More
The New York Restaurant Where George Washington Celebrated His Revolutionary Victory

What better way to celebrate sending the British packing than with a strong drink and a good meal? Here's where George Washington did just that.
By Alba Caraceni Read More
The Soup Mix Matthew McConaughey Adds To Burgers For Extra Flavor

This season, your burgers are gonna taste alright, alright, alright. Add Matthew McConaughey's favorite soup mix and grill up flavor for days.
By Alba Caraceni Read More
The One Type Of Food Anthony Bourdain Never Ate

Flipping through your mental Anthony Bourdain restaurant Rolodex, you'd think he ate everything. But one cuisine was too far out for his adventurous tastes.
By Alba Caraceni Read More
Why Colonel Sanders Actually Hated His Own Fast Food Chain

How could the guy on the bucket hate the golden fried chicken inside of it? Colonel Sanders had a big ol' beef with KFC and here's why everyone knew it.
By Alba Caraceni Read More
Mountain Dew And Doritos Might Receive A Disturbing Warning Label In This State (And It's Not California)

Snack packaging's headed for a makeover in this state. If warnings take the fun out of possibly ingesting banned ingredients from other countries, look away.
By Alba Caraceni Read More
Turn Fresh Tomatoes Into The Perfect Snack With This Flavorful Topping

When you have juicy, bright, and flavorful fresh tomatoes on hand, turn them into the perfect snack with the addition of this vibrant condiment.
By Alba Caraceni Read More
This Cheese Never Belongs On A Burger, According To Bobby Flay

Respect your patty by topping it like a champ. Skip Bobby Flay's least favorite cheese to grill up the gooiest, meltiest, cheesiest burger of your life.
By Alba Caraceni Read More
The Small Town Illinois Restaurant That Invented A Unique Variety Of Fried Chicken

Fried chicken these days has become relatively consistent across the board, but this small Illinois restaurant is holding true to its unique roots.
By Alba Caraceni Read More
The Fast Food Chain With The Cheapest Chicken Nuggets

Many of the leading fast food chains offer chicken nuggets as part of their menus. They're tasty and cheap — but which chain has the cheapest nuggets?
By Alba Caraceni Read More
The Ingenious Way Ree Drummond Uses Mason Jar Lids For Baking

Ree Drummond is no stranger to innovating in the kitchen, but this ingenious mason jar baking hack is one we simply cannot wait to try for ourselves.
By Alba Caraceni Read More
The State With The Most Sam's Club Warehouses

The warehouse retailer Sam’s Club is a major presence in the United States, but one region is home to more operating locations than all the others.
By Alba Caraceni Read More
To Make A Better-Tasting Steak, Use Ina Garten's Grilling Hack

Ina Garten was intimidated by grilling steaks until a butcher taught her a foolproof method. Like Miami real estate, it's all about location and heat.
By Alba Caraceni Read More
For Cheaper Homemade 'Lobster' Rolls, Use An Affordable Alternative

Lobster prices are getting out of control. If you're struggling to afford groceries, lobster is the last thing on your mind. Use this affordable fish instead.
By Alba Caraceni Read More
Why Aldi Cashiers Sit At The Register (And Why Other Grocery Stores Should Follow)

You may have noticed that Aldi has its cashiers seated instead of standing at the register. Here’s why other grocery stores should do the same.
By Alba Caraceni Read More
Elvis Loved This Tennessee Restaurant So Much He'd Have It Delivered Across The Country

No, it's not a PB, banana, and bacon sandwich joint. The King of Rock 'n' Roll loved one Southern dish so much, he flew it first class whenever he craved it.
By Alba Caraceni Read More
How Rare Is Too Rare For Steak?

There's still-mooing, and then there's still running around the restaurant. Here's how rare you can go with your steak to experience its true flavors.
By Alba Caraceni Read More
The Foolproof Way To Tell When Ravioli Are Cooked

Ricotta and sausage, truffle and burrata, or mushroom and parm, here's how to tell when your ravioli's done so you can dine in pillowy pasta heaven.
By Alba Caraceni Read More
Bono's Favorite Sandwich Is Super Irish And Filled With Carbs

We all have a favorite sandwich, even the rich and famous. Bono’s choice is a carb-heavy treat that’s simple and deeply comforting.
By Alba Caraceni Read More
Anthony Bourdain Thought This One Food City Was Extremely Underrated

Anthony Bourdain got to try the local food in destinations all around the world. He thought this particular city was the most underrated.
By Alba Caraceni Read More
What Makes The Carl's Jr. El Diablo Burger So Spicy?

Fast food has been going through a heat phase recently, including the permanent addition of the El Diablo burger to Carl's Jr.'s menu. What makes it so spicy?
By Alba Caraceni Read More
The Oldest Restaurant In Boston Was A Favorite Spot For This Popular President

Boston is a historic city with tons of cultural landmarks. It's oldest operating restaurant was even a regular favorite with one U.S. president.
By Alba Caraceni Read More
The Fast Food Restaurant Where Running The Grill Takes Months Of Training

There's an art to a well-grilled burger, and this fast food restaurant requires workers to go through months of training to learn the skills.
By Alba Caraceni Read More
If You See This Symbol On A Costco Price Tag You Better Act Fast

Understanding Costco's price tags can save money and ensure you have the products you want. There’s one symbol in particular you need to look out for.
By Alba Caraceni Read More
Why Adding Jell-O To Your Cake Mix Is Genius

If you want to give your cakes some extra pizzazz, all you need to do is add some Jell-O. Here’s how to use it to boost your baking.
By Alba Caraceni Read More
The Number Of Chocolate-Covered Espresso Beans You'd Have To Eat To Equal A Cup Of Coffee

We're not mathmagicians, but is eating the entire bag too much? Here's how many chocolate-covered espresso beans equal the caffeine in a cup of joe.
By Alba Caraceni Read More

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