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Creshonda Smith

Creshonda Smith

Author/Co-Author of 64 articles

Creshonda Smith is a seasoned writer and editor with over 10 years of experience creating compelling content across industries, including food, lifestyle, legal, and more. She holds a master’s degree in clinical social work from The Ohio State University but chose to transition into a full-time writing career to follow her passion for storytelling.

Her work has been featured on major platforms such as MSN, Yahoo!, and Apple News. When she’s not crafting engaging content, Creshonda enjoys traveling, reading, learning new things to share through her writing, and unwinding by playing UNO with her family.

Babyback ribs cooking on a grill

How to BBQ ribs on a gas grill like a pitmaster

Master how to BBQ ribs on a gas grill with easy steps, smart tips, and mouthwatering flavor — no smoker needed.
A man cleaning grill grates with a wire brush.

How to clean grill grates the right way (without the hassle)

Clean your grill like a pro with these hassle-free hacks—from steam tricks to foil scrubs—that make post-BBQ cleanup fast, safe, and effective.
Plated bone in ribeye

9 sizzling tips for how to grill ribeye steak on a gas grill like a pro

Master how to grill ribeye steak on a gas grill with these juicy tips for searing, seasoning, and finishing like a true backyard pro.
raw chicken thighs

How to nail the perfect chicken thigh marinade for grilling

Master the perfect chicken thigh marinade for grilling with bold flavors, smart tips, and a foolproof method that guarantees juicy, flavorful results.
sliced steak and peppers on a cutting board

What steak to use for fajitas (and how not to ruin them)

Discover what steak to use for fajitas — skirt, flank, flat iron, and more — plus pro tips on slicing, marinating, and cooking for tender, flavorful results.
t bone steak on a plate

How to cook a perfect T-bone steak without the guesswork

Learn how to cook a t-bone steak with tips on searing, finishing, slicing, and seasoning for that perfect restaurant-quality meal at home.
Slow cooked beef brisket on the grill grates of a smoker barbecue, in a cooking background

How to pick the best wood for perfect smoked flavor every time

Learn how to choose the best wood for smoking food with tips on flavor pairing, smoke control, and selecting the right wood type for your grill or smoker.
Steak frying in a pan

How to cook steak in a pan: Elevate your steak game with these tips

Master the art of pan-seared steak with expert tips on seasoning, searing, and butter basting for a restaurant-quality meal at home.
Frozen burgers

Grilling frozen burgers doesn’t have to end in disaster—these tips changed everything

Avoid dry or uneven burgers with this guide to common mistakes made when grilling frozen burgers, and learn how to fix them for better results.
Pan with steak going into oven

How to cook steak in an oven for consistently delectable results

Take the time to master the perfect oven-cooked steak with this easy guide to searing, roasting, and slicing for juicy, steakhouse results at home.
Raw ribs with tongs, a dry rub, a meat thermometer, and a spoon

Dry rubs 101: How to match flavor to meat like a pitmaster

Master dry rubs by matching bold, sweet, or herbaceous blends to beef, pork, chicken, fish, and lamb for flavor-packed results every time.
Bratwurst on the grill

The juicy brat hack you didn’t know you needed

Discover why boiling your bratwurst before grilling is the secret to juicier, more flavorful sausages whenever you fire up the grill.
Smoking meats

New to smoking meat? These cuts are almost impossible to mess up

New to smoking meat? Start with forgiving cuts like pork shoulder, whole chicken, and ribs. Learn wood pairings, flavor tips, and more.
Raw steak on cutting board

Skip the fat, keep the flavor: The leanest steaks worth eating

Which steak has the least fat? Discover the best low-fat cuts and how to cook them right for juicy, satisfying results every time.
Cutting board with cooked steak, fried eggs, beans, vegetables

The best steak for breakfast (because your eggs deserve a worthy sidekick)

