Starters

Thumbnail image for Meyer Lemon Pasta with Fresh Herbs, Shallots and Toasted Walnuts

Meyer Lemon Pasta with Fresh Herbs, Shallots and Toasted Walnuts

February 16, 2012

Mariel here. I’m a creature of habit. I wake up at the same time everyday – 7:45 – whether it’s a weekend or a weekday; I always kick-start the morning with a big bowl of berries and cereal; and the Today Show eases me into my routine before hitting the road for a run with [...]

Read the full article →
Thumbnail image for Chile Con Queso aka Tex-Mex Style Nacho Cheese Dip

Chile Con Queso aka Tex-Mex Style Nacho Cheese Dip

January 31, 2012

Mary Anne here. Super Bowl Sunday is upon us, and this year I may actually watch the game as my New York Giants tackle the New England Patriots! Usually it’s all about the grub…and the commercials. My cheering section of the Ellicott-Rittenhouse team plans to keep up our spirits no matter what happens on the [...]

Read the full article →
Thumbnail image for Crab Stuffed Ravioli with a Duxelle of Mushrooms, Shallots, Red Peppers, and Pistachios

Crab Stuffed Ravioli with a Duxelle of Mushrooms, Shallots, Red Peppers, and Pistachios

January 24, 2012

Mary Anne here. When I sent Mariel the pix for this recipe, I unabashedly called it the best creation yet! Now that’s pretty big talk, considering I’ve been cobbling together culinary inspirations for more than 25 years, but seriously folks – this recipe rocks! It was born on the eve of this weekend’s snow blast [...]

Read the full article →
Thumbnail image for Apple and Potato Soup with Brie and Glazed Pecans

Apple and Potato Soup with Brie and Glazed Pecans

January 3, 2012

Mary Anne here. The inspiration for this soup actually came to me in October when the hospital where I work ladled up a delicious blend of apples and fennel for “Food Day.” I wanted to recreate it precisely, but since fennel can be pricey in these parts, I opted to divine the soup with a [...]

Read the full article →
Thumbnail image for Spiced Cheddar Cheese Twists

Spiced Cheddar Cheese Twists

October 6, 2011

Mary Anne here. A couple of weekends ago I hosted a “girls night” with my two sisters and one of my beloved nieces. We howled like raucous schoolgirls as we gossiped, giggled, and did a wee bit of guzzling, all while feasting on an over-flowing charcuterie board. The spread was laden with thin slices pf [...]

Read the full article →
Thumbnail image for Montrachet and Walnut Quesadillas with Apple, Fig, and Date Salsa

Montrachet and Walnut Quesadillas with Apple, Fig, and Date Salsa

September 21, 2011

Mary Anne here. At Feast on the Cheap, we’ve written our fair share about enjoying breakfast for dinner. And Mariel realized recently that when I broke out the pancake batter for our night-time repast when she was just a little girl, it was more an act of…ummm…laziness, rather than altruistic, motherly benevolence. Busted by my brood, [...]

Read the full article →
Thumbnail image for Beggar’s Salad with Raspberries, Prosciutto, Chevre and a Chunky Almond Vinaigrette

Beggar’s Salad with Raspberries, Prosciutto, Chevre and a Chunky Almond Vinaigrette

August 9, 2011

Mary Anne here. I realize that given the ingredient list, the name for my salad is a bit of an oxymoron, since it’s certainly one of the most elegant combinations I’ve ever tossed into a bowl. But in my opinion, it’s a beggar’s salad because it was inspired by a bounty of fresh greens that [...]

Read the full article →
Thumbnail image for Open-Faced Peach & Prosciutto Sandwiches with Brie & Arugula

Open-Faced Peach & Prosciutto Sandwiches with Brie & Arugula

June 23, 2011

Mary Anne here. As I cruised my grocer’s aisles this past weekend, the plump, softly furred peaches captured my imagination. I wanted peaches, and I wanted them right then and there – even in their unripened form. Given their immature state,  I began daydreaming this “cooked salad” on bread and the following ingredients somehow landed [...]

Read the full article →
Thumbnail image for A Boatload of New England Clam Chowder

A Boatload of New England Clam Chowder

June 2, 2011

Mary Anne here. Writing this recipe tonight reminds me of the old expression “Mad dogs and Englishmen” as it’s probably a bit insane whipping up my lazy man’s chowder amidst an early June heat wave. But I do love chowder and since summer just seems to scream for clams, I’ve dutifully transcribed my favorite rendition in [...]

