Shannon Dell - The Takeout

Location

Tennessee

School

Georgia Southern University

Expertise

Appalachian Granny Recipes, Experimental Sauces, Foodways & Folklore

Shannon doesn't shy away from the more obscure food stories, having covered a range of topics from spit-fermented beer to highway-flattened fauna.
Born and raised in the American South, she's a hype girl for hot sauce and will gladly tell you about the many health benefits of dousing your plate in it.
She has some serious opinions when it comes to cucumbers and why some people are genetically wired to hate them.

Experience

Shannon is a Tennessee-based writer who has been featured in publications such as National Geographic, BBC Travel, and Atlas Obscura. While her writing is mostly travel-focused, she believes the best way to connect to a culture is through the stomach, having learned to bake sand bread in the Sahara desert, experienced the reverence of a toastmaster at a Georgian supra, and uncovered the secret ingredient to longevity from an Italian nonna (hint: it's Prosecco first thing in the morning). She likes food that makes her sweat, dusty diners with a story, and stirring the pot between two Southerners arguing over whose hometown has the better barbecue.

The Takeout Editorial Policies

The Takeout’s industry-leading editorial coverage is the result of collaboration between writers and editors with a wide array of experience and expertise in the world of food and drink. Every article is fact-checked by our team of editors to ensure accuracy. Outside experts are also consulted to help deliver factual, up-to-date information.

Our mission is to both inform and entertain our readers, telling them everything they want to know (and more) about food. We strive to always provide a well-rounded reading experience, bringing both the biggest food news of the day and a break from the news. Additional information on our editorial process available here.

Stories By Shannon Dell

Cook

Cook By Shannon Dell

The Tastiest Steak Features A Funky Cheese Crust

To take your steak to the next level, try giving it a savory cheesy crust. It's easy to do, and really amps up the flavor.
By Shannon Dell Read More
Cook

Cook By Shannon Dell

Don't Fret: You Can Rescue A Cast Iron Pan From The Dishwasher

Even if we know how to properly take care of a cast iron pan, sometimes we forget the rules. If you've run your cast iron through the dishwasher, there is hope.
By Shannon Dell Read More
Cook

Cook By Shannon Dell

How To Make A Balsamic Glaze With Just 2 Pantry Ingredients

Tangy and sweet balsamic glaze is no longer something you'll only have the pleasure of eating in restaurants. Make it yourself with just two ingredients.
By Shannon Dell Read More
Cook

Cook By Shannon Dell

Why It's Useful To Know The Smoke Point Of Oil

Knowing the smoke point of a particular oil determines how it's best used and what temperature it can be heated to before it starts smoking.
By Shannon Dell Read More
Cook

Cook By Shannon Dell

How Long Does It Take For Wine To Become Vinegar (And Can You Use It)?

Wait! Don't pour out that bottle of wine that's turned to vinegar. First, learn the science behind it, and then find out its many uses in recipes.
By Shannon Dell Read More
Cook

Cook By Shannon Dell

Your Soups Have Been Neglecting One Legume For Far Too Long

Soups are great any day of the week, but consider switching up your rotation. With the addition of one legume, you can make them creamier and more satisfying.
By Shannon Dell Read More
Drinks

Drinks By Shannon Dell

To Drink This Rare Cocktail, Your Lips Must Touch A Scary Ingredient

Drinking cultures around the world have many bizarre rituals that eager tourists can try. This famous Yukon Sourtoe cocktail is seriously unique.
By Shannon Dell Read More
Drinks

Drinks By Shannon Dell

To Fight Off Malaria, The Brits Invented A World Classic Cocktail

Malaria was a life-threatening risk for British soldiers stationed in tropical areas. The simple cocktail they invented to ward it off is now a beloved classic.
By Shannon Dell Read More
Cook

Cook By Shannon Dell

Stop Throwing Out Lemongrass Leaves And Start Infusing Your Rice Instead

Give lemongrass leaves new life, and throw them into your next pot of rice. This upgrade takes almost no effort, and the flavor payoff is big.
By Shannon Dell Read More
Drinks

Drinks By Shannon Dell

Does Dark Roast Coffee Really Have More Caffeine Than Light?