Discover the best steaks for breakfast—from sirloin to skirt—and how to cook each one to pair perfectly with your morning eggs.
Grilled chicken with barbecue sauce

7 essential tips for perfect barbecue chicken every time

Grill juicy barbecue chicken like a pro with these fresh tips on prep, seasoning, grilling, and pairing it with sides that bring the whole meal together.
Vegetables on grill

Grilled veggies gone wrong: Common pitfalls and how to fix them

Avoid common veggie-grilling mistakes and learn how to get perfectly charred, flavorful vegetables every time with this simple, no-fail guide.
Grilling burgers

How long to grill burgers — and more tips for juicy results

Learn how long to grill burgers with this foolproof guide to timing, temperature, and juicy results — plus tips to avoid overcooked or raw patties.
Steak frites

What is steak frites? Your new favorite comfort food

Steak frites is the French bistro classic of juicy seared steak and crispy fries. Here’s how to get it right at home — no passport required.
Barbecue sauce

Does barbecue sauce go bad? Read this before you grill

Wondering if your BBQ sauce is still good? Learn how long it lasts, how to store it, and how to spot when it's time to toss it.
chicken cooking on a gas grill

Smoking meat on a gas grill is easier than you think — here’s how to start

Make your gas grill smoker-ready with these budget-friendly accessories that help you add real smoke flavor without investing in a full smoker.
grilled and sliced tri tip steak

The best tips for grilling tri-tip like a backyard legend

Master the art of grilling tri-tip with these expert tips — from seasoning and slicing to managing flare-ups — for juicy, flavorful results every time.
Diverse group of friends and family grilling sausages, corn, and chicken skewers at a barbecue party. Outdoor social gathering. Summer food and cooking concept.

These easy summer grilling ideas go way beyond burgers and corn

Celebrate the season with bold, fresh summer grilling ideas—featuring juicy produce, unexpected ingredients, and expert-approved techniques.
cedar-planked salmon

How to grill on cedar planks like a pro (and why you should)

Learn how to use cedar planks for grilling with simple steps that bring smoky flavor and moisture to fish, chicken, and more, without overcomplicating it.
prime barbecue

The Southern BBQ bucket list that’s embracing Texas-style smoke

Texas-style brisket and sausage are taking root across the South as pitmasters bring their smoky traditions to new cities — and new audiences.
Medium rare burger

Can burgers be pink? Here’s what you really need to know

Can burgers be pink and still be safe? Learn why temperature matters more than color, and how to grill juicy burgers without the guesswork.
Grilling

These easy grilling ideas are perfect for beginners — and seriously delicious

Discover easy grilling ideas with these quick, flavorful recipes perfect for weeknight meals or summer barbecues.
steak that resembles a skirt steak on the grill

Hanger steak vs. skirt steak: What sets them apart on the grill

Compare hanger steak vs skirt steak by flavor, texture, cost, and cooking tips so you know exactly which cut to choose for your next meal.
Steak levels of doneness

The simple science behind how to cook medium steak

Learn how to cook steak medium with simple steps, exact timing, and expert tips to get a juicy, pink-centered steak every single time.
Smashburger

Chef Billy Kramer’s no-nonsense guide to better smashburgers at home

Chef Billy Kramer shares his expert tips for crafting the perfect smashburger, from meat selection to toppings and grilling tools.
Horses racing in the Kentucky Derby

This is how to make beef tips worthy of the Kentucky Derby

Chef Robert Lopez’s slow-cooked beef tips bring rich, bold flavors to the Kentucky Derby dining experience, crafted with seasonal ingredients and meticulous technique.
Steak on cutting board

Do you cut with or against the grain? Here’s the truth when slicing steak

Cutting steak against the grain is key to tenderness. Learn how to find the grain, slice it right, and avoid turning making the meat too tough to chew.
A person is cooking a sirloin steak in a pan with herbs and spices. The steak is brown and he is well-cooked

