Melissa Kay, Freelance Journalist Profile

Articles

The Ingredient Swap That Makes Store-Bought Cupcake Mix Taste Richer - Daily Meal

1 week ago | thedailymeal.com | Melissa Kay

If you've ever baked cupcakes from a boxed mix, you know they're quick, easy, and surprisingly tasty. (Well, some are tastier than others, as you can see on Daily Meal's ranking of boxed cake mixes. Spoiler alert! Ghirardelli snagged the top spot.) But with just one simple ingredient swap, you can elevate that store-bought convenience to the next level, giving your cupcakes a homemade richness that rivals from-scratch recipes. The trick? Replace the oil with unsalted butter.
The Ingredient Swap That Makes Store-Bought Cupcake Mixes Taste Richer

1 week ago | yahoo.com | Melissa Kay

If you've ever baked cupcakes from a boxed mix, you know they're quick, easy, and surprisingly tasty. (Well, some are tastier than others, as you can see on Daily Meal's ranking of boxed cake mixes. Spoiler alert! Ghirardelli snagged the top spot.) But with just one simple ingredient swap, you can elevate that store-bought convenience to the next level, giving your cupcakes a homemade richness that rivals from-scratch recipes. The trick? Replace the oil with unsalted butter.
Give Old-School Egg Salad A Modern Twist With This Ingredient Addition

2 weeks ago | thedailymeal.com | Melissa Kay

Egg salad is a timeless classic that is creamy, comforting, and endlessly versatile. But if your usual version is starting to feel a bit tired, there's an easy way to upgrade this lunchbox staple into something truly crave-worthy: Add smoked salmon. Smoked salmon, with its rich, savory flavor and silky texture, adds a whole new dimension to traditional egg salad.
The Tell-Tale Sign Your Freezer Is Too Cold

3 weeks ago | thedailymeal.com | Melissa Kay

Freezers are designed to keep food fresh and frozen, but there is such a thing as a freezer that's too cold. While it may seem harmless, setting your freezer too low can lead to a range of issues, from wasted energy to food quality problems, like freezer burn. One of the most evident signs that your freezer is running too cold is the presence of ice buildup on the walls or inside the freezer compartment.
The Tell-Tale Sign Your Freezer Is Too Cold

3 weeks ago | yahoo.com | Melissa Kay

Freezers are designed to keep food fresh and frozen, but there is such a thing as a freezer that's too cold. While it may seem harmless, setting your freezer too low can lead to a range of issues, from wasted energy to food quality problems, like freezer burn. One of the most evident signs that your freezer is running too cold is the presence of ice buildup on the walls or inside the freezer compartment.
The 3 Steps To Take When Dealing With Other People's Annoying Kids, According To A School Psychologist

3 weeks ago | huffpost.com | Melissa Kay

There’s a certain universal experience that transcends age, background and even our best intentions. It’s the subtle (or not-so-subtle) cringe, the weary sigh, the fleeting moment of “Oh, hell no” when faced with the disruptive, disobedient or destructive behavior of someone else’s child.
Why You Should Never Grow These 2 Berries Together

1 month ago | thedailymeal.com | Melissa Kay

If you're planning a berry patch in your garden, it might be tempting to grow different varieties of raspberries side by side. After all, more berries mean more flavor, right? Not always. When it comes to black raspberries and red raspberries, there's one crucial gardening rule you should follow: Do not plant them together. Unlike planting basil near tomatoes, where the aromatic oils from the basil infuse the ripening tomatoes, black and red raspberries don't do each other any favors.
Effortlessly Organize Lids With This Affordable Dollar Tree Hack

1 month ago | thedailymeal.com | Melissa Kay

If you've ever opened a kitchen cabinet only to have a cascade of plastic lids tumble out, you are definitely not alone. Keeping food storage container lids in order is one of those small but mighty kitchen challenges. But there is an ultra-simple, affordable solution — and it's waiting for you at your local Dollar Tree. The secret? A basic napkin holder! Those wire or plastic upright napkin holders you have probably seen a thousand times can work wonders as lid organizers.
Effortlessly Organize Lids With This Affordable Dollar Tree Hack

1 month ago | yahoo.com | Melissa Kay

If you've ever opened a kitchen cabinet only to have a cascade of plastic lids tumble out, you are definitely not alone. Keeping food storage container lids in order is one of those small but mighty kitchen challenges. But there is an ultra-simple, affordable solution — and it's waiting for you at your local Dollar Tree. The secret? A basic napkin holder! Those wire or plastic upright napkin holders you have probably seen a thousand times can work wonders as lid organizers.
For Better Seafood Boils, You Need A Boozy Addition - Daily Meal

1 month ago | thedailymeal.com | Melissa Kay

Few things say summer quite like a seafood boil. Whether it's a backyard bash, a beachside cookout, or a casual dinner with friends, this Southern and coastal tradition brings people together around a steaming pot of shellfish, potatoes, corn, and sausage. But if you want to take your seafood boil from good to unforgettable, there's one simple, boozy trick: Add beer. Beer isn't just for sipping on the side, it can elevate the entire flavor of your boil.