Katie Leaird

Contributor

Katie Leaird is a recipe developer and food writer who has worked at America's Test Kitchen and restaurants throughout the US and Italy. She holds a pastry degree from Tante Marie’s Cooking School, a culinary degree from the International Culinary Center, and an Italian culinary degree from ALMA La Scuola Internazionale di Cucina Italiana in Parma, Italy. Her work can be seen in Cook’s Country (magazine and television show), America’s Test Kitchen Kids cookbooks, Serious Eats, Hannaford’s fresh magazine, and Kitchn. Katie lives on Martha's Vineyard with her toddler and her dog named Bucatini.
I Finally Found a Jarred Pasta Sauce That Rivals the Fresh Stuff I Ate When I Lived in Southern Italy
Groceries
It's $9 per jar and worth every penny.
Sep 18, 2024
As a Pro Cook, I Swear by This Surprising $20 Tool That Makes Cooking and Cleaning So Much Easier
Hint: You'll almost never find it in a home kitchen.
Apr 16, 2024
We Tested a Dozen Carbon Steel Skillets — This Is the Absolute Best One You Can Buy Right Now
Best List
Plus a budget-friendly option that's less than $50!
Mar 25, 2024
My Little 5-Minute Nightly Ritual Makes a Huge Difference in the Kitchen
Just a few minutes can make a big difference.
Dec 19, 2023
I Tested Nearly a Dozen Kitchen Scales — These Are the Absolute Best Ones Out There
The Kitchn Best List
The winner is easy to use, gives clear and accurate readings, and is impossibly cute.
Nov 17, 2023
The Absolute Best Casserole Dishes to Buy Right Now
Shopping
Including an under-$25 pick!
Nov 2, 2023
The Best Baking Sheets You Can Buy Right Now
Best List
Including a gorgeous nonstick option and one that's under $15.
Nov 2, 2023
The Absolute Best Chef’s Knives You Can Buy Right Now
Best List
I was surprised by how much I loved our budget pick!
Aug 17, 2023
As a Pro Cook, I Swear by This Surprising $20 Tool That Makes Cooking and Cleaning So Much Easier
Hint: You'll almost never find it in a home kitchen.
Jun 16, 2023
42 Home & Grocery Brands Founded by Moms
Shopping
Including pottery, cute kitchen mats, snacks, wine, and more!
May 8, 2023
The Best Tools I Bought After Working in a Test Kitchen for 5 Years
Tools
Precision is the name of the game in a test kitchen.
Apr 5, 2023
The $5 Italian Snack That’s Helping Me Eat More Protein
Groceries
Open a pouch to go with your next glass of wine!
Oct 28, 2022
7 Groceries I Started Buying After Working in a Test Kitchen for 5 Years
Groceries
Starting with savory and moving into sweet!
Jul 17, 2022
I Tested Dozens of Reusable Bags — These Are the Absolute Best Ones Out There
The Kitchn Best List
Including a set of 8 for $30.
Apr 29, 2022
I Finally Found a Jarred Pasta Sauce That Rivals the Fresh Stuff I Ate When I Lived in Southern Italy
Groceries
It's $9 per jar and worth every penny.
Mar 11, 2022
The Absolute Best Plastic Cutting Boards You Can Buy Right Now
Best List
You'd think all plastic cutting boards would be basically the same. But they are not!
Dec 24, 2021
The Kid-Friendly Dinnerware That Looks Incredibly Chic, but Is Also Very Durable
Product Review
Those cute earth tones!
Nov 6, 2021
The $25 Gadget That’ll Massively Improve All Your Cooking and Baking Projects
Tools
It'll also help cut back on the number of dishes you have to wash!
Oct 26, 2021
The 10 Kitchen Tools I Bought After Working as a Professional Baker for 15 Years
Tools
They're all under $30, too.
Oct 25, 2021
The 6 Baking Supplies I Only Get at Trader Joe’s
Groceries
I'm stocking up now, before the holidays.
Sep 25, 2021
The Splurgy Etsy Find That Makes Cooking with My Kid So Much Better
Shopping
She'll be able to use it for years and years.
Aug 30, 2021
I Finally Invested in My Dream Flatware Set and It's Made My Meals More Joyful
Tools
It's way too pretty to hide away in drawers.
Aug 23, 2021
I Teach Pasta Classes — These Are the 6 Essential Tools You Need to Make the Best Pasta at Home
Tools
Make pappardelle and ravioli like a pro!
Aug 17, 2021
I Love This Splurgy Cooler So Much, I Bought Two of Them
Tools
It keeps things cold for *days* and it's incredibly durable.
Jul 7, 2021
These $15 Bags Are Key for Sand-Free Lunches at the Beach
Shopping
Plus, they can even double as ice packs.
Jun 26, 2021
The Grandma-Approved, Old-School Gadget That Organizes My Kitchen
Organizing Tips from the Kitchn
It also brings intention and organization to a hectic day.
Jun 1, 2021
These Australian Travel Mugs Are Absolutely Stunning — And They Actually Work
Shopping
They come in so many colors! And they don't leak! And they keep drinks hot or cold!
May 15, 2021
One of the Most Versatile Tools in My Kitchen Is NOT What You’d Expect
Shopping
It’s small. It costs less than $25. It’s made up of nearly a dozen nesting pieces and fits in the shallowest of drawers. Any guesses?
Apr 19, 2021
The Brilliant Storage Solution You Haven’t Thought of, but Chefs Love
Organizing Tips from The Kitchn
If you're short on storage space, this one is *especially* for you.
Apr 5, 2021
I’m a Professional Baker and I Actually Think KitchenAid’s Mini Stand Mixer Is the Best
Shopping
This smaller stand mixer is as powerful as it is cute.
Mar 17, 2021