Read the full article →
Thumbnail image for Spicy Cheddar and Chutney Palmiers

Spicy Cheddar and Chutney Palmiers

May 24, 2011

Mary Anne here. It would seem that I’m on a puff-pastry binge these days, but I’ve got a pretty good excuse. Mariel and I are busy with a flurry of catering activity, whether it’s dishing up cocktail fare or composing menus for clients for everything from buffet dinners to week-long private chef requests. No wonder [...]

Read the full article →
Thumbnail image for Roasted Beets, Toasted Walnuts and Fresh Mint Drizzled with an Orange-Balsamic Syrup

Roasted Beets, Toasted Walnuts and Fresh Mint Drizzled with an Orange-Balsamic Syrup

April 28, 2011

Mariel here. A few weeks ago on our Facebook page, I posted some pictures from our inaugural installment of Cookbook Club, which was hosted by a friend of mine who also happens to be the taste-test editor at Epicurious. For our very first gathering, we plucked recipes from Rozanne Gold‘s Radically Simple, which combines intensely-flavored [...]

Read the full article →
Thumbnail image for Roasted Red Pepper Soup with Crabmeat

Roasted Red Pepper Soup with Crabmeat

March 10, 2011

Mary Anne here. So I guess it seems I’m in splurge-mode these days, while my dutiful daughter has been shopping her market’s sale shelves. That being said, I do have a pretty good excuse for this pricey dish: I was serving my Osso Bucco to very special guests (Mariel, my niece, and their respective husbands!). My [...]

Read the full article →
Thumbnail image for Soy-Glazed Black Sesame Shrimp with Soba Noodles

Soy-Glazed Black Sesame Shrimp with Soba Noodles

February 8, 2011

Mariel here. Notice anything different around here? A little more color maybe? Some fancy new fonts? An entirely new design? You better, we just sunk a decent-size chunk of change into refreshing our beloved Feast on the Cheap. It’s official, we’re coming for you Contessa, hold on to your macramé Martha, and Paula, you’re fine [...]

Read the full article →
Thumbnail image for Broccoli and Cauliflower Soup

Broccoli and Cauliflower Soup

January 25, 2011

Mariel here. As I mentioned in a previous post, I spent the first few weeks of January house-sitting for a family member who owns a lovely little plot in a scenic beach community outside of the city. The off-season is quiet – dead quiet – which afforded me more than enough time to get my [...]

Read the full article →
Thumbnail image for Sweet and Smoky Roasted Tomato Soup

Sweet and Smoky Roasted Tomato Soup

December 9, 2010

Mariel here. When I was growing up, tomato soup fell into the same category as mayo, cottage cheese and green olives – totally vile. I couldn’t for the life of me understand how people happily dug into such heinous food crimes. My mother – a lifelong fan of all of the above – was particularly [...]

Read the full article →
Thumbnail image for Leek and Potato Soup with Roasted Pears

Leek and Potato Soup with Roasted Pears

November 4, 2010

Mary Anne here. Okay, I must confess, we’re on a pear tear here at Feast on the Cheap. Having discovered that pears enhance everything from soup to Cinnamon Pear Coffee Cake, we just can’t get enough of this seasonal fruit. Pears add a certain je ne sais quoi to all manner of recipes, so I [...]

Read the full article →
Thumbnail image for Acorn Squash and Pear Soup

Acorn Squash and Pear Soup

October 28, 2010

Mary Anne here. Wandering the aisles of my local market, I noticed that pears were finally out in full force…and were conveniently nestled beside a display of the most beautiful green acorn squash I’ve ever laid eyes upon. Right there in the supermarket, I began conjuring up a soup that wed these disparate beauties and [...]

Read the full article →
Thumbnail image for Creamy Butternut Squash Polenta with Fresh Parmesan

Creamy Butternut Squash Polenta with Fresh Parmesan

October 25, 2010

Mariel here. This was my very first stab at polenta. Like risotto, I assumed polenta required more finesse, patience and energy than I had on any given Tuesday. As it turns out, I was wrong. Polenta practically makes itself. This recipe requires the bare minimum in the effort department and it’s a delightful stand-in if [...]

Read the full article →
Thumbnail image for French Onion Soup

French Onion Soup

October 21, 2010

Mary Anne here. This recipe was created for my youngest son Christopher. Despite his youth, he’s become somewhat of a connoisseur when it comes to French Onion Soup…and I mean connoisseur in the sense that he’s tried every variety out there. He’s eaten the weakest, saltiest, rubber-cheesiest charlatans, but so strong is his love for [...]

