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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!

About

This is the story of the circle of love and food.

MARY_APRON_2013_cropped-lo

My name is Mary Frances. I am a lifelong food lover and the owner and creative director of the NYC award-winning design, branding, and marketing agency PM+CO. I am also a member of the elite Culinary Content Network, a curated association of food writers whose work appears as part of The Daily Meal, and a monthly contributor to two online food and lifestyle publications — Spice 4 Life, based in Cape Town, South Africa, and Foods 4 Better Health, based in Ontario, Canada.

What I especially love about cooking is creating and serving great food to make my loved ones happy. Hearing mmmm’s makes my heart soar!

I grew up in suburban St. Louis, the youngest of six and the only girl. (Yes, that’s FIVE older brothers!). My mom was a great home cook and she made sure that I learned the basics and how to make a mean pie from scratch.

The LOVE – the secret ingredient Adventure

The inspiration for starting this blog came from our youngest son when he wrote this message in a Christmas gift cookbook.

IMG_4437

It’s true, when you cook with LOVE, everything just tastes better! And that’s what LOVE – the secret ingredient is all about. Spreading love through food.

Away from New York City for 16 years, I threw myself into cooking, dedicating my weekends to the creation of new recipes, fantastic food adventures and throwing great parties. And now it’s time to share those recipes, tips, stories and LOVE with you!

Cooking with love doesn’t require extensive knowledge, but you can gain cooking skills and confidence through practice, and without going to culinary school. The key is to cook often and pour lots of love into your creations. LOVE – the secret ingredient will do the rest, by providing the recipes, shortcuts and tips any home cook needs to make delicious food.

Who doesn’t want to make great food that brings people together, to share time, share experiences and share love?

MARY’s secret ingredients, my new challenge

After sharing my love of food with you for two years I have decided to take my passion further. That’s why I have recently launched MARY’s secret ingredients (MSI), a surprise subscription box service in which I curate new, delicious, artisanal and gourmet ingredients to delight and inspire home chefs of all experience levels.

By way of these favorite, vetted products, I hope to bring fresh ideas into home kitchens across the U.S., promoting easy cooking and healthy eating. Each season, a box of surprise goodies will be delivered to our subscribers’ doors. Back here on LOVE–the secret ingredient, I will provide a tested recipe or serving suggestion using each one of the ingredients from the box.

I am also committed to using my passion to give back, which is why a portion of the profits from MARY’s secret ingredients will be donated to the worldwide organization Feed The Children, because I believe no one should go hungry.FeedTheChildren_logo

 

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Comments

  1. Salomon Velazquez(from Esposito meat market) says

    October 9, 2011 at 7:35 PM

    Bravo Mary, congratulations on these new challenges, I wish you great success.

    Reply
    • Mary Frances says

      October 12, 2011 at 3:42 PM

      Thanks Solomon! See you soon!

      Reply
  2. Susan Chamlin says

    October 11, 2011 at 3:41 PM

    Mary,
    Everything has been so delicious and full of fresh stuff that I’m loving your menus. Now I need some help…I have gotten a load of green tomatoes from my son’s terrace garden and don’t want to make fried green tomatoes. Tried that and it was not a family favorite. Canning is not my thing either. I know I’m making this difficult, but I was sure you would have a creative solution. Thanks.
    I loved the brisket recipe.

    Susan

    Reply
    • Mary Frances says

      October 11, 2011 at 6:45 PM

      Hi Susan,

      This link has lots of recipes, but many are the canning type. http://southernfood.about.com/od/tomatoes/a/green_tomatoes.htm

      If they are not so green and hard, you can throw them into sautes, like you would regular tomatoes and they should taste lemony. Be brave – try it!

      Good luck and let me know how you make out! – Mary

      Reply
  3. Donna Davidge says

    November 6, 2011 at 3:36 PM

    very nice Mary! your passion comes thru..since I don’t eat meat I enjoy seeing your meatless yummy dishes..I am sure the others are equally wonderful for meat eating foodies!!

