Ellen Morrissey

Ellen is a freelance writer for MarthaStewart.com.

About Martha Stewart

Martha Stewart, a Dotdash Meredith Brand, teaches and inspires over 7 million readers a month with tested-until-perfected recipes, elevated home and entertaining ideas, and creative DIY projects. Our content is written by experienced journalists and fact checked for accuracy. Learn more about us and our editorial guidelines.

Irish soda bread with jam and butter on the side

All About Traditional Irish Soda Bread—and the Best Way to Enjoy It

aged-cheddar and beer dip

These Casual Appetizer Recipes Will Get Any Party Started

5 Most Common Types of Flour—and How to Sub One for Another

burrata bites

18 Favorite Hors d'Oeuvres Recipes for Cocktail Parties and Other Special Celebrations

mushroom powder in bowls

Mushroom Powder Is the Ultimate Way to Add Umami to All Kinds of Dishes—Here's How to Use It in Your Cooking

Dutch-process cocoa and natural cocoa

The Difference Between Dutch-Process Cocoa and Natural Cocoa—Plus When to Use Each in Your Baking

pie crust filled with rice beans

Blind Baking a Pie Crust Is the Best Way to Avoid a Soggy Bottom—Here's How to Do It Right

crab legs

How to Cook Crab Legs—Our Smart, Easy Technique Yields Perfect Results Every Time

16 Treats That Will Be Surefire Winners at Your Next Bake Sale

winter squash assortment on slate surface

Our Very Best Winter Squash Recipes, Featuring Acorn, Butternut, Delicata, and More

tropical-sorbet-and-meringue stack cake sliced

The Best Birthday Cakes to Make for Your Family's Next Celebration

sea-salt-bowl-0615

When Should You Use Sea Salt for Cooking?

White Pepper Heaps

What Is White Pepper? Plus, Find Out When You Should Use It in Place of Black Pepper in Your Cooking

Bake a Better Babka with These Expert Tips and Tricks

herbs thyme savory sage rosemary marjoram mint oregano basil tarragon cilantro dill parsley chives chervil

When and How to Swap Dried Herbs for Fresh in a Recipe

vanilla extract in small bowl

What's the Best Vanilla Extract Substitute?

checking cake doneness with toothpick in oven

Is Your Cake Baked Through? Here's How to Tell

S'mores and More! 16 Irresistible Toasted Marshmallow Desserts Everyone Will Love

baking powder on white

Is Your Baking Powder Still Good? Here's How to Tell

pomegranate coconut trifle with whipped cream

Panna Cotta, Gelées, and More: These Are Our Very Favorite Gelatin Dessert Recipes

arm & hammer baking soda on slate surface

Is Your Baking Soda Still Good? Here's How to Tell

box cheese grater with cheese block

What Side of a Cheese Grater Should You Use for Each Type of Cheese?

Three-Ingredient Mango Sorbet

Make the Most of Mango Season with These Marvelous Recipes

assortment of stacked bundt pans

A Handy Guide to Cake Pan Conversions