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Engaging stories of love, joy, comfort and friendship with proven scrumptious, healthy recipes, we celebrate LOVE as the secret ingredient for wonderful food!

MARY’s secret ingredients GIVEAWAY!!!

December 9, 2014 by Mary 45 Comments

MSI fall box 2014.

Pictured above was our recent fall box. The winter box will be revealed tomorrow!

My new subscription box business, MARY’s secret ingredients, has been a huge journey for me and my team this year. The support and warmth I’ve received from you means a great deal to me. I want to say thank you, from the bottom of my heart, to all of you who have shared your kind words as well as perhaps purchased or reviewed boxes for us. Your help has been invaluable! 

So now, since it is the season of giving, and because I want to share not only my appreciation, but also the wonderful gourmet, international products with you, I am hosting a GIVEAWAY!!!

I’ll be giving away one FULL YEAR’S SUBSCRIPTION of MARY’s secret ingredients (that’s FOUR boxes filled with surprise products) to one lucky follower, as well as TWO SPRING 2015 boxes as runner-up gifts!

The rules are simple; just comment below with your favorite dish to cook for the upcoming holidays (feel free to add a link to the recipe if you have one) and on December 16th, my team will use a random number generator to choose the lucky winners. Since there are three chances to win, I do hope that all of you will comment and share with your friends!

Unfortunately, if you live outside of the continental United States, (that’s you, Maureen and Charlie Louie), I’m sorry to say you won’t be eligible for this giveaway, as MSI’s shipping is still limited to the U.S. However, please comment below with your favorite recipes anyway. I can’t wait to see what you have to share!

Best of luck to all of you, and stay tuned for more posts about the contents of our winter box and all the great recipes I’ve created using this season’s ingredients.

Mustard and cumin coated whole chicken with dried fruit on top.Now here I’d like to share with you just how NOT to roast a chicken. Remember that great on-the-flash dish I made in front of our guests – the Cumin and Mustard Roasted Chicken pieces with dried fruit? Well on Sunday night, I tried to do that again with a whole butterflied chicken, with a more complex, delicious glaze (thank goodness, because that’s all that was left) and, of course, a longer time in the oven (30 minutes) since it was a whole bird and THAT was my undoing.

Mustard and cumin chicken with charred dried fruit on top.

Mmmm, lovely….

The fruit totally charred!! Just look!! (Imagine if that happened when I had the guests over!)

Roast butterflied chicken with 2 prunes.Fortunately we could just remove the fruit and enjoy the chicken, which was cooked perfectly. Two prunes and two pears survived.

I know your holiday recipes will all be smashing, unlike this one! 

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Filed Under: Dinner Tagged With: culinary ingredients subscription box giveaway, favorite holiday recipes, giveaway, how not to roast chicken with dried fruit, subscription box giveaway

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Comments

  1. Ashley says

    December 9, 2014 at 1:46 PM

    Sweet Potato Pie…. yummmm!!!! 😀

    Reply
  2. Melody Negus says

    December 9, 2014 at 1:51 PM

    My mom’s pecan roll. It isn’t Christmas without it. 🙂

    Reply
  3. Anne Maxfield says

    December 9, 2014 at 3:04 PM

    My favorite dish to cook for the holidays is whatever my friend Laura and I decide to make for gifts. It’s our tradition to get together over a weekend and make something and package it beautifully. We try to alternate from savory to sweet and we’ve done everything from cookies and candy to spice rubs (a big hit!). In between batches, we’ll toss on a silly movie and make a pot of tea. Here’s the link to this year’s recipe: http://wp.me/p2SJwY-1y.
    Happy Holidays!

    Reply
  4. Heather says

    December 9, 2014 at 8:06 PM

    For the past three years, my husband and I have been in charge of bringing a new fabulous dessert for the family Christmas dinner. Of course, we always have to try out the recipe ahead of time to make sure it works for guests! This year, we already tried out a dark chocolate creme brulee from the Epicurious site: http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Dark-Chocolate-Creme-Brulee-1578

    Surprisingly easy and very delicious. We have eaten the test version already and look forward to having it again in a few weeks.

    Reply
  5. Chris says

    December 9, 2014 at 8:20 PM

    While I’m not much of a sweets person, if I’m going to make Christmas cookies, it will always be my family’s butterballs. Who can say no to butter, sugar, and nuts? Here is a link to the recipe: http://myvermontkitchen.com/2013/12/18/the-country-mouse-goes-to-the-big-city/.

    I’m also toying with the idea of making buchta this holiday season. My family is Czech, and every Christmas growing up, we’d get a buchta from my great grandmother. (Think a flaky coffee cake filled with nuts and fruit.) Grandma had a special touch, her dough was so thin and flaky. I’ve made it twice myself, but it’s been at least 20 years, and of course, it was a big lead balloon instead of an airy pastry. I’m curious to see if my baking skills have improved! 🙂
    Chris recently posted…Tis the Season for Light Eating: Chicken and Rice Soup with Lemon and GingerMy Profile

    Reply
  6. Bea says

    December 9, 2014 at 8:35 PM

    What a fantastic giveaway. I love the fruit with any turkey!! Thanks for sharing! Merry Christmas to you and yours.