5 mistakes to avoid when learning how to grill top sirloin

Avoid common grilling mistakes and learn how to grill top sirloin so that you get tender, juicy results every time.
Burgers on a grill

7 must-know tips for the best burger seasoning for grilling

Elevate your cookout game with the best burger seasoning for grilling — bold, balanced, and built to bring out the best in every juicy bite.
Charcoal grill

How to start a charcoal grill: It’s easier than you think

Learn how to start a charcoal grill with confidence, from setup to lighting, plus one underrated step most guides leave out.
Flank steak marinating

Dry rub vs. marinade: Which one’s really worth the hype?

Learn when to use a dry rub or a marinade for maximum flavor, tenderness, and crust — plus how to combine both for next-level results.
glazed ham

How to make ham glaze without the hassle: Timing, technique, and flavor

Learn how to make the perfect ham glaze with simple ingredients, pro tips, and flavor variations to create a beautifully caramelized, delicious ham.
Side view of a spiral ham

How to carve a spiral ham like a pro

Carve a spiral ham like a pro with this step-by-step guide on slicing, serving, and making the most of every delicious piece — without the frustration.
Dry aged steak

Dry aged vs. Wet-aged beef: What’s the real difference?

Explore the bold flavors of dry-aged beef vs. the juicy consistency of wet-aged. Learn which one suits your taste, budget, and steak-night goals.
Steak frying in a pan

How to cook a thick steak without screwing it up

Master thick steak cooking with pro tips on reverse searing, basting, and resting to get a crusty exterior and juicy center every time.
Steak on cutting board

How to tell if steak is bad: Simple signs to keep you safe

Learn easy ways to tell if steak has gone bad by using color, smell, and texture checks, plus smart storage tips to keep your meals safe and delicious.
At-home Kentucky Derby Menu

Joshua Weissman’s at-home Kentucky Derby menu brings bold flavors to race day

Chef Joshua Weissman’s bold, Southern-inspired menu brings Kentucky Derby flavor home with easy, crowd-pleasing bites and a bourbon-fueled cocktail.
Big Dave's Cheesesteaks

Orlando’s newest must-try: This celebrity-approved cheesesteak

Big Dave's Cheesesteaks has opened a brick-and-mortar location in Orlando, which is a huge milestone for a business that had humble beginnings in a gas station.
Marinating raw steak tips in a plastic bag

Should steaks be marinated? Let’s settle this once and for all

Wondering if steak should be marinated? Learn which cuts benefit, when to skip it, and how to build the perfect marinade without ruining your meat.
Chefman WiFi-and Bluetooth-Enabled Sous Vide Immersion Circulator

Sous vide salmon gives you perfectly cooked fish every time

Sous vide salmon guarantees perfect tenderness and rich flavor. Learn the best temps, seasonings, and finishing touches for a foolproof, restaurant-quality meal.
lamb chop dinner

How to cook lamb chops like a pro with simple techniques

Learn how to cook lamb chops with this step-by-step guide on seasoning, pan-searing, grilling, and roasting for juicy, flavorful results every time.
Traeger Flatrock 2 Zone Griddle on orange background

Traeger introduces the Flatrock 2 Zone: a compact griddle for small outdoor spaces

Traeger's new Flatrock 2 Zone griddle packs pro-level performance into a compact design—perfect for small patios and big flavor.
Sliced steak on plate

How to cook steak medium rare without overdoing it

Learn the art of cooking a perfect medium-rare steak with expert tips on seasoning, searing, and achieving that ideal warm, red center.
Pulled pork

How to make tender pulled pork sous vide style 

Make ultra-tender, juicy pulled pork with sous vide. This step-by-step guide covers seasoning, cooking, and finishing for perfect shredded pork every time.
Flank steak

How to cut flank steak for perfectly tender results every time

Learn exactly how to cut flank steak—identify the grain, slice properly, and master simple tricks for juicy, tender results every single time.