things i've been meaning to blog about, bookmark it edition: food 52

After I started a job in Columbus, life got very hectic and I took an unplanned break from this blog. Since leaving that job and moving again, I've returned and recommitted regularly blogging at Beagle & Bear. Part of that returns includes a blog series called "Things I've Been Meaning to Blog About," which is made up of posts I intended to publish in summer or early fall but haven't yet. This post is part of that series.

Over the past couple years, I have become really interested in cooking and baking, as well as entertaining in the home. I love gaining more knowledge about the art of cooking and baking, whether it be by finding new recipes, learning about winepairings, or reading about sustainability. That being said, I was so excited this summer when I came across the amazing website and community Food 52. Food 52 is definitely not a new website, but it is new to me!

Food 52 was founded by Amanda and Merill (experienced food writers and the brains behind The Essential New York Times Cookbook). They wanted to bring a major part of what they love about cooking, sharing and socializing, online. Food 52 began as the vehicle for a specific project: creating the first crowd-sourced cookbook in 52 weeks. Basically, Food 52 posts themes (such as Best Beef Stew or Best Winter Cocktail) for which community members can then submit recipes. From the recipe submissions, the Food 52 staff compiles a list of recipes that the community can check out and then vote upon. The winner of that theme's challenge is included in that year's Food 52 cookbook. (A more detailed and probably less confusing explanation of the contest system can be found here). So far, Food 52 has produced two cookbooks and a holiday iPad app.

In addition to the awesome recipe contest, cookbook-building aspect of Food 52 (which has its own section on the site), the website also includes the following sections:

• Recipes: An extended recipe section that features all Food 52's recipe articles and the options to search by category name or through a search bar
• Articles: Detailed articles on recipes by Food 52 staff, community members, or well-known cooks, holiday/seasonal ideas, entertaining tips, wine, cookbook reviews, etc.
• Hotline: A message board/forum section in which the Food 52 staff and community members ask and answer food and cooking questions
• Cooks: A section of the website for community members, full of articles such as Cook Spotlight, Winner's Q& A, Latest Community Picks, etc.
• News: The top food news stories from around the web, separated into categories
• Shop: a Food 52-curated online shop with spotlight items and special offers

You can also sign up for Food 52's electronic newsletter to be delivered to your inbox.

I can spend literally hours on this site. It's pleasing to look at, easy to navigate, and full of information and inspiration. I highly recommend it!

All photos, Food 52