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

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
Drink

Drink By KJ Lannon

Pumpkin Butter Is Your Secret For Creating Easy Fall Drinks

We've written about using pumpkin syrup in cocktails before. Now it's time for another take on fall beverages, this time flavored with pumpkin butter.
By KJ Lannon Read More
Cook

Cook By KJ Lannon

The Powdered Ingredient That Instantly Improves No-Bake Classic Cheesecake

Starting from scratch is fun when you have the time. But if you're in a rush, a no-bake cheesecake hits the spot, especially with this secret ingredient.
By KJ Lannon Read More
Cook

Cook By KJ Lannon

The Simple Trick To Get Rid Of The Foul Odor In Nespresso Ice Cube Trays

Nespresso ice cube trays and other silicone ice cube trays made by different brands have a nasty habit of taking on bad smells and refusing to let go of them.
By KJ Lannon Read More
Culture

Culture By KJ Lannon

The Ancient Origins Of The World's Earliest Sauces

New food inventions and innovations are made all the time, but the roots of your favorite sauces stretch back farther than you might realize.
By KJ Lannon Read More
Drink

Drink By KJ Lannon

The Nespresso Compatible Pods You Can Brew For Creamy Hot Chocolate

Nespresso coffee machines can do more than just make delicious coffee. Here's one way to enjoy frothy hot chocolate at home.
By KJ Lannon Read More
Cook

Cook By KJ Lannon

The Key Differences In Rye Flours That Every Bread Baker Should Know

The flour aisle of your local grocery store can be overwhelming. An expert explains the differences between rye flours and why they matter for baking bread.
By KJ Lannon Read More
Cook

Cook By KJ Lannon

The Key Shaping Tip To Remember With Homemade Rye Bread

Baking bread can be a little stressful, even for people who bake often. Just remember when working with rye bread to use this shaping trick.
By KJ Lannon Read More
Cook

Cook By KJ Lannon

The Underrated Kitchen Tool Every Bread Baker Should Have

Bread making isn't the easiest type of baking one can do in the kitchen. After you've mastered the basic process, this kitchen tool unlocks the next level.
By KJ Lannon Read More
Cook

Cook By KJ Lannon

The 2 Bread Pans All Bakers Should Have In Their Kitchen

If you're looking to get into baking, these are the two pans that you absolutely must have available in your cooking arsenal.
By KJ Lannon Read More

Back