Just because it’s a kid’s birthday party doesn’t mean the adults can’t have fun too—and no, we’re not just talking about wine and beer in Solo cups (although that doesn’t hurt). This summer, we’re rethinking what a kid-friendly birthday bash can look like: Think platters of French pastries, silver coupes filled with grapes, and homemade paper chains that are prettier than the ones you remember from kindergarten. Most recently, we’re looking to Tess Gigone—Toronto-based creator and our resident recipe try-er in It’s Fine—for all the inspiration. At Food52, we’ve seen her tackle classic recipes for the first time ever (gracefully, might I add). And if there’s one thing we’ve learned from watching her, it’s that she has an incredible eye. Read More >>

What if you could text a friend who just gets home design—who knows the difference between a globe pendant and a drum shade, or what color temperature works best in a hallway? Meet Schoolhouse Switchboard, your new go-to resource for all things lighting, design, renovation, and DIY. Inspired by Food52’s long-running community hotline—where home cooks can drop a question 24/7 (and even leave a voicemail!)—we’re bringing that same real-time, personalized advice to the world of home design. This time, it’s all happening over at our sister brand, Schoolhouse, and instead of cooking questions, we’re here for your lighting layout conundrums, rug-sizing woes, paint debates, and more. Read More >>

All Fired Up is our Shop’s monthly handmade ceramics drop, curated by Food52 and made by small and local makers. This month, we’re featuring Chicago-based artist Emily Christopherson of EMRIS studio. For a lot of artists, the dream is that someone—maybe a professor or a curator—spots their work and says, “You’ve got it.” Realistically, that rarely happens. But for Emily Christopherson, it kind of did. Read More >>

The best sandwich ever? Hands down, a BLT. Add in my obsession with pasta salads and, chef’s kiss! This BLT…

Let me get one thing straight: I have loved boxed macaroni and cheese for as long as I can remember. From the bright orange Kraft mac and cheese dinners my dad "cooked" when my mom was out of town, to the countless microwaveable single-serve Easy Mac cups I consumed in college, and fancied-up shells and white cheddar from Annie's that now fill my pantry, this gloriously convenient invention has always been a part of my life. And while you can often catch me whipping up a batch of the stuff in its purest form (including last night, when I had zero desire to prepare a full dinner), there are times when I like to experiment with different combinations of ingredients. Some are based off my cravings (spicy, bright and herby, or totally carbo-loaded), and other times they're based off whatever leftovers are in my fridge. Sure, adding extra ingredients can take away a bit of the simplicity, but incorporating them is easy and rarely takes more than a few minutes—in fact, you can usually finish the prep while the pasta water boils. Most importantly, they pay off big time in terms of flavor. Read More >>

Guys, I’m obsessed with elote, so obviously I had to turn all that smoky, creamy, cheesy, lime magic into a…

Welcome to Come On Over, a Food52 newsletter about hosting life’s big and little moments. It’s where we share our personal tips and tricks, from modern-day etiquette—shoes off or shoes on?—to making extra seating out of every surface of an apartment. This week, we’re veggie grilling for the masses. Good hosts know that catering to all kinds of diets is the name of the game nowadays. No hate to meat—I love a good steak on the grill—but broadening your horizons to master meatless grilling is a win for you and your guests. I like to use hosting opportunities to play with ingredients I’m less familiar with, like nutritional yeast, a big fave of mine lately… What are yours? Respond and let me know, and let’s get into the veg-forward grilling tips. Read More >>

Can you believe we’re at Week 45 of meal planning? This week’s menu is full of easy, family-friendly dinners—and it comes with…

If you’ve ever thrown mushrooms into a pan and watched them shrivel up to almost nothing, you’re not alone. That’s because mushrooms are mostly water. Now what you do with that fact can take your dish from just fine to seriously good. For example, most people’s first instinct is to salt mushrooms right away. But if you hold off, they’ll crisp up instead of steaming and potentially getting soggy. It’s a small shift, but one that can totally change the outcome and turn a basic ingredient into something seriously craveable. Read More >>

I’m all about pizza and grilling, so when I can combine the two, it’s a win. The grill gives pizza…

For most people, a pizza date looks something like choosing a cute restaurant or maybe panicking over what to wear. But when you're a professional chef, a pizza date is almost like a cooking class. At least according to Michelle Jimenez it was. And in case you’re doubting her, she and her now-husband Andrea Meggiato turned one of those so-called pizza dates into a business—one you might’ve seen on Shark Tank or in stores like Target. “He said it would be the most unforgettable date I'd ever go on,” Michelle told me, “and he couldn't have been more right.” They went on to create The Pizza Cupcake, now expanded under the new name Incredifulls. Read More >>

A lot of people grow up watching their mom cook—I was lucky enough to be one of them. Even before I could reach the counter, I was trailing behind her in the kitchen, hoping to graduate from taste tester to mixer. And while I’ve since picked up tips from test kitchens, TikTok chefs, and a lot of Ina Garten, the core of my love for cooking will always come back to my mom. That’s probably why I was so taken with Marjorie Taylor and Kendall Smith Franchini’s story. Their new cookbook, French at Heart, isn’t just a collection of classic French recipes, it’s a celebration of their shared life in food. The mother-daughter duo first made waves when they opened The Cook’s Atelier in 2008, a cooking school, culinary, and wine shop nestled in the heart of Beaune, France. Their classes now sell out months in advance, drawing guests from around the world. And yet, what makes their story stand out isn’t just the stunning Burgundy backdrop or their rustic tartines—it’s the relationship at the heart of it all. Read More >>

I’m obsessed with salmon, and this Mango Salsa Salmon might be my new favorite! It’s quick, flavorful, and my kids…

After the burgers have been flipped and the last hot dog polished off, there’s really only one way to cap off Memorial Day weekend: dessert. But not just any dessert—think unfussy sweets that you can whip up ahead of time, take on the go, or throw together in the middle of a backyard hang. These treats are simple, summer-ready, and a little nostalgic in the best way. From classic icebox cakes to homemade popsicles, these are the recipes you'll crave after good barbecue. We've also chosen a few festive options with red, white, and blue designs (really anything that incorporates berries will do the job). Here are 26 easy Memorial Day desserts that’ll carry you from the first beach trip to the last bite of pie. And if you're hunting for more menu inspiration, we've rounded up our best Memorial Day side dishes as well. Read More >>

After talking to more than 30 moms of all ages (shoutout to my mom’s friends, my friends’ moms, neighbors, coworkers, grandmothers, our F52 community), I got a pretty clear answer. While there were definitely some cute product recs, the overwhelming #1 request? Just not having to think so much. Read More >>

This week’s meal plan is all about keeping things simple and delicious! I’ve rounded up a fresh batch of easy-to-make dinners that’ll…

Dr. Pepper Sheet Cake is what happens when your favorite fizzy drink meets rich, fudgy chocolate cake, and it’s magic! The…

Not to be dramatic, but Frito Chili Pie might have saved my sanity. Zero whining, zero leftovers, it was a…

What mom doesn’t love it when a meal is planned for her? This mother’s day menu plan has recipes that…

Fresh lemons make me so happy! They’re bright, cheerful, and lift me out of the winter rut. Add that citrusy…