Location
Mount Laurel, NJ
Expertise
Culinary History & Traditions, Holistic Nutrition & Wellness, Mocktails & Zero Proof Beverages
- Megan has resided in rural Pennsylvania for much of her life, gaining hands-on experience building sustainable, zero-waste cooking habits.
- At her mother and grandmother's side, she learned the basics of canning, freezing, and pickling, how to turn kitchen scraps into delicious soups and broths, and that good herbs and spices can make the simplest dish feel gourmet.
- She has written for Spirituality & Health Magazine since 2020, exploring how to use everyday foods to soothe anxiety, improve skin health, and recover after a workout.
Experience
Megan began working as a professional writer for eHow.com in 2009. There, she covered a wide array of topics while always gravitating toward pieces focused on food, whether that meant developing creative new ways to decorate sugar cookies or learning to grow strawberries upside-down. Raised by a historian, her passion for history and culture started when she was very young. Her father taught her to be curious and never stop learning, a lesson she's applied throughout her life. When she's not stocking her kitchen with homemade pesto or attempting to recreate a cheesecake recipe from 160 B.C.E., you can find her creating art, snuggling with her cat, or enjoying a leisurely brunch with her wife.
Education
Megan has a bachelor's degree in English literature from Lycoming College.
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Costco
By Megan Shoop-Volz
Costco is beloved for its many excellent frozen offerings, including this bulk Italian staple. It doesn't even need to be thawed first before you enjoy it.
By Megan Shoop-Volz
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Gardening
By Megan Shoop-Volz
You don't need a large yard to grow beautiful blueberries. All you need is a large container and the right soil and lighting to help them thrive indoors.
By Megan Shoop-Volz
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Simple syrup isn't the only way to sweeten up a cocktail. You can also use this ingredient right out of your pantry that you probably already have.
By Megan Shoop-Volz
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Kitchen Tools
By Megan Shoop-Volz
Move over countertop air fryer, newer ovens now come with an air fryer setting. Though they work similarly, your oven's air fryer setting is slightly pickier.
By Megan Shoop-Volz
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Food Science
By Megan Shoop-Volz
A slow cooker is a gift from the heavens for many cooks. Just set it and forget it, right? Okay, don't forget it too long, or the food won't be safe anymore.
By Megan Shoop-Volz
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Kitchen Tools
By Megan Shoop-Volz
A new Le Creuset can be prohibitively expensive, which is why finding one in a thrift store is so exciting. Just check for this before you ring it up.
By Megan Shoop-Volz
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Cooking
By Megan Shoop-Volz
A container of Cool Whip and this shelf-stable ingredient are all you need for a cheesecake-style dessert that you can customize to suit any flavor preference.
By Megan Shoop-Volz
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If you buy meat in bulk at Costco or simply have a lot you won't be using anytime soon, freeze it. Just do this first, for convenience's sake.
By Megan Shoop-Volz
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Cleaning
By Megan Shoop-Volz
Kitchen grease is the ultimate enemy of clean cabinets. Find out why a high-quality range hood is your best defense against sticky, oily residue.
By Megan Shoop-Volz
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Baking
By Megan Shoop-Volz
Looking for an easy upgrade to make your boxed cake mix taste extra delicious? Use this powdered ingredient to elevate your bake's flavor.
By Megan Shoop-Volz
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Design & Decor
By Megan Shoop-Volz
Improve your kitchen organization with this simple storage tip. This specific baker's rack feature protects your appliances and improves workflow.
By Megan Shoop-Volz
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Gardening
By Megan Shoop-Volz
Planting a vegetable garden for the first time? Avoid making this important mistake when planning your crops for a better, bigger bounty and less stress.
By Megan Shoop-Volz
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Baking
By Megan Shoop-Volz
You can turn your boxed cake mix into rich, easy-to-make truffles that will impress any guest. Here's how to do it, and how to customize them.
By Megan Shoop-Volz
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Grilling And Smoking
By Megan Shoop-Volz
Grilled hot dogs are right up there with grilled burgers, but at your next cookout, impress your friends and family by cooking the hot dogs this way instead.
By Megan Shoop-Volz
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Gardening
By Megan Shoop-Volz
Instead of shopping for plants, create your own little kitchen garden retreat with a sweet potato. All you need are a few simple tools.
By Megan Shoop-Volz
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Cooking
By Megan Shoop-Volz
Braising elevates cabbage to tastier heights than just boiling or sauteing it. But when you braise it with beef tallow, you add even more flavor.
By Megan Shoop-Volz
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Design & Decor
By Megan Shoop-Volz
Create a more cohesive kitchen aesthetic by making this simple choice when shopping for some of the key components on your countertop.
By Megan Shoop-Volz
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Kitchen Tools
By Megan Shoop-Volz
Craving a baked potato but don't want to wait for it to cook in the oven? Here's how to use this kitchen appliance to prepare spuds in half the time.
By Megan Shoop-Volz
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Guinness is always a great thirst quencher, but it's also a killer ingredient in many a great cocktail. Here are some of the best Guinness-based cocktails.
By Megan Shoop-Volz
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Baking
By Megan Shoop-Volz
This frosting has it all: It's rich, creamy, and versatile. All you need is a lemon and two simple baking staples to make this magic happen.
By Megan Shoop-Volz
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Cooking
By Megan Shoop-Volz
This easy Southwestern twist transforms simple cabbage into a bold, flavorful foundation for a variety of customizable dishes.
By Megan Shoop-Volz
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Cooking
By Megan Shoop-Volz
Broccoli isn't everyone's favorite, but it can quickly become a favorite if you transform it with the help of this one canned ingredient.
By Megan Shoop-Volz
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Gardening
By Megan Shoop-Volz
It's a great feeling to walk out to your garden and pluck a ripe tomato for lunch. But there's nothing worse than noticing your plants have succumbed to blight.
By Megan Shoop-Volz
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Cooking
By Megan Shoop-Volz
After a meal or two, leftover chili can feel repetitive. This creative twist with puff pastry gives the hearty dish a crisp, flaky upgrade.
By Megan Shoop-Volz
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Cooking
By Megan Shoop-Volz
Craving a crispy, savory snack but want to munch on something healthy that helps you hit your protein goals? Toss this veggie into the air fryer.
By Megan Shoop-Volz
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How-To
By Megan Shoop-Volz
Canned tuna is a great ingredient to keep on hand. Even the empty can is useful around the kitchen if you turn it into a cute, simple DIY planter.
By Megan Shoop-Volz
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Cooking
By Megan Shoop-Volz
Level up your everyday sweet potatoes with a delightfully spicy topping that perfectly complements the potatoes' sweet and earthy flavor notes.
By Megan Shoop-Volz
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