    Reply
    • Mary Frances says

      November 6, 2011 at 11:42 PM

      Thanks Donna! Do try the Bucatini with Eggplant, Fresh Tomatoes, Spinach and Feta recipe. I think you will love it!

      Reply
  4. Lucinda Ames says

    March 19, 2012 at 8:01 AM

    Mary,
    THis blog looks great! I am not really that great a cook. I have gotten out of the habit because I work late and then seem to have appontments and things to do after work. BUt some of these look like they are very doable and that will be a great help. I have an urge to get back into cooking now and I will be a frequent visitor here. IT will be fun to try new recipes on the weekend.
    And I love your commentary! What is your ethnic background?
    Lucinda Ames

    Reply
    • Mary Frances says

      March 19, 2012 at 11:43 PM

      Lucinda –

      So glad you’re here! Sorry for the delay in responding – I was in Boston on business today.

      These are mainly doable weeknight dinners, so please give it a try!

      I am 100% Polish. – Mary

      Reply
  5. mindo240 says

    October 25, 2012 at 12:43 AM

    Another great thing about food is that it brings people together.

    Reply
    • Mary Frances says

      October 25, 2012 at 3:19 PM

      Definitely!!!

      Reply
  6. Opalla says

    October 26, 2012 at 9:54 AM

    Thank you for liking my post on nostalgic dining in Hong Kong. You have a lovely Blog and I love it because it circle a lot around food. I’ll be following it.

    Reply
    • Mary Frances says

      October 26, 2012 at 11:19 AM

      Wonderful! Thank you.

      Reply
  7. Tamara Leigh: The Kitchen Novelist says

    October 26, 2012 at 12:17 PM

    Wow, looks like you have some really great recipes, Mary Frances. I’m looking forward to your cooking and baking adventures!

    Reply
    • Mary Frances says

      October 26, 2012 at 11:39 PM

      Thanks Tamara!! Please tell me what works for you.

      Reply
  8. mmmarzipan says

    November 19, 2012 at 6:15 PM

    What a lovely blog (and blog name), Mary 🙂 I love your bio too! I think we have some things in common. All the best 🙂

    Reply
    • Mary Frances says

      November 20, 2012 at 2:32 PM

      Thank you. Yes we do have things in common! I am a big meditator as well. I just learned that Deepok recommends you ask yourself 3 questions every morning, each one followed by 2 minutes of breath, listening for the answers. The questions are: Who am I? What do I want? and What’s my focus?

      Reply
      • mmmarzipan says

        November 20, 2012 at 2:48 PM

        Wow- that’s a great way to start the day! Might have to begin making that a habit! 🙂

        Reply
  9. nurulthecook says

    November 20, 2012 at 11:57 AM

    My sentiments exactly!! Spread the love through food-or in any way possible!! Thank you for dropping by my blog! 🙂

    Reply
    • Mary Frances says

      November 20, 2012 at 3:08 PM

      I LOVE Southeast Asian Food!

      Reply
      • nurulthecook says

        November 21, 2012 at 12:24 PM

        Yep!! That’s why I’m here 🙂

        Reply
  10. daisyandthefox says

    November 24, 2012 at 2:43 AM

    I have nominated you for the Sunshine Award at this link: http://daisyandthefox.wordpress.com/2012/11/24/the-sunshine-awards/

    congratulations! you deserve it! 🙂

    Reply
  11. Patrons of the Pit says

    December 20, 2012 at 3:07 PM

    Ah love and food. What’s not to like about your blog! I shall have to mill through your recipes I do believe. Thank you!

    Reply
  12. Mary Frances says

    December 20, 2012 at 5:27 PM

    Thank you! Hope you like some of the recipes!

    Reply
  13. ohiocook says

    December 20, 2012 at 9:35 PM

    Thank you for stopping by my blog and now following! You have some great recipes, I’ll be stopping back often.

