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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When Maya French and Dustin Baker became neighbors back in 2013, they had no idea they’d one day be co-founders, let alone build two beverage brands together.

But a shared interest in health, entrepreneurship, and the food space quickly sparked something bigger. After tossing around ideas—like juice bars and natural drinks—they eventually landed on Koia, one of the first plant-based protein drinks you could actually find in stores. That success would lead to their newest venture: HappyPop, a fizzy, mood-boosting energy drink made with ingredients designed to help people feel good without the crash.

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When it comes to potlucks and parties, a standout pasta salad can steal the show. Whether you're aiming for a mayo-free option, experimenting with unique dressings, or simply need to know how much to prepare for a crowd, we've got you covered.

Let’s be honest—we love pasta salad year-round. It plays well with creamy, comforting flavors in colder months, then graciously welcomes warmer temperatures with bright, fresh zest.

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© Bobbi Lin

© Bobbi Lin

© Bobbi Lin

© Bobbi Lin

© Bobbi Lin

© Bobbi Lin

© Bobbi Lin

© Bobbi Lin

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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Food52 started with community. Before we launched the site, we put out a call for people to upload videos of their kitchens, highlighting their favorite tools and design details—and the annoying parts, too, like a dishwasher door that obstructs access to the garbage or cake pans that don’t stack neatly. When we launched the site in September of 2009, we held weekly recipe contests around themes like “Your Best Chocolate Cake” or “Your Best Paella.” We’d read all the entries, test and photograph the most promising ones, and put the best two recipes up for a vote. This is how we built a curated recipe database—and, more importantly, how we got to know each other!

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As a part of Snack Shop series, Annie Arriaga investigates the latest and greatest viral snack shops in New York City to see if the hype is real, if the snacks are yummy, and if the spot is underrated, overrated, or perfectly rated.

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One of the most beautiful parts about living in New York City, other than the ultra-viral restaurants or expensive flavored lattes, is getting to visit historic food institutions that have been serving up iconic dishes for decades, even centuries. I had to switch it up this week and finally satisfy my craving for a rainbow cookie—we chose Venieros in the East Village as the spot for Snack Shop this week.

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After chatting with more than 50 women — my family, friends, coworkers, and even our test kitchen team — it became crystal clear: cozy gifts never miss. Whether she’s a queen of lounging, a serial reader, or just loves a good cup of tea under a blanket, these gifts are all about making her feel extra loved. I've seen this stuff in person and compiled the input of a lot of moms. Trust us: these are the things she actually wants.

We’re talking buttery-soft house socks, dreamy candles, cozy loungewear, and little luxuries she might not splurge on herself.

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There’s no doubt that America is currently obsessed with matcha. In desserts, savory dishes, and lattes, green tea is finally getting its flowers. However, there are a few recipes that truly stand out from the rest in terms of internet virality. In this case, I have not been able to escape matcha brookies—which are exactly what they sound likematcha blondie dough combined with chocolate chip cookie dough. The original viral video and recipe is made by Ivy Woolenberg, otherwise known as @bakedwithlovebyivy on social media, and we were lucky enough to host her in the Food52 test kitchen to make her signature dessert.

Here’s how we made them:

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If your mom loves setting a beautiful table, throwing backyard parties, or just always has a bottle of wine ready to go, this gift guide's for her. I polled more than 50 women—friends, family, coworkers (and even the Food52 test kitchen!)—about what they’d genuinely love for Mother's Day. If she's the type who always has a good cheese plate, fresh flowers, and an Aperol spritz ready, you can’t go wrong with these picks.

Expect pretty platters, fancy salts, candles that smell like a garden party, and a few can’t-miss extras she’ll actually use (and brag about).

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This Mother’s Day, I asked more than 50 women in my life — family, friends, coworkers, even our test kitchen team — what they actually want as gifts. And turns out, it’s not always another candle (though those are still welcome).

If your mom, grandma, or mother figure lights up at a fancy olive oil or sees cookbooks as treasure maps, this list is for her. I rounded up some of the best gifts for moms who love to cook — from splurge-worthy tools to sweet experiences you can share together.

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Still need a present for Mother's Day? Go bake her a cake. And for you moms out there—do you suspect your loved ones are running a little behind this year? Save them: Request a cake.

Some of my happiest, most successful mom-oriented days involved baking my mother's favorite chocolate cake with a cream cheese ribbon—sometimes with her help, sometimes stumbling along on my own. I think she liked it easily as much as the awkward poems and framed photos, though I doubt she'd ever tell.

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Mother’s Day lunch is the perfect excuse to slow down, set the table, and celebrate the most important woman in your life with a thoughtful, seasonal meal. Whether you're planning an alfresco afternoon or staying cozy indoors, these Mother's Day lunch ideas are all about fresh spring produce—think asparagus, peas, herbs, and maybe even some fiddleheads if you can find them. Keep things light and bright for a midday vibe, but don’t be afraid to splurge a little: fresh seafood, a crisp white or rosé, and a standout dessert can turn a simple lunch into something seriously special. Because when it comes to Mother’s Day, going the extra mile is always worth it.

Tips for Hosting the Perfect Mother's Day Lunch

Even the most casual Mother's Day lunch can feel thoughtful with a few simple touches. Whether you're cooking solo or coordinating with siblings, here are some easy tips to make the day seamless and memorable:

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Whether you’re a farmers market regular or just dipping a toe into seasonal shopping, we’ve got you covered. From smart storage tips to must-buy produce picks (yes, beyond donuts), here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your haul.

Jump to:

• How to Store Farmers Market Produce
• Our Favorite Farmers Market
• Recipes to Make With Your Haul

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As a part of Snack Shop series, Annie Arriaga investigates the latest and greatest viral snack shops in New York City to see if the hype is real, if the snacks are yummy, and if the spot is underrated, overrated, or perfectly rated.

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It’s no secret that I have a sweet tooth, so it makes perfect sense that I’d jump at the chance to go to a brand new mochi-centered dessert shop in the East Village when I saw it pop up on my feed. Mochi in its truest form as a Japanese sticky rice cake is delicious, but walk around New York City and you’ll find everything from mochi donuts to mochi cake slices. It's not new to the American market, and it's definitely outlived the trend cycle to become a mainstay in both American and Japanese dessert culture.

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More of us are entertaining at home—whether it’s a quick weeknight pasta with friends or a full-blown garden soirée—and that means our dining spaces are getting a little extra attention. While I’ve previously reported that formal dining rooms are shrinking to make space for open kitchens, they’re not disappearing entirely. In fact, they’re evolving.

Designers are seeing a shift toward warmer, more layered spaces that mix old and new, and make you want to linger long after the dishes are cleared. The dining room is having a quiet glow-up—and it’s not just about dramatic lighting or maximalist tablescapes. It’s about comfort, character, and (maybe most importantly) chairs you actually want to sit in.

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You don’t need a reservation to pull off a special Mother’s Day brunch—just a solid recipe (or two) and maybe a mimosa. These easy Mother’s Day brunch recipes are simple enough for even beginner cooks, but still delicious and thoughtful. Whether you’re making breakfast in bed or setting the table for a full breakfast spread, there’s something here to help you pull it off—no stress, no fuss.

Need more ideas? Pair your brunch with a few light desserts, some spring table styling, or a Mother’s Day cocktail to round it all out.

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© James Ransom

© James Ransom

© James Ransom

© James Ransom

© James Ransom

© James Ransom

© James Ransom

© James Ransom

© James Ransom

© James Ransom

© James Ransom

© James Ransom

© James Ransom

© James Ransom

© James Ransom

© James Ransom

© James Ransom

© James Ransom

© James Ransom