Read the full article →
Thumbnail image for Portabella Mushroom Risotto with Fresh Thyme

Portabella Mushroom Risotto with Fresh Thyme

October 11, 2010

Mariel here. I hadn’t made risotto in a dog’s age and since a recent trip to Costco left my fridge stocked with more ‘shrooms than a Phish concert, I figured it was high time to put them to use. My husband happens to be a huge fan of portabellas – and rice…and pasta…and butter – [...]

Read the full article →
Thumbnail image for Crab Louis Salad Over Avocado

Crab Louis Salad Over Avocado

October 7, 2010

Mary Anne here. This delectable Crab Louis was created on an Indian summer day when the thermometer topped out at a sultry 89 degrees. I had purchased a pound of lump crab meat on sale at my local grocer’s and decided this salad would be the perfect salute to summer’s last gasp. While this is [...]

Read the full article →
Thumbnail image for Cool Corn Soup Topped with Roasted Corn Salad

Cool Corn Soup Topped with Roasted Corn Salad

August 18, 2010

Mary Anne here. Corn – the sweet cream of summer’s crop – has been a steady muse this August. Luscious and versatile, this soup can be served cold, at room temperature, or toasty warm when fall’s chill finally takes hold. If you do serve this warm, I suggest dishing it up alongside grilled sausages sautéed [...]

Read the full article →
Thumbnail image for Mint Pesto Chicken with a Watermelon Avocado Salad

Mint Pesto Chicken with a Watermelon Avocado Salad

July 22, 2010

Mariel here. You can file this recipe under “I have a bag of frozen chicken breasts from Costco and I’m already bored to tears.” Born from a previous night’s leftovers – in this case Watermelon Bites with Cilantro-Mint Pesto – this snappy little dish is deceptively easy given its vibrant presentation and its perky, sweet-and-salty [...]

Read the full article →
Thumbnail image for Mango Gazpacho Topped with Crab and Avocado

Mango Gazpacho Topped with Crab and Avocado

July 15, 2010

Mary Anne here. This summertime sauna doesn’t appear to be wafting away from the Northeast anytime soon…and slaving over a hot stove has never been so unappealing. I’ve been subsisting on a steady diet of ice cubes and frozen sorbet, but sadly, while my over-heated brain craves cold empty calories, my body tells me it’s [...]

Read the full article →
Thumbnail image for White Beans with Fresh Basil, Prosciutto and Sundried Tomatoes

White Beans with Fresh Basil, Prosciutto and Sundried Tomatoes

May 6, 2010

Mariel here. Calling all lazy boys and loafers: the following recipe is easy, crazy easy. In fact, I’d go so far as to say it’s foolproof. Fresh, vibrant and deliciously simple, this Mediterranean dish doesn’t need a heavy, complex dressing since it incorporates a variety of flavors that are quite bold individually. In my opinion, [...]

Read the full article →
Thumbnail image for Crab and Corn Soup

Crab and Corn Soup

November 16, 2009

Mariel here. I’ve noticed a trend recently on our site: my mom and I seem to be having a small love affair with soup. Never one to forgo a fad, I decided to add to our online arsenal and post my mother’s super delicious crab soup, even though it’s not the most traditional winter dish. [...]

Read the full article →
Thumbnail image for Fig & Olive Pizzettes

Fig & Olive Pizzettes

October 26, 2009

Mary Anne here. A couple of weeks ago, we enjoyed one of those perfect autumn days – the sun high enough in the sky to remind us that summer is still close at hand, while the air had that first little nip of fall. Mariel had just returned from her honeymoon, her own glow a [...]

Read the full article →
Thumbnail image for Roasted Beets with Pears and Feta

Roasted Beets with Pears and Feta

July 14, 2009

Mariel here. I love beets. Roasted, pickled, spicy, sweet or salted, I order beets whenever possible – I’m predictable that way. I haven’t, however, ever made beets at home. They look weird in the grocery store, like they’d be impossible to cook and require some sort of ancient skill (I feel the same way about [...]

Read the full article →

Asparagus Soup with Jalapeno

June 8, 2009

Mary Anne here. Last month, following our cooking demo at Bloomingdale’s in White Plains, I wrote a piece about “Stalking the Perfect Asparagus Spear.” I promised that an Asparagus Soup would follow, so with tremendous pleasure (and a dash of humility), I present my hot-off-the-stove rendition of a classic favorite! Basic Tips for the Spears: [...]

Read the full article →
Thumbnail image for Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup

Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup

March 3, 2009

Mary Anne here. This soup can be prepared several days in advance.  It also freezes well for about a month.  A dollop of sour cream or Crème fraiche with some snipped chives is a pretty garnish. You’ll need a large roasting pan for the first steps of this recipe.  Alternatively, if your wallet is thinning [...]

Read the full article →