    Reply
  7. Angie@Angie's Recipes says

    December 10, 2014 at 6:28 AM

    That’s a generous giveaway, Mary.
    Have a wonderful holiday season!
    Angie
    Angie@Angie’s Recipes recently posted…Spelt Gingerbread BiscuitsMy Profile

    Reply
  8. Emily says

    December 10, 2014 at 10:20 AM

    Homemade cinnamon rolls – they are a lot of work but make Christmas morning so special!

    Reply
  9. Stephanie G says

    December 10, 2014 at 1:56 PM

    My favorite dish to make this time of year is a dessert which is basically an overgrown peanut butter cup for adults which is layered onto a buttery, graham cracker bed. It’s decadent. I have to cut back on the sugar and the chocolate because the recipe is so rich, but it is heavenly!

    Reply
    • Michele Berg says

      December 10, 2014 at 7:40 PM

      Fantastic giveaway. I got received my 3rd box and I love them all. My favorite recipe is a winter comfort food – http://micheleswomancave.blogspot.com/2014/12/dark-chocolate-pudding-cake.html

      Reply
  10. Diana K says

    December 10, 2014 at 9:25 PM

    I love to make Amanda Hesser’s Ginger Duck for Christmas.

    Reply
  11. De'Nita Moss says

    December 11, 2014 at 2:57 PM

    My favorite dish, not my recipe, is my grandmother’s sweet potato pie!!!

    I would love to win the giveaway as I was just introduced to this box, today, via twitter! I would love to try it out! It all sounds delectable and it would force me to try new things!

    Reply
  12. jennifer lucas says

    December 11, 2014 at 2:59 PM

    Love making apple cranberry pie

    Reply
  13. LeeAnne says

    December 11, 2014 at 3:03 PM

    Rosemary & red wine glazed pork chops
    Served with:
    – Garlic mashed potatoes
    – string beans almondine

    All homemade and delicious … Mmm 🙂

    Reply
  14. Dawn says

    December 11, 2014 at 3:40 PM

    I love to make Chocolate Peppermint Cake for my friends and family when they visit!

    http://www.marthastewart.com/281748/chocolate-peppermint-cake#Best%20Chocolate%20Cake%20Recipes|/274371/chocolate-cake-recipes/@center/276954/great-cake-recipes|281748

    Reply
  15. Sharon Brown says

    December 11, 2014 at 3:55 PM

    This sounds amazing! Thanks for the follow or I probably may not have found this. My favorite dish to cook is Zuppa Tuscana with extra yummy Kale, I also like to experiment.

    Reply
  16. sally john says

    December 11, 2014 at 4:08 PM

    My husband likes to cook Tandoori Chicken for everyone. We look forward to this as he puts in lots of effort to make it right, it really turns out to be very good.

    Reply
  17. carol clark says

    December 11, 2014 at 5:23 PM

    my dish i love cooking is mexican cornbread just some mean and add corn and hot peppers and cheese i love it along with corn and cream cheese and peppers

    Reply
  18. Trina Flynn says

    December 11, 2014 at 5:24 PM

    Everything looks so yummy!! My family’s favorite is my homemade Chocolate Cream Pie and Sweet Potato Pie ❤️ I am keeping my
    Fingers crossed for the Awesone giveaway.

    Reply
  19. Renee says

    December 11, 2014 at 5:27 PM

    Aloha! Glad to discover you!! Bummer… I’m in Hawaii so it looks like I don’t qualify…but I’m going to still enjoy your recipes and blog 🙂

    Reply
  20. Star says

    December 11, 2014 at 5:36 PM

    My favorite 2 dishes to cook for the holidays are:
    1. Cheesy Potatoes and 2. Coffee Crumble Cake; both are a secret family recipe, sorry.
    Cheesy Potatoes are potatoes with cheese and a nice crisp to the top.. (can’t go into much details) but we would eat this around Thanksgiving and Christmas.
    The Coffee Crumble Cake is really good but it’s not a horrible sweet taste, its just really fresh and not overpowering. CCC can be for like any time but its so delish so we would make it for the holidays!

    Reply
  21. Kenyetta says

    December 11, 2014 at 5:39 PM

    I love to make sweet potato casserole for the holidays. I don’t have a recipe, just something I perfected over the years. Blend sweet potatoes with melted butter, vanilla and sugar. Pour into baking dish. Then mix flour, brown sugar, pecans and melted butter. Spread over the sweet potatoes and bake until browned.

    Reply
  22. Stella says

    December 11, 2014 at 5:50 PM

    Everyone always requests my orange creamsicle fudge. It is so good. Here is the link for it: http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Orange-Cream-Fudge/
    Be sure to work fast when swirling the two together. It sets up quickly.

    Reply
  23. Denise Sanders says

    December 11, 2014 at 5:53 PM

    Pumpkin cheesecake and Cannoli’s are my favorite to make during the holidays.

