I absolutely adore the Italian tradition of a proper Sunday lunch, a multi-course wonderful meal in the sun dappled daylight of the afternoon, Prosecco, wine and Vin Santo early in the day. And enough time for a walk in the afternoon to work it all off. And Easter Lunch in Italy is even more … [Read More...]
Engaging stories of love, joy, comfort and friendship with proven scrumptious, healthy recipes, we celebrate LOVE as the secret ingredient for wonderful food!

Curried Roast Chicken With Grapefruit, Honey and Thyme
By Mary
I am writing to you from Italy, my beloved place in Tuscany - Arezzo - and I wanted to share this Curried Roast Chicken With Grapefruit, Honey and Thyme recipe that I had made in NYC before I left. It … [Read More...]

Beef Klusky Soup
By Mary
Memories... Smells of home, so comforting. Remembering my mother making this Beef Klusky Soup. The scent wafting through the apartment all day the other day I made it, of the beef cooking in salted … [Read More...]

Belgian Endive with Smoked Trout Pâté
By Mary
Pretty, light, with a slightly spicy kick of cayenne, and elegant - so nice with a glass of Prosecco or a cocktail - these appetizers of Smoked Trout Pâté on Endive with a Toasted Walnut are … [Read More...]

Thai-inspired Chicken Meatball Soup with Spinach
By Mary
I have been having a love affair with coconut milk and Thai food recently. It’s something different to make at home and I also love the usual refreshing lime squeezed on for the finishing touch. So … [Read More...]

Some of My Favorite Recipes for the Holiday Week
By Mary
Sending you warm wishes for great aromas coming from your kitchen and family times that can’t be beat. Here are some of my favorite recipes for this holiday week! Make foods that flood you with … [Read More...]

Salmon Udon Soup
By Mary
Soup season is coming with the chillier weather on the way. I was feeling a little throaty last week and threw together this Salmon Udon Soup that was really just divine, and certainly hit the spot on … [Read More...]

Mixed Fruit Galette
By Mary
Before the luscious summer fruit season ends, you must make a Mixed Fruit Galette and wow everyone who sees it!! Begin with the pie crust You see, it’s really very simple. Make a buttery pie … [Read More...]

Grilled Yogurt & Parsley Marinated Chicken Thighs
By Mary
Who doesn’t LOVE grilled chicken? I remember one friend of mine, Anne Maxfield of the Accidental Locavore, announced at a dinner party one night at my house, that she loved ANY grilled chicken … [Read More...]

Best Blueberry Pie – Mary’s Version
By Mary
It’s blueberry season and I had been having a craving for this Best Blueberry Pie- it’s the pie by Rose Levy Beranbaum from Food 52. Only now I have remade the recipe - Best Blueberry Pie - Mary’s … [Read More...]

Wheat Germ Saucer Cookies
By Mary
Food makes so many memories. The smells, the tastes, flooding back happy moments, complete conversations and pure joy! These Wheat Germ Saucer Cookies are a big one for me. I remember being in 7th … [Read More...]
Dinner

Exciting news!
By Mary Frances
I am so happy (and proud!) to announce that this blog (https://lovethesecretingredient.net/) is a winner in the 2012 American Web Design Awards. Of the nearly 1,000 entries, only 140 design firms or … [Read More...]

Spicy Beef Ragout
By Mary
I LOVE entertaining! I love bringing different groups of people together. I love feeding a whole big bunch of people and making them happy. (Think that has anything to do with being the youngest of … [Read More...]
Blogs We Love
- 1840 Farm
- A Pug in the Kitchen
- Cottage Grove House
- Food, Photography & France
- Food52
- From the Bartolini Kitchens
- Go Bake Yourself
- Hotly Spiced
- Jovina Cooks Italian
- Lavender and Lime
- Orgasmic Chef
- Smitten Kitchen
- Sophie's Foodie Files
- Steven’s Wine and Food Pairings
- That Skinny Chick Can Bake
- The Pioneer Woman
- The Squishy Monster
Appetizers

Spinach Dip Mix Omelette
By Mary
The Spinach Dip mix is our 6th item in our fall MARY’s secret ingredients box. This dip mix is made by a sweet company in Florida, called The Pantry Club. The company was founded by husband and wife … [Read More...]

Getting ready.
By Mary Frances
With the holidays coming, a lot of entertaining may be on your calendar. It’s a great time to get together and toast to your friends! I love to entertain. I love to plan the dinners and dessert, … [Read More...]