Even the staunchest coffee drinker may be confused when it comes to light versus dark roast. What's the actual difference between the two and is one "stronger"?
By Shannon Dell Read More
Cook

Cook By Shannon Dell

The Trick To Cooking Fish Without All The Smell Is Already In Your Pantry

Although it doesn't bother everyone equally as much, the fishy smell of seafood is off-putting to many. If that's you, this little trick cancels out the smell.
By Shannon Dell Read More
Cook

Cook By Shannon Dell

The Clever Hack That Makes Frozen Butter Instantly Spreadable

If you've ever gone to bake something and realize too late that your butter isn't softened, or worse still frozen, then this is the tip you need.
By Shannon Dell Read More
Cook

Cook By Shannon Dell

The Only Topping You Need For Mouthwatering Grilled Cheese

For one of the best grilled cheese sandwiches you'll ever have, all you need is one topping. Trust us, it will take your grilled cheese to a whole new level.
By Shannon Dell Read More
Cook

Cook By Shannon Dell

The Canned Ingredient That Gives Boxed Mac And Cheese A Boost

Next time you find yourself with a hankering for boxed mac and cheese, consider mixing in this one canned ingredient. Trust us, it ain't bad!
By Shannon Dell Read More
Cook

Cook By Shannon Dell

Here's How Long Opened Minced Garlic Lasts

Minced garlic is an easy way to cut down on prep work, but with a bottle of the stuff sitting in your fridge you may be wondering how long it stays fresh.
By Shannon Dell Read More
History

History By Shannon Dell

The Ivy League History Of Chicken Nuggets

McDonald's popularized chicken nuggets, but didn't create them. Discover how college science turned this fast food staple into a poultry industry powerhouse.
By Shannon Dell Read More
Cook

Cook By Shannon Dell

What Does It Really Mean To 'Season' Cast Iron Cookware?

"Don't forget to season your cast iron!" is a line you've probably heard a dozen of times. But what exactly does this mean and entail, seriously?
By Shannon Dell Read More
Cook

Cook By Shannon Dell

What Makes Canning Salt So Different From Table Salt?

Can you swap table salt for canning salt? Learn the surprising reason pickling purists say 'no' and how to substitute with something more suitable.
By Shannon Dell Read More
Cook

Cook By Shannon Dell

The Tangy Sauce You're Missing For The Absolute Best Egg Salad

Egg salad has so many great uses for such a simple recipe. However, this ingredient swap is an unbelievable upgrade on a tried-and-true classic.
By Shannon Dell Read More
Cook

Cook By Shannon Dell

Elevate Frozen Pizza To Restaurant Quality With One Ingredient

Frozen pizza has to be the best easy weeknight meal. If you're looking for a way to make store-bought pizza even better, try adding this ingredient.
By Shannon Dell Read More
Cook

Cook By Shannon Dell

Save Leftover Orange Peels To Make Your Next Secret Weapon Ingredient

Don't throw out your orange peels! Trust us, next time you're in the kitchen, they can be your tasty secret ingredient for a wide array of delicious recipes.
By Shannon Dell Read More
Cook

Cook By Shannon Dell

The Booze You Should Be Adding To Coleslaw

If you want to elevate your coleslaw game, then simply throw in this one boozy ingredient. Trust us, it'll only enhance your creamy bowl of slaw.
By Shannon Dell Read More
Cook

Cook By Shannon Dell

How To Tell If Your Paneer Is Fake

Who doesn't love a nice steaming hot bowl of paneer curry? As delicious as paneer can be, however, it's always important to remember how to spot the fake stuff.
By Shannon Dell Read More
Cook

Cook By Shannon Dell

Here's The Best Way To Clean That Dirty Gas Stove Top

Having trouble wiping down that dirty gas stove top? Here are a few simple tricks that will make your time in the kitchen much, much easier.
By Shannon Dell Read More
Cook

Cook By Shannon Dell

The Simple Favor You Should Always Ask Your Fishmonger To Do

Buying seafood really isn't that difficult. But if you aren't already aware, you can ask the fishmonger for this simple favor to save you time and stress.
By Shannon Dell Read More
Fast Food

Fast Food By Shannon Dell

The Only 2 US States Without A Single Popeyes Location

Who doesn't love a crispy basket of Popeyes fried chicken? Well, in the United States, there's exactly two states that seem to not care for the franchise.
By Shannon Dell Read More
Cook

Cook By Shannon Dell

What Makes Denver Steaks So Marbled?

Denver steaks are some of the best cuts a beef lover can ask for, especially since they are so incredibly marbled compared to other cuts. But why is that?
By Shannon Dell Read More

Back