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:[…]
Asparagus and Portabella Mushroom Tart
Asparagus and Portabella Mushroom Tart Serves 12 as a Main Course or 48 Cocktail Bites Notes: Don’t substitute fat-free half-and-half for regular half-and-half. The fat-free version is oil-based and it rises to the top, creating a layer of glistening, unappealing grease. If you want to cut calories, you can swap out the half-and-half for regular[…]
Chocolate Mint Brownies
Mary Anne here. This would horrify my mother – a.k.a. a baker extraordinaire – but if you’re in a pinch, store-bought mix subs-in nicely for the brownie part. Then, you just fancy it all up with our minty icing and chocolate glaze. Presto, change-o, your guests won’t even know the difference. But for the purists[…]
Texas Beef Chili
Mary Anne here. It is with a full heart I pass along this recipe, given to me some years ago by my favorite cousin, Bob. Sadly, Bob is no longer around to dazzle us with his humor and culinary skills, but hopefully my readers will enjoy his chili legacy. He always recommended serving this dish[…]
Silky Buttermilk Cornbread with Walnuts
Makes 2 – 9” round loaves Serve alongside our Texas Chili or Slow-Roasted BBQ Spare Ribs and you’ve got a button-busting meal on your hands. If chili’s not your bag, check out our extensive soup selection. Ingredients 4 tablespoons sweet, unsalted butter, melted and cooled – from stock 2 tablespoons packed, light brown sugar –[…]
Harvest Chicken Soup with Sweet Potatoes and Corn
Mary Anne here. A hybrid soup and stew (a stoup?), this fragrant, flavorful dish is a bowl-full of fall. It’s also a a seasonal update to our Corn and Crab Chowder, if you’re ever looking for a summer rendition. I’ll get right down to brass tacks so you can get started on what’s become a[…]
Garden Guacamole
Garden Guacamole 10 Servings, but this recipe is easily halved Note: With firm pressure, roll limes on counter top before cutting and juicing. Ingredients: 6 Haas Avocados, ripened – $7.50 *Note: To hasten the ripening of avocado or any fruit, place in a brown paper bag for a day or two. When choosing an avocado,[…]