    Reply
  24. Bill Bryan says

    December 11, 2014 at 7:08 PM

    I love to make bison chili especially this time of year. I use 3 different kinds of beans and a homemade enchilada sauce in it.

    Reply
  25. Panda Bouton says

    December 11, 2014 at 7:56 PM

    My favorite dish to cook is stuffed mushrooms. Stuffed with the mushroom stems, blue cheese, cheddar cheese, onion, garlic, butter, & bread crumbs. Mmmmmmm so delicious!

    Reply
  26. kayla king says

    December 11, 2014 at 11:55 PM

    Excited for this boc

    Reply
  27. kayla king says

    December 11, 2014 at 11:56 PM

    Excited for this box hope I Win

    Reply
  28. Rachelle says

    December 12, 2014 at 1:03 PM

    Fondue is a favorite in our home.
    http://www.caramelizelife.com/2013/02/28/fondue-and-football/
    Rachelle recently posted…The Rugelach That Won Over France – Tuesdays with DorieMy Profile

    Reply
  29. Allison (Spontaneous Tomato) says

    December 12, 2014 at 2:04 PM

    My favorite dish to make for the holidays is a really easy pumpkin quick bread (with chocolate chips!).
    Allison (Spontaneous Tomato) recently posted…Parmesan Black Pepper Grilled PolentaMy Profile

    Reply
  30. Robin Wilson says

    December 12, 2014 at 5:26 PM

    We love to grill at the holidays! Greek pork chops and a tenderloin are favorites as well as a nice tri-tip. Of course we have to have homemade cinnamon rolls for Christmas morning too! No wonder I gain weight over the holidays!

    Reply
  31. Marilyn Wall says

    December 12, 2014 at 5:34 PM

    ham nice crispy skin with spiced honey glaze

    Reply
  32. Tracy @ Ascending Butterfly says

    December 12, 2014 at 10:34 PM

    I am Latina, specifically Puerto Rican and our tradition includes Pasteles, Pernil (roasted pork shoulder), and Coquito (not quite but somewhat similar to eggnog with a ‘kick’)! and I can always go for cheesecake for dessert! NOM NOM NOM 🙂
    Tracy @ Ascending Butterfly recently posted…{#WordlessWednesday} @jengroover inspires the crowd at the @ActivateMovmt #Activate2K14 #ConferenceMy Profile

    Reply
  33. shaunie says

    December 13, 2014 at 8:51 AM

    My favorite dish to cook around the holidays is my great-aunts broccoli casserole recipe dish.

    Reply
  34. Wendy O says

    December 13, 2014 at 4:26 PM

    My favorite thing to make during the holidays are my christmas morning cinnamon sticky buns. I don’t have a recipe since I have been making them for over 30 years.

    Very nice giveaway.

    Happy Holidays.

    Reply
  35. anna says

    December 15, 2014 at 5:34 AM

    I love preparing roasted, herbed vegetables. They compliment holiday foods really well & provide a “healthier” option. Thank you for the chance, it’s always so exciting to open up a new subscription box!

    Reply
    • chickie brewer says

      December 16, 2014 at 11:15 AM

      My Favorite dish during the holidays is my daughter’s is Sweet Potato Casserole!

      Reply
  36. jillian says

    December 15, 2014 at 5:57 PM

    awesome giveaway! i love to make lasagna soup for the holidays! xo jillian

    Reply
  37. Teresa Gilliam says

    December 15, 2014 at 8:49 PM

    Oyster dressing

    Reply
  38. Teresa Gilliam says

    December 15, 2014 at 8:51 PM

    Jam cake

    Reply
  39. Judith says

    December 16, 2014 at 11:33 AM

    I love cooking a nice and juicy pot roast! I throw whatever ingredients I can find at the farmers market (carrots, turnip, potatoes, etc) into a pot. My secret ingredient: prunes! They become so moist and make the roast sweet and delicious!

    Reply
  40. Stevie says

    December 16, 2014 at 12:24 PM

    Every year for Christmas we always cook different kinds of quiche – it isn’t Christmas without them! Yum!
    Stevie recently posted…Consumer Press EventMy Profile

    Reply
  41. Sarah says

    December 16, 2014 at 3:08 PM

    My favorite thing to cook during the holidays is sugar cookies! My daughter is 3 and this young tradition is one I hope to continue with her. As a family we try to make the holidays about time together and making memories through fun activities.

    Reply
  42. Gloria Clark says

    December 16, 2014 at 3:08 PM

    We love your recipes! Being that my parents were Italian (Mom) and Scottish (Pop) we made the best of both… including lasagna, eggplant parm, shortbread cookies and so much more! Thanks for sharing!! 🙂

    Reply
  43. Amy K says

    December 17, 2014 at 10:36 AM

    My husband’s spanikopita. Family recipe passed down from his grandmother. It’s not written down anywhere as far as I know, it’s all in his head. It’s our go-to special occasion recipe.

    Reply

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