    Reply
    • Mary Frances says

      December 21, 2012 at 10:48 AM

      Great – welcome!

      Reply
  14. Success Secrets of Confident Women says

    December 21, 2012 at 7:13 PM

    Love your philosophy and looking forward to trying your recipes, starting with the Best Ever Turkey Sx

    Reply
    • Mary Frances says

      December 21, 2012 at 9:02 PM

      Thank you! Do let me know how my recipes turn out for you.

      Reply
  15. Eric says

    December 30, 2012 at 9:50 PM

    This is really great Mary! The first paragraph of your ‘about’ page describes my aunt, whom I grew up with. She is illiterate so I’m spreading her love of cooking through The Pearl Kitchen 😉 Love your blog.

    Reply
    • Mary Frances says

      December 30, 2012 at 11:21 PM

      You make me cry – I’m visiting your blog now! Thank you.

      Reply
  16. johnnysenough hepburn says

    December 31, 2012 at 6:51 PM

    Thrilled to let you know that I’ve nominated you for the Blog of the Year 2012 award. Details within my post: http://feedthepiglet.wordpress.com/2012/12/31/blog-of-the-year-2012-04-and-happy-hogmanay/
    Happy New Year!

    Reply
    • Mary Frances says

      January 2, 2013 at 3:20 PM

      Thank you!! I’m so very honored and delighted! What a way to start the new year. Happy 2013 to you.

      Reply
  17. kimsrandomlife says

    January 6, 2013 at 11:51 PM

    Your recipes sound tantalizing, and I can’t wait to try them. I’m glad your roots are in Missouri. I’m at the top of the Bootheel, but travel to STL often to visit my daughter.

    I’m honored to have you viewing my blog. Thanks for the follow!
    Kim

    Reply
    • Mary Frances says

      January 16, 2013 at 7:07 PM

      🙂 Do let me know how you like my recipes!

      Reply
  18. Sweet Spell Baking Chick says

    January 7, 2013 at 9:25 PM

    Thank you for following my blog “Sweet Spell Bakeshop”! =)

    Reply
    • Mary Frances says

      January 16, 2013 at 9:49 AM

      I look forward to seeing how your avocado plant turns out! 🙂

      Reply
  19. daisyandthefox says

    January 9, 2013 at 5:56 AM

    I have nominated you for the Versatile Blogger Award – congratulations! 🙂
    http://daisyandthefox.wordpress.com/2013/01/09/celebrating-the-new-year-with-blog-awards/

    Happy New Year!

    Daisy and the Fox

    Reply
    • Mary Frances says

      January 14, 2013 at 1:18 PM

      Thanks again! 🙂

      Reply
  20. Food and Forage Hebrides says

    January 14, 2013 at 4:51 PM

    Thanks for taking the time to visit and follow my blog, it helped me find yours. Look forward to your posts. Certainly true that one can always produce better meals at home, most of the time. Thanks, Tracey

    Reply
    • Mary Frances says

      January 15, 2013 at 12:18 AM

      Thanks Tracey! Welcome!!

      Reply
  21. Zest says

    January 15, 2013 at 12:24 AM

    Hi Mary, thanks a mil for stopping by the Sunshine Scrapbook 🙂 Keep the love and good food flowing!

    Reply
    • Mary Frances says

      January 15, 2013 at 3:26 PM

      Thank you! Glad we connected!

      Reply
  22. onemunchingmomma says

    January 15, 2013 at 2:22 PM

    Thanks so much for visiting my blog and for the “like”! Looking forward to checking out your blog!

    Reply
    • Mary Frances says

      January 15, 2013 at 3:28 PM

      Thank you! Glad you stopped by!

