Sometimes the easiest recipes are the very best, and ones that involve kitchen “power tools” are even better! My kids’ favorite appliance in the kitchen was the blender! It’s no wonder that my son, Bill, became a bartender to earn … Continue reading
Each year as winter ends Doc and I anxiously wait for hummingbirds to return to our woods. In April we hang the feeder outside the kitchen window in hopes attracting migrating birds. The spring wildflowers are in full bloom underneath … Continue reading
This recipe is from my friend and mentor, Mary Wood. In college, Dorothy Bedor and I would come home from school in the spring to hike. We walked the trails of Roan Mountain looking for wildflowers. Mary would spoil … Continue reading
This is a great make ahead recipe for traveling. If Doc and I are going to the mountains or beach, I put marinade and pork tenderloins in zip top gallon plastic bags then hold them on ice in a cooler. … Continue reading
Who doesn’t like macaroni and cheese? From the time we were children until today, most of us love this comfort food. Macaroni and cheese is more than just food. There is an emotional connection between this dish and family memories. … Continue reading
Beef Stew marydukecooks.com The flavor of this beef stew is what makes it stand out. Layers of flavor are developed in the stew by browning both meat and vegetables. The brown bits left in the bottom of the pan make … Continue reading
This is a story from when my three year old grand nephew, Reed, visited at Christmas. He was just beginning to figure out who Santa and the elves are. This was our conversation. Reed says, “My Elf’s name is Kringle … Continue reading
Chicken Pot Pie is pure comfort food! This recipe has some shortcuts to make it easier. Enjoy! Chicken Pot Pie 3 cups rotisserie chicken, pulled or chopped 3 tablespoon unsalted butter3 tablespoons all-purpose flour2 and 1/2 cups (30% less sodium) chicken … Continue reading
A few weeks ago the gym class I attend had a luncheon and everyone who attended brought a dish to share. These women are fabulous cooks and tell the funniest stories. We laughed for hours and enjoyed delicious salads, fruit, … Continue reading
marydukecooks.com Praline Chocolate Crunch This is my family’s favorite candy. I keep the freezer stocked from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day! Praline Chocolate Crunch (Christmas Crack)40 saltine crackers1 cup unsalted butter1/4 teaspoon iodized salt1 cup packed light brown sugarOne (12 … Continue reading
Many factors go into making the ultimate cinnamon roll. First, you want a cinnamon roll that is moist and won’t be rock hard the next day. The Japanese have solved this problem by using a Tanzhong. Tanzhong is a mixture … Continue reading
Perfect for any family or holiday meal, these dinner rolls are soft and tender. Their golden color comes from butternut squash. Don’t worry, no peeling or cooking squash in this recipe. The shortcut is baby food! Make sure you purchase … Continue reading
This is a very decadent dessert. Sometimes when entertaining for family or friends I like to make something that is over the top! I know this looks complicated but really isn’t. Each component can be made days in advance. For … Continue reading
1 and 1/2 pounds chicken breasts10 and 1/2 ounces cream of celery soup10 and 1/2 ounces cream of chicken soup8 ounces sour cream1/2 cup unsalted butter, divided1 cup diced onion1 cup diced celery1/2 cup fresh Italian parsley, chopped (optional)32 ounces … Continue reading
Volunteerism. Home town. Johnson City. Good books. Random thoughts.
Bartlett TN Family & Children Photographer
Mary Duke Cooks! 