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[…]
Ahi Tuna Poke
Mary Anne here. At our most recent family chow-down, my niece, Heidi, whipped up this smashing appetizer in about 10 minutes. Initially I didn’t deem sushi-quality Ahi Tuna Feast-worthy (given its high price tag), but when I saw how far it went in my family of gastronomes, I quickly changed my tune and sweet-talked my[…]
Happy Birthday Feast on the Cheap!
Mary Anne here. Exactly one year ago today, Mariel approached me with an idea for a blog. She suggested I compile a collection of recipes that addressed our distressing economic recession by converting my extravagant catering recipes into thriftier renditions, without compromising either flavor or presentation. Initially, I balked at the idea of writing an[…]
Laurie L.’s Pork “Chops” with Black Currant Reduction
Mary Anne here. It’s unseasonably cold (and even snowing!) here in New York, so I thought the following might warm things up a bit as the sweet scent of the sauce envelops your home. This recipe is truly an oldie, but as delicious in my new version as it was when I indulged in the[…]
Fried Rice with Shrimp and Pancetta
Serves 6 Mary Anne here. This reheats beautifully for leftovers, although my host scarfed it down before anyone else could! Ingredients: 3 Tablespoons Peanut oil, divided – $4.49 3 large eggs, lightly beaten – from stock 1/3 lb. Pancetta, trimmed and diced (from one chunk) – $3.60 1 cup scallions, diced (including green tops) – $.45 *Plus 1 or 2 extra[…]
The Highs and Lows
The Highs and Lows Feel like Filet Mignon but can only afford ground beef? Or maybe your spouse has invited your new in-laws (or boss, or stuffy maiden aunt…) to dinner on a Saturday night. And as much as you’ve been reining in on the take-out expenses and Saturday night restaurant splurges, we’re all still[…]
Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup
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[…]
Wild Rice Salad with Montrachet, Currants and Scallions
Serves 8 with leftovers Mary Anne here. This recipe is delicious served hot, cold, or at room temperature. It’s been a staple in my catering business for years and the type of work-horse recipe I can’t imagine living without. We hope you enjoy it as much as we do! Ingredients: ¾ lb. premium quality wild[…]
Lizzie Dean’s Ultimate Cheesecake with Raspberry Puree
Mary Anne here. Over the years, my mother has become famous in her small town for her amazing baking skills. Oftentimes when I phone her on Sunday morning, she’s busy in the kitchen whipping up a batch of mint brownies, fruit pies, or one of her famous cheesecakes. Around the holidays, former colleagues and new[…]