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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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© James Ransom

© James Ransom

© James Ransom

© James Ransom

© James Ransom

© James Ransom

© James Ransom

© James Ransom

© James Ransom

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.

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There’s a change in the air on Memorial Day. It marks the start of grilling season, the unofficial kickoff to summer, and, of course, the chance to serve up the very best Memorial Day side dishes. Whether you’re firing up the grill, heading to a potluck, or hosting your whole family in the backyard, you’ll want to plan a few Memorial Day sides that are just as memorable as the mains. Think classic potato salads, crowd-pleasing baked beans, bright seasonal veggies, and pasta salads that hold up all afternoon.

Whether you're hosting or transporting your pre-made dish, this list is for you. We’ve rounded up 38 of our favorite Memorial Day sides to serve with burgers, ribs, hot dogs, and more. And if you need a little something for the grill too, don’t miss our favorite grilling recipes, Memorial Day recipe ideas (we have more than 50), and our guide to the best pasta salads to pair with just about anything. These easy sides for a crowd will make your long weekend one to remember.

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There are certain things I’ll always prefer to make at home—guacamole, pizza dough, pizza sauce... honestly, most sauces. Hummus is firmly on that list. I’ve tried to like the store-bought versions, but they always taste a little off—too plastic-y, too acidic, or just weirdly flat. They go bad quickly, lack flavor, and don’t come close to the fresh stuff.

And that’s a shame, because I love hummus. I’m constantly craving something Mediterranean-adjacent: tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, feta, and a big dollop of hummus to tie it all together. At restaurants, it’s all I want. But at home, unless I’m making it myself, I usually skip it.

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Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer—and the best way to celebrate is with good food, sunshine, and a laid-back outdoor hang. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, heading to the beach, or just craving an easy long-weekend dinner, these easy Memorial Day recipes are made for warm weather and minimal prep. Think juicy grilled mains, refreshing no-cook sides, and make-ahead desserts that keep things breezy from start to finish. With 30 go-to dishes to choose from, you’ll be set for summer’s first (unofficial) party.

Tomato & Melon Burrata Caprese

This Tomato-Cantaloupe Caprese with Burrata is a no-cook summer stunner. Juicy heirloom tomatoes and sweet cantaloupe wedges surround creamy burrata, all drizzled with a lemony herb vinaigrette. It’s a vibrant, refreshing twist on the classic caprese—perfect for warm-weather gatherings.

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© James Ransom

© James Ransom

© James Ransom

Welcome to the latest edition of Food52 Founder Amanda Hesser’s weekly newsletter, Hey There, It’s Amanda, packed with food, travel, and shopping tips, Food52 doings, and other matters that catch her eye. Get inspired—sign up here for her emails.

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I’m in Florida, visiting my mom Judy, otherwise known as the Oven-Fried Chicken Lady. I was reminded that as a myopic New York food media person, I often forget that in other places foods are in season at different times than they are in New York! The farmers market here has already blown through asparagus and strawberry season and marched on to zucchini, green beans, and cherry tomatoes. For Floridians, this Zucchini Butter recipe from Jennie Cook is a winner. (Here’s the pan I cooked it in.)

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It’s graduation season (again!)—here’s what college grads actually want.

It’s that time of year when graduation invites start rolling in and your weekends fill up with ceremonies, parties, and post-grad send-offs. And with that comes the inevitable question: What do you get a college graduate? Especially if you haven’t seen them since they were 10, or have no clue what someone in their early twenties even needs these days.

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It’s graduation season once again, which means the hunt for high school graduation gifts is officially on.

With invites piling up and parties filling your weekends, you might be wondering what kind of gift feels thoughtful but not over-the-top, especially if you haven’t seen the grad since they were, like, 10. Whether you’re shopping for a niece, neighbor, or your best friend’s kid, we’ve rounded up some of the best high school graduation gifts that are actually useful. Think: dorm-ready essentials, small luxuries, and smart picks they won’t already get five of.

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Grilling season is here, and whether you're planning a backyard cookout, a weeknight dinner, or just wondering what to grill this weekend, we’ve got you covered. From juicy burgers and flame-licked steaks to smoky veggies and unexpected desserts, these are our best grilling recipes—perfect for beginners, pros, and everyone in between. So fire up the grill and get ready for your tastiest summer yet. For even more inspiration check out our favorite Genius grilling recipes and best pasta salad recipes to bring to the party as well.

