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.
-
Cooking Tips
By Alba Caraceni
Alex Guarnaschelli has a long and impressive career in professional kitchens, so when she says you shouldn't boil your potatoes for mash, we listen.
By Alba Caraceni
Read More
-
Food History
By Alba Caraceni
As a child, Michelle Obama absolutely hated all breakfast foods, from eggs to bacon, so she ate this one American sandwich every day for years.
By Alba Caraceni
Read More
-
Shopping Tips
By Alba Caraceni
This budget-friendly Dollar Tree essential makes cozying up with your favorite hot soup easier (and more transportable) than ever.
By Alba Caraceni
Read More
-
World Cuisines
By Alba Caraceni
When in Europe, specifically Italy, Rick Steves tells us that we should never miss out on the chance to enjoy happy hour (usually from 6 to 9 p.m.).
By Alba Caraceni
Read More
-
Food History
By Alba Caraceni
Anyone who wants to try the best pies available for purchase in the entire country should head on down to Connecticut (or to the brand's shop on Goldbelly).
By Alba Caraceni
Read More
-
Exclusives
By Alba Caraceni
It's beef stew season, y'awl, so to make sure you're ready to make the best possible dish, grab these two things from the store to forever change your stew.
By Alba Caraceni
Read More
-
Food History
By Alba Caraceni
Sure, it's traditional to pop a bottle of Champers on New Year's Eve, but there's one particular meal, featuring two foods, that we always eat for good luck.
By Alba Caraceni
Read More
-
Baking Tips
By Alba Caraceni
Sure, s'mores are a delight, but you can take them up a notch (or 20) by making the ultimate sheet dessert by swapping graham crackers for Pop-Tarts.
By Alba Caraceni
Read More
-
Food History
By Alba Caraceni
Anthony Bourdain held no punches when it came to food, including what he disliked and what he loved. And for breakfast? He considered this the best anywhere.
By Alba Caraceni
Read More
-
Cooking Tips
By Alba Caraceni
Potato salad is a classic side for a reason; it's delicious, but it can lack texture. Fortunately, you can fix that with a simple yet crispy twist.
By Alba Caraceni
Read More
-
Cooking Tips
By Alba Caraceni
Christmas dinner is an event much like Thanksgiving. It takes planning, precision, and lots of time. Simplify dessert by making Gordon Ramsay's standby.
By Alba Caraceni
Read More
-
Kitchen Tools
By Alba Caraceni
If you love your air fryer, but at the same time, you hate having to clean it (all that grease? Gross), then you need to grab this easy Dollar Tree find.
By Alba Caraceni
Read More
-
Food History
By Alba Caraceni
It seems like every state has its own signature style of pizza, and Rhode Island is no exception. As a bonus, it helps reduce waste.
By Alba Caraceni
Read More
-
Restaurants
By Alba Caraceni
A stationary airplane in Colorado houses a must-see restaurant that's been serving up food and aviation enthusiasm for more than two decades.
By Alba Caraceni
Read More
-
With this nifty Dollar Tree find, you'll have to never waste or struggle with putting a layer of plastic wrap around your leftover food again.
By Alba Caraceni
Read More
-
Cooking Tips
By Alba Caraceni
Simply make this one onion swap for a harmonious, layered flavor in your guacamole that is slightly sweeter and less harsh than the traditional version.
By Alba Caraceni
Read More
-
Do you love Häagen-Dazs ice cream bars? Do you also happen to have a Costco membership? If so, run, don't walk, to your nearest warehouse for this dupe.
By Alba Caraceni
Read More
-
Gordon Ramsay thinks home cooks and chefs are overlooking this underrated root veggie, which actually offers a brilliant and versatile flavor.
By Alba Caraceni
Read More
-
Stores And Chains
By Alba Caraceni
One beloved convenience store chain offers a sweet and creamy banana pudding served in a cup, making it easy to see the distinct layers of cookies and bananas.
By Alba Caraceni
Read More
-
Anthony Bourdain suggested you should always have this frozen appetizer on hand and ready to serve if your other finger foods are running low.
By Alba Caraceni
Read More
-
Restaurants
By Alba Caraceni
One of Frank Sinatra's favorite places to dine was an Italian restaurant in Hoboken that is still open today and devoted to its famous one-time regular.
By Alba Caraceni
Read More
-
Fast Food
By Alba Caraceni
When you think McDonald's, and wonder which state has the most, you might assume California, Florida, or even New York, but you would be wrong.
By Alba Caraceni
Read More
-
Elvis Presley was well known for his prodigious appetite and enjoyed many Southern staples, but there was one food he wouldn't even allow inside Graceland.
By Alba Caraceni
Read More
-
Shopping Tips
By Alba Caraceni
Walmart's bakery may not be expensive, but the goods certainly don't taste cheap. In fact, this particular loaf cake is reviewed as a solid dupe for Starbucks.
By Alba Caraceni
Read More
-
Cooking Tips
By Alba Caraceni
There's nothing like a fresh crab cake, hot and crispy right off of the pan, but Andrew Zimmern actually prefers to eat his in this unconventional way.
By Alba Caraceni
Read More
-
Trader Joe's
By Alba Caraceni
Trader Joe's has a perfectly delicious compound butter that's the easiest (and tastiest) shortcut to expertly seasoned food around. Grab it fast!
By Alba Caraceni
Read More
-
Food History
By Alba Caraceni
Pringles used to debut sweet holiday flavors each year, and there was one rendition that did not go over well with even the most loyal of fans.
By Alba Caraceni
Read More