Blog Posts by Food52

Flashing lights, bright colors, loud noises, sticky fingers: these are the hallmarks of state fairs and carnivals, the real signs that summer is coming. While there's nothing quite like a freshly fried Oreo from red-pinstriped tent, here are 10 ways to recreate our favorite carnival foods at home. We can bet that they'll taste better -- and without a roller coaster chaser, they won't make you queasy!

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• Not enough carnival food for you? Check out our recipe for Yum Dogs.

• Try making your own ice cream with this recipe for Foolproof Ice Cream.

• Got a question in the kitchen? The Food52 Hotline is here to help!

Brought to you by the spirited home cooks' community at Food52.

We're all about seasonal eating around here -- and for good reason. Eating seasonally means you get to savor flavors at their best, and appreciate the ones that won't be around for long. However, as good as a rhubarb pie is in the spring, sometimes you just plain feel like a brownie. And that's okay, too. For days like that, we've rounded up 10 of our most classic desserts that are as timeless as they are delicious.

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• Whip up a quick pudding with 7 favorite pudding recipes.

• Do some good with your baking when you bake cookies and help kids.

• Got a question in the kitchen? The Food52 hotline is here to help!

Brought to you by the spirited home cooks' community at Food52.

In tonight's dinner, fresh herbs and peppery arugula bring pork chops and potato salad together with a springtime feeling. The vinaigrette-based potato salad is full of flavor without all the mayonnaise, and makes enough for tomorrow's lunch. (It's sure to become your picnic go-to.) Herb-crusted pork chops are simple and classic, with plenty of fresh herbs and room to improvise. You'll be glad there are leftovers for this one too.

The Menu

Herb-Crusted Pork Chops by apartmentcooker

1/2 cup flour
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 cup panko
2 tablespoons thyme, finely chopped
2 tablespoons rosemary, finely chopped
2 teaspoons sage, finely chopped
2 teaspoons basil, finely chopped
4 pork chops
salt and pepper, as needed
olive oil, as needed for pan-frying

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Prepare a breading station by placing the flour, eggs, and bread crumbs in three separate bowls. Season the bread crumbs with the fresh herbs.
3. Season the pork chops with salt and pepper.

Many of us find our heart-racing, drool-inducing, oh-my-god-I-can't-wait-to-get-in-the-kitchen inspiration at the farmers' market. Or at the butcher shop. Or at the fish counter. We rarely turn to our pantries for inspiration, and instead save the pantry rummaging for nights when dinner feels like a burden.

But with a can of tomatoes -- or a stack of them -- the pantry can be a place of exploration: an easy way to a burden-free dinner that's just as exciting as a meal following a trip to the market.

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• Check out a step-by-step plan for a Pantry Pasta and Salad Dinner.
• Looking for more pantry inspiration? Learn why we love anchovies.
• Got a question in the kitchen? The Food52 Hotline is here to help!

Brought to you by the spirited home cooks' community at Food52.

Food52 co-founder and editor-in-chief Merrill Stubbs, revisits a former brunch staple that makes the perfect Mother's Day breakfast in bed: croissant french toast.

- Merrill

It occurred to me recently that I hadn't written about anything breakfast-y in a while. And for whatever reason, I was reminded of a former brunch staple I used to whip up regularly: croissant french toast.

>>RELATED: The secret to the best iced coffee? It's in the ice cubes.

Yes, it's rich. And for this I make no apologies. If you're typically a breakfast purist who enjoys nothing more than a bowl of fat-free yogurt sprinkled with toasted wheat germ, this may not be the dish for you -- then again, it just might be!

The truth is, it's a special breakfast, not meant for every day (even for those of us who don't gravitate to yogurt and wheat germ), but for an occasion. You know, like having friends over on a Sunday morning, or dishing up a decadent breakfast in bed on Mother's Day.

>>RELATED: Moms love baked

We're guessing you've noticed: Great Gatsby excitement is at an all-time high. With the movie premiering tomorrow, we're breaking out our most flapper-esque dresses, and turning up the jazz music. While the food of the 1920s may have left something to be desired, the bites below are definitely worthy of a West Egg gathering. Whatever you do, don't forget the gin -- and enjoy the fact that it's no longer Prohibition!

More from Food52:
• Toast the arrival of spring with one of these 8 Bubbly Cocktails.
• Get started on your next party with these 10 Southern Snacks and Sips.
• Got a question in the kitchen? The Food52 Hotline is here to help!

Brought to you by the spirited home cooks' community at Food52.

One of the most important features of any meal is the different textures it combines. This menu pairs tender roasted carrots, creamy avocados, delicate sprouts, and juicy lamb. Pure, clean flavors and a meal you can feel good about -- all achievable in well under an hour on a weeknight.

The Menu

Lamb Burgers with Cilantro Yogurt

Serves 4-6

2 pounds ground lamb
1 cup whole milk yogurt (you kind of need the whole for the texture)
Handful of fresh cilantro
2 cloves garlic, pressed or very finely chopped

1. Heavily season the ground lamb with salt and pepper.

2. Mix yogurt, chopped cilantro, garlic and add salt to taste; set aside.

3. Cook burgers on grill or under the broiler, flipping once.

4. Serve burgers hot with yogurt sauce on the side.

Save and print this recipe at Food52.

Carrot Avocado Salad

Get the recipe for Carrot Avocado Salad on Food52.

The Grocery List

Serves 4

2 pounds ground lamb
Whole milk yogurt
1 bunch fresh cilantro
2 pounds carrots
1 orange
1 lemon
Thyme

There are few ways better to show your love for your mom -- or, if you're a mom, your love for your kids -- than by spending a day in the kitchen with family. Here are 10 of our favorite weekend baking projects -- projects to get your hands dirty, to laugh about, to steal bites from when nobody's looking. There's nothing like savoring a day's work together.

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• Can't decide what to make with Mom? Try these 10 Childhood Favorites, All Grown Up.
• Treat Mom to breakfast in bed with these 9 Make-Ahead Brunch Ideas.
• Got a question in the kitchen? The Food52 Hotline is here to help!

Brought to you by the spirited home cooks' community at Food52.