Jump to:

• Salads, Veggies & Snacks
• Breads & Pizza
• Sandwiches, Sausages & Lunch Ideas
• Dinner & Mains
• Grilled Desserts

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Salads, Veggies & Snacks

Think beyond burgers—these grilled vegetables, salads, and smoky snacks bring fresh, flavorful energy to your cookout. Great for vegetarians or anyone looking to lighten up the grill menu, this mix of charred greens, grilled dips, and colorful skewers are as easy as they are impressive.

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As fun as it is to be the go-to spot for dinner parties and weekend brunches, all that foot traffic can leave behind more than just fond memories—your furniture may take a hit, too. Think: wine spills, dropped platters, and one of the more stubborn surprises—heat stains on wood. These hazy white rings or blotches often show up after a steaming dish or piping-hot mug gets placed directly on your table without a trivet. Even a tablecloth won’t always save you if it’s too thin. The result? Marks that look like crop circles and feel nearly impossible to fix.

But don’t panic. These stains might look dramatic, but they’re often totally fixable with a few household items. Below, we’ve gathered some of the most effective ways to remove heat stains from wood—and added tips on how to prevent them in the future, when to act fast, and what common DIY fixes to be cautious with.

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Every week we get Down & Dirty, in which we break down our favorite unique seasonal fruits, vegetables, and more.

What Is Lemon Balm?

 

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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, it’s Mother’s Day prep from Kelly.

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Fun fact: In Ireland and the U.K., Mother’s Day falls in March—so technically, I’ve already fulfilled my daughterly duties for the year. Which means now, the spotlight’s on my mother-in-law... and on you. Every mom (and mom figure) is different, so take what resonates and leave the rest. Let’s get into it.

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Looking for Cinco de Mayo cocktails that aren’t just your standard margarita? You’re in the right place. Whether you’re a die-hard tequila fan or just want to shake up something fun for your party, these tequila cocktail recipes are guaranteed to impress. They’re festive, bold, and anything but basic.

We’re talking jalapeño-infused margaritas, guava and black salt creations, and one cocktail that calls for firewater bitters — a spicy secret weapon my dad swears by (and shows off at every party like it’s a magic trick).

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Welcome to Hotel Crush, our recurring series where we highlight design-forward, destination-worthy stays around the world—whether you’re planning your next trip or just want a little escape-from-your-browser moment.

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There are few things more nostalgic than the idea of building a fort or crawling into a treehouse. That childhood urge to gather blankets, string up lights, and create your own little world doesn’t exactly disappear as you grow up—in fact, it might grow stronger.

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Vanilla extract is one of those pantry staples we don’t think much about—until we suddenly need it. Whether you're halfway through a cookie recipe or baking a birthday cake and realize you're out, don't stress. There are plenty of vanilla extract substitutes out there, and chances are, you already have a few of them on hand. From dark liquors like rum and bourbon to pantry sweeteners like maple syrup and even almond extract, these easy swaps can add warmth, depth, and just the right touch of something special to your favorite bakes. Ahead, we’re breaking down the best alternatives to vanilla extract—and exactly how to use them.

Why You Can (and Should) Sometimes Skip the Vanilla

By now, you’ve probably been told once or twice to make your own vanilla extract. (One of those times may or may not have been by us.) Recipes tell you how easy-breezy it is to DIY the solution, which is essentially just vanilla pods soaked in alcohol. Just buy vanilla beans, split down the center, stuff in a jar, drown in booze (most people use vodka; bourbon is fair game, too).

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No doubt about it—matcha has soared in popularity in the U.S. over the past few years. Demand is so high that brands like Ippodo have had to pause production on some of their best-selling powders just to keep up. There’s even a National Matcha Day (May 2, if you’re wondering).

In NYC alone, matcha cafes are everywhere. We recently stopped by one that serves iced drinks and a matcha Basque cheesecake, and we had Ivy Woolenberg visit our office to make her famous matcha brookies. (Yes, the TikTok-viral ones. Yes, they lived up to the hype.)

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