      Reply
  23. jenyjohn says

    January 15, 2013 at 10:36 PM

    Hi… First I should thank you for stopping by and following my blog…apart from that , I really like your blog and nominated you for The Super Sweet Blogging Award.
    As always participation is an optional, please feel free to check
    http://jenyjohn.wordpress.com/2013/01/16/a-great-beginning-with-an-award/

    Reply
    • Mary Frances says

      January 16, 2013 at 9:43 AM

      Why thank you Jeny! So sweet of you! 😉 I appreciate the nomination very much.

      Reply
  24. ohiocook says

    January 16, 2013 at 6:06 PM

    Thank you for stopping by my blog and the “Like” of my post.

    Reply
  25. Mary Frances says

    January 17, 2013 at 12:31 AM

    : )

    Reply
  26. sagarika says

    January 17, 2013 at 3:54 AM

    Love your blog.. ive nominated you for the sisterhood of world bloggers award
    http://chefsisters.wordpress.com/2013/01/17/into-the-sisterhood-of-cooking/

    Reply
    • Mary Frances says

      January 17, 2013 at 12:31 PM

      Wow, thank you! I’m honored by your nomination. Have a great day, all of you sisters!

      Reply
  27. feelingjoy says

    January 22, 2013 at 9:49 PM

    Hi Mary. Thank you for visiting feelingjoy and liking Slow Cooker Basil Chicken.
    Your apron…Love the secret ingredient is wonderful…Love is the secret to life as well! Did you happen to read “special ingredients to use in all your meals” (Jan. 11th) on my site? I’m learning how to use wordpress and noticed special ingredients…isn’t listed on the side anymore. Anyway, I’ve learned much over the past few years about energy…love is energy and food is energy! I plan to visit your blog again. Pam

    Reply
    • Mary Frances says

      January 23, 2013 at 10:27 AM

      I’ll check out your Jan 11th post now. Welcome!!

      Reply
  28. cupcaketravels says

    January 23, 2013 at 4:56 PM

    Hi and thanks for liking my blog! I’ll certainly be checking out your recipes – this torte looks delicious, I love roasted capsicums 🙂

    Reply
    • Mary Frances says

      January 24, 2013 at 6:15 PM

      Me too! Please give the recipe a go – and let me know how you like it!

      Reply
  29. ukgardenfiend says

    January 24, 2013 at 1:36 PM

    Hi Mary Frances. thanks again for stopping by my blog and now for following it! You are great…

    Reply
    • Mary Frances says

      January 24, 2013 at 2:46 PM

      Why thank you! I’m glad we’re connected.

      Reply
  30. ohiocook says

    January 24, 2013 at 10:36 PM

    Thank you for stopping by my blog

    Reply
    • Mary Frances says

      April 8, 2013 at 12:34 PM

      🙂

      Reply
  31. jenyjohn says

    January 28, 2013 at 2:49 AM

    Hi Mary…I like your blog and I have nominated you for the Wonderful Team Member Readership Award.. the details are at my post

    http://jenyjohn.wordpress.com/2013/01/28/the-wonderful-team-member-readership-award/…….
    participation is optional…:).

    Reply
    • Mary Frances says

      January 28, 2013 at 12:23 PM

      Thank you Jeny! I really do appreciate the nomination. Have a great day!

      Reply
  32. ohiocook says

    January 29, 2013 at 6:01 PM

    Thank you for stopping by my blog!

    Reply
  33. thebestdressup says

    January 29, 2013 at 11:32 PM

    ciao! ;uvFAB blog.
    thebestdressup

    Reply
    • Mary Frances says

      February 2, 2013 at 6:00 PM

      Grazie mille! (I use Sisley too!)

      Reply
  34. Opalla says

    January 31, 2013 at 3:27 PM

    I have nominated you for the Versatile Blogger Award!
    http://opallaontrails.wordpress.com/2013/01/31/my-two-versatile-blogger-awards/

    Reply
  35. homecreationseveryday says

    February 6, 2013 at 8:06 PM

    You have an Amazing Inspiring Blog and I have nominated you for the “Very Inspiring Blogger Award!” If you’d like to participate, here are the rules: http://homecreationseveryday.wordpress.com/2013/02/07/very-inspiring-blog-award/

    Reply
    • Mary Frances says

      February 6, 2013 at 11:49 PM

      Thank you so very much!!

