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.
Food Republic’s industry-leading coverage is created by qualified and experienced writers, and is reviewed and fact-checked by our editorial team to ensure everything is accurate and timely. Outside experts are also consulted whenever possible to help deliver factual, up-to-date information.
Our mission is to publish knowledgeable, engaging articles to give readers the information they're looking for, whether that is the news of the day or cooking tips, tricks, and trends. We also bring you recipes you can depend on, as well as 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. Additional information on our editorial process available here.
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World Cuisines
By Alba Caraceni
This takeout- and cash-only institution is famous for its fried fish sandwich, a local staple that earned Marcus Samuelsson’s stamp of approval.
By Alba Caraceni
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Shopping Tips
By Alba Caraceni
Building a soup from scratch is rewarding, but on busier days, this affordable product from Aldi serves as an excellent shortcut for a flavorful base.
By Alba Caraceni
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Kitchen Tools
By Alba Caraceni
Both Millennials and Gen-Zers are finding that it's easier to eschew this one vintage kitchen item than inherit it as generations past did, for this reason.
By Alba Caraceni
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Food History
By Alba Caraceni
Betty Crocker makes a popular cake mix because the brand delivers reliable results, but this one highly-prized flavor is incredibly hard to come by.
By Alba Caraceni
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Stores And Chains
By Alba Caraceni
What do you think of when you hear the three words, "Aldi dessert pretzels?" Well, if you're a Redditor, you probably are in love with them.
By Alba Caraceni
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Fine Dining
By Alba Caraceni
Cape Cod is full of historical beauties, including many eateries, but the region's oldest restaurant started life as a coach stop before the USA was founded.
By Alba Caraceni
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Exclusives
By Alba Caraceni
Scotch can feel intimidating to beginners because it's often enjoyed on its own, but starting with the right bottle softens the learning curve.
By Alba Caraceni
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Casual Dining
By Alba Caraceni
It's not just the meat and poultry contributing to the protein count in this Mexican chain's beloved burrito bowl. Black beans and cheese pack a punch as well.
By Alba Caraceni
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Grocery costs vary significantly by state; while some residents benefit from lower regional prices, others face a much higher bill at the checkout counter.
By Alba Caraceni
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Shopping Tips
By Alba Caraceni
Rao's lineup features nearly a dozen frozen entrees, one of which has become an Amazon shopper favorite thanks to its balance of convenience and flavor.
By Alba Caraceni
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Starbucks
By Alba Caraceni
Starbucks has been struggling to regain the ground it lost with its last CEO. Now, the company is trying to turn things around with its 4-minute rule.
By Alba Caraceni
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To help you navigate Costco's warehouse aisles, we’ve rounded up some of the best high-protein frozen finds available at the retailer right now.
By Alba Caraceni
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Food History
By Alba Caraceni
The oldest maker of jarred peanut butter in the USA still operates today. Located in Ohio, you can buy the company's products online or at its retail location.
By Alba Caraceni
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Casual Dining
By Alba Caraceni
When patrons visit Waffle House, they are likely to order a dish with eggs — and the chain sells a staggering number of them to keep up with the demand.
By Alba Caraceni
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Exclusives
By Alba Caraceni
While coffee shop etiquette helps baristas keep the line moving efficiently, it can be pretty aggravating when customers ignore some basic courtesies.
By Alba Caraceni
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Food History
By Alba Caraceni
Café Du Monde is famous across the United States, known as a Nola institution. But just what makes its beignets so amazing? We dive into the history and taste.
By Alba Caraceni
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Food History
By Alba Caraceni
Want to wow your guests at your Super Bowl party but don't want something generic like wings? Try this retro dish instead; it's easy and delicious.
By Alba Caraceni
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Food History
By Alba Caraceni
Have you ever tried a Dagwood sandwich before, piled high with loads of ingredients — and did you know it actually got its name from a comic strip?
By Alba Caraceni
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Shopping Tips
By Alba Caraceni
If you just rock up to your local Dollar Tree and try to buy bulk of your favorite foods in-store, you'll be turned away. You need to do this instead.
By Alba Caraceni
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Cooking Tips
By Alba Caraceni
Nothing beats potato soup, but the convenience of using a slow cooker is unparalleled, Add in the fact that you only need four ingredients? A win-win.
By Alba Caraceni
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Coffee Shops
By Alba Caraceni
While Krispy Kreme is headquartered in the South, its flagship store is in New York City. This special location sells an even more special donut there.
By Alba Caraceni
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Casual Dining
By Alba Caraceni
Texas Roadhouse is meticulous regarding how it handles its steaks, but how it treats its prime rib is vastly different from just about every other cut of steak.
By Alba Caraceni
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Food History
By Alba Caraceni
Alton Brown knows a thing or two about food, but it may shock you to learn that his absolute favorite cheesesteak sandwich doesn't come from Philly.
By Alba Caraceni
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Food History
By Alba Caraceni
Oysters Rockefeller was actually born of necessity, created as a substitute when a shortage of a traditional European delicacy forced a chef to improvise.
By Alba Caraceni
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Fast Food
By Alba Caraceni
If you're craving chili, and you need a whole bucket load stat, then you should try heading to this fast food joint. The location nearest you might have it.
By Alba Caraceni
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Cooking Tips
By Alba Caraceni
When Alton Brown makes his lobster bisque, he employs a few techniques to achieve the perfect taste and consistency, all of which can be replicated at home.
By Alba Caraceni
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Stores And Chains
By Alba Caraceni
Dollar Tree may be known for its inexpensive pricing, but that doesn't mean all of its products are cheap. In fact, you can find this craft soda.
By Alba Caraceni
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