      Reply
  36. dmauldin53 says

    February 10, 2013 at 9:51 AM

    I just nominated you for the Liebster Award.

    Reply
    • Mary Frances says

      April 8, 2013 at 12:54 PM

      Thank you!!

      Reply
  37. lesliesholly says

    February 11, 2013 at 7:29 PM

    Oh, what a wonderful title! Thank you for visiting my blog and liking my vegetable chili post. 😉

    Reply
    • Mary Frances says

      February 12, 2013 at 12:17 PM

      🙂

      Reply
  38. afracooking says

    February 17, 2013 at 11:03 AM

    LOVE your blog!

    Reply
    • Mary Frances says

      February 18, 2013 at 11:36 PM

      Thank you!!

      Reply
  39. Miss Chris Creations says

    March 5, 2013 at 5:41 PM

    Thanks for checking out my blog and my recent PB Chocolate and Banana Quesadillas! I hope you both find some time to make these for yourself as well.

    -Christine

    Reply
    • Mary Frances says

      April 8, 2013 at 12:35 PM

      🙂 They sound great!

      Reply
  40. Zest says

    March 14, 2013 at 1:12 AM

    Thanks so much for stopping by the Sunshine Scrapbook! I agree, love is the secret ingredient that separates good meals from great ones 🙂

    Reply
    • Mary Frances says

      April 8, 2013 at 12:36 PM

      Definitely!!

      Reply
  41. We Three Locals says

    March 21, 2013 at 12:33 PM

    Thank you SO much for coming by and liking my post. I’m absolutely going to follow your blog as well and try out your recipes! The secret ingredient should ALWAYS be love. I hope my someday kid will be as wonderful as yours seem to be!

    Reply
    • Mary Frances says

      March 23, 2013 at 2:49 AM

      You’re so sweet – thanks so much!

      Reply
  42. whysamiam says

    March 22, 2013 at 4:36 PM

    Hey there!

    Congratulations! I’ve just nominated you for the Leibster Award !

    It’s a well deserved award.

    Enjoy,
    Sam

    Reply
    • Mary Frances says

      March 26, 2013 at 3:51 PM

      Sam, I’m thrilled!! Thank you so much.

      Reply
  43. ritalovestowrite says

    March 25, 2013 at 3:41 PM

    Hello Mary Frances, thank you so much for following ritaLOVEStoWRITE! I hope you find some recipes and bioBLOGS in the backlog and the near future that tickle your fancy. I know I’m going to be exploring your blog in the next couple of days for some inspiration. Cheers, Rita

    Reply
    • Mary Frances says

      March 25, 2013 at 11:13 PM

      Thanks Rita!! Will let you know!

      Reply
  44. whysamiam says

    March 26, 2013 at 6:28 PM

    Hello hello!

    Good news! I’ve nominated you to receive the Best Moment Award!!!

    Congratulations and feel free to pass the award on.

    Keep up the great blogging!

    Cheers,
    Sam

    Reply
    • Mary Frances says

      April 2, 2013 at 6:00 PM

      Thanks so much Sam!!

      Reply
  45. jacesterr says

    April 3, 2013 at 2:40 PM

    that letter made me cry, awww, lovely xx

    Reply
    • Mary Frances says

      April 8, 2013 at 12:39 PM

      I know – but it’s a happy cry!

      Reply
  46. jeaninjackson says

    April 3, 2013 at 4:43 PM

    Thanks for the follow !

    Reply
    • Mary Frances says

      April 8, 2013 at 12:42 PM

      You bet – beautiful photos!!

      Reply
  47. divyapathakupadhyay says

    April 4, 2013 at 6:35 AM

    Hi! I have nominated you for the Kreativ Blogger Award. Cheers! 😀
    http://ayummygreenworld.wordpress.com/2013/04/04/kreative-blogger-award/

    Reply
    • Mary Frances says

      April 4, 2013 at 4:06 PM

      Thank you Divya!!! 🙂

      Reply
  48. jeaninjackson says

    April 5, 2013 at 5:50 AM

    Thanks for visiting and following my blog. Did you check out my other blog Thejacksondiner.com ? it is about food..

    Reply
    • Mary Frances says

      April 8, 2013 at 12:48 PM

      Just checked it out – very nice – I really like the olive tapenade recipe. The addition of sun dried tomatoes is very nice!

      Reply
  49. lesliesholly says

    April 10, 2013 at 9:33 AM

    Thanks for visiting my blog and liking one of my posts. I love your title and reading what you wrote above just made me tear up. 🙂

    Reply
    • Mary Frances says

      April 11, 2013 at 5:03 PM

      You’re welcome – but cry only happy tears!

      Reply
  50. ripe red berries says

    April 23, 2013 at 4:55 PM

    I so agree! Love is the most important (and often not acknowledged) ingredient for any recipe! It’s my ‘secret’ recipe too…
    Great apron by the way!

    Reply
    • Mary Frances says

      April 24, 2013 at 4:30 PM

      You’re so right! Glad you like the apron – easy to order!

      Reply
  51. agatapokutycka says

    April 27, 2013 at 2:03 PM

    Hi, just to let you know that I nominated you for a Sunshine Award as I have been really enjoying your blog. http://barktime.wordpress.com/2013/04/27/sunshine-award/ Best wishes Agata via Bark Time

    Reply
    • Mary Frances says

      April 29, 2013 at 10:04 AM

      Thank you so much Agata!!

      Reply
  52. ohiocook says

    May 6, 2013 at 2:32 PM

    Thank you for stopping by my blog.

    Reply
  53. Mary Frances says

    May 6, 2013 at 3:09 PM

    I enjoyed the visit!

    Reply
  54. jovinacooksitalian says

    May 7, 2013 at 4:36 PM

    Thank you for following my blog. I look forward to reading yours.

    Reply
    • Mary Frances says

      May 30, 2013 at 12:44 PM

      Great! Let me know what you think.

      Reply
  55. Corinna says

    May 14, 2013 at 10:38 AM

    What a wonderful intro to you and yours! I couldn’t agree more with Zach about the importance of the most delicious “secret” ingredient! Yippie!!

    Reply
    • Mary Frances says

      May 14, 2013 at 3:18 PM

      Thank you!! And welcome! 🙂

      Reply
  56. Slice of Mid-Life says

    May 22, 2013 at 10:43 AM

    Thanks for stopping by and liking my blog. Yours is already making me hungry.

    Reply
    • Mary Frances says

      May 22, 2013 at 10:47 PM

      So glad!

      Reply
  57. tinywhitecottage says

    May 28, 2013 at 1:38 PM

    Hi Mary Frances. I noticed you stopped in and liked my lamb chop recipes this morning. You have a very informative blog and I am sure I will enjoy reading it. Your son’s inscription was so dear. I have a teenage son and he comments quite often about his love for my cooking. It inspires me everyday to gather us around the table. And I know the “secret ingredient” is ever so present in our dinners!

    Reply
    • Mary Frances says

      May 29, 2013 at 2:42 PM

      Sooo happy to hear!! Keep it going!!

      Reply
  58. steffturner says

    May 29, 2013 at 9:56 AM

    Hi Mary Frances… thanks for reading my post about mood! I’m a big fan of LOVE and look forward to following you. The name of your blog reminds me of an episode of the Big Bang Theory. Sheldon’s mother makes a delicious apple cobbler and says “you know what the secret ingredient is?” Penny guesses “love?” the Sheldon’s mother replies “no…lard” 🙂

    Reply
    • Mary Frances says

      May 29, 2013 at 2:42 PM

      LOL – cute! 🙂

      Reply
  59. Liz says

    May 29, 2013 at 11:22 PM

    What an inscription!!!! What a gift you’ve given your sons. And now it looks like they’re giving back 🙂 Am enjoying your blog very much. Great name.

    Reply
    • Mary Frances says

      May 30, 2013 at 12:45 PM

      It’s so true – they are giving back! Glad you’re enjoying it here.

      Reply
  60. theflashcook says

    May 30, 2013 at 10:32 AM

    Hi Mary, thanks so much for visiting my blog. I love yours – it’s got such great energy and lovely recipes. And I agree. Love is definitely the secret ingredient!

    Reply
    • Mary Frances says

      May 30, 2013 at 12:45 PM

      🙂 Thank you!

      Reply
  61. All You Do Is Eat says

    June 5, 2013 at 7:16 AM

    Aw your son is so sweet! This is a wonderful blog Mary Frances!!

    Reply
    • Mary Frances says

      June 5, 2013 at 12:57 PM

      He is. Thank you!!

      Reply
  62. benvenutocellini says

    June 7, 2013 at 11:20 AM

    oh well…now i am really SURPRISED…seems that we are very much alike! i’m a designer and creative director too..can you believe that??

    Reply
    • Mary Frances says

      June 9, 2013 at 4:58 PM

      Awesome!!

      Reply
  63. Global Garnish Geek says

    July 23, 2013 at 12:50 PM

    Yes, there is nothing like a happy consumer 🙂

    Thanks for visiting/following!
    Global Garnish Geek recently posted…Easy Outdoor Party with Seasonal Produce (Part 2 of 3)My Profile

    Reply
    • Mary Frances says

      July 23, 2013 at 11:29 PM

      Thanks!! 🙂

      Reply
  64. Jennifer says

    August 10, 2013 at 5:26 PM

    I was lucky enough to experience Mary’s cooking first hand during our July visit to NYC. The food was scrumptious and the presentation was beautiful! Thank you dear Aunt for sharing your talent and love with your nephew and his family.

    love,

    jen

    Reply
    • Mary Frances says

      August 11, 2013 at 5:04 PM

      Thank you Jen! We LOVED having you!!

      Reply
  65. Mary Frances @ The Sweet {Tooth} Life says

    August 11, 2013 at 6:16 PM

    I saw your comment over at Ambitious Kitchen and was so excited to see someone else named Mary Frances! I constantly am having to correct the spelling (FrancEs, not FrancIs:) but I love having the double name. That note is so sweet and should be every cook/baker’s goal. I look forward to looking through your archives!

    Reply
    • Mary Frances says

      August 11, 2013 at 11:40 PM

      Thank you Mary Frances!! I know, don’t people know that “IS” is a boy?? Hope you try some of my recipes and let me know how they work out for you. I’m looking forward to trying yours right now!

      Reply
  66. azita says

    August 21, 2013 at 9:00 AM

    Mary Frances,
    I’m so happy to find your blog. I love it. But your about page nearly slayed me, that inscription of your son may be one of the sweetest filial things I’ve seen. Utterly charming and lovely.

    And you are a New Yorker? Doing a happy dance!

    Reply
    • Mary Frances says

      August 21, 2013 at 11:23 AM

      🙂 🙂 🙂 Thank you!

      I grew up in suburban St. Louis and came to New York when I was 18. So I am not a native New Yorker, but certainly a die hard one and yes, doing a happy dance!

      Reply
  67. Sophie says

    August 28, 2013 at 1:59 AM

    Hello Mary,
    Thanks for stopping by my blog so that i could discover your lovely blog here!
    Nice to meet you too! 🙂
    Many greetings from a foodie from Belgium!
    Sophie recently posted…My 1st 9 ripe fresh figs & Vegan + Gluten-free fig cheesecake mini bars!My Profile

    Reply
    • Mary Frances says

      August 28, 2013 at 11:40 AM

      You have all the great chocolate and beer!

      My mother’s name was Sophie – but I never got my girl to name her that – I have 2 boys.

      Reply
  68. Brande Plotnick says

    October 14, 2013 at 3:07 PM

    Like you, my “day job” is in branding and marketing , but what really floats my boat is time in the kitchen and getting dirty in my garden. LOVE that I’ve discovered your site, your fresh recipes and beautiful photos.

    Reply
    • Mary Frances says

      October 14, 2013 at 9:08 PM

      Welcome!! So glad you’re here!

      Reply
  69. Carl F Maulbeck says

    November 15, 2013 at 9:36 AM

    I agree that the POV of not only cooking but all actions influence the doing and the being. In particular, it seems that cooking is a way though to happiness and joy. Great blog, thank you for sharing.

    PS I post an original poem every Saturday

    Reply
    • Mary Frances says

      November 17, 2013 at 6:46 PM

      Thank you Carl!! It was great meeting you on Thursday. I’m checking out your blog now.

      Reply
  70. Divya says

    December 11, 2013 at 2:40 AM

    Dear Mary,
    I have nominated you for the I’m A Part of The WordPress Family Award. No pressure on you to acknowledge, accept or pass on this award. This is just my way of letting you know that I appreciate your blog and the hard work you put in to make it so wonderful! Please take a look at the award mention here: http://wp.me/p2WqlF-VV.
    Much love,
    Divya

    Reply
    • Mary Frances says

      December 11, 2013 at 6:10 PM

      Thank you Divya. I sincerely appreciate this. And thank you for being a reader!! All the best, happy holidays to you.

      Reply
  71. Lidia says

    January 12, 2014 at 9:48 PM

    Oh Mary Frances, thanks so much for your visit… it has led me to your wonderful blog! I’m looking forward to perusing your recipes and getting to know you. 🙂

    Reply
    • Mary Frances says

      January 13, 2014 at 12:13 PM

      Thanks Lidia!! I hope this inspires you to cook great healthy meals, with LOVE!

      Reply
  72. Jovina Coughlin says

    January 31, 2014 at 7:35 PM

    I like your newsletter style and content. Very nice.
    Jovina Coughlin recently posted…Italian American Culture – The Art of Pop SingersMy Profile

    Reply
    • Mary Frances says

      February 1, 2014 at 8:19 AM

      Thanks Jovina!! So glad to hear!

      Reply
  73. Curtiss W. says

    November 6, 2015 at 12:07 PM

    Hello, I am the catering and events manager for Local Thyme Madison ave. I am hosting a Fitness, Health and Wellness networking event this Monday 11/9/15 and wanted to send you an invite. Let me know if you and a group of other professionals on your team would be interested. Food and beverages on the house.
    Curtiss w.- 214-774-7257
    Catering Manager- Local Thyme

    Reply
    • Mary Frances says

      November 9, 2015 at 5:41 PM

      Sorry – just seeing this now and I am unable to attend, but thank you!

      Reply
  74. nadia@maisontravers says

    July 22, 2016 at 5:37 AM

    Absolutely love your site.

    Reply
  75. Andrew Appel says

    May 16, 2017 at 12:39 PM

    Dear Mary,
    It was a pleasure meeting you last night. And It is a pleasure looking over this blog!! makes me terribly hungry!
    Why dont we exchange e mails…more directly. Id love you to know about our work as an Ensemble and to connect with you when you are not far off!!

    Andrew Appel (harpsichordist)
    andrewsappel@mac.com
    Four Nations Ensemble (fournations.org)

    Reply
  76. Pam Wells says

    May 19, 2017 at 11:09 AM

    Hi
    I volunteer at my local food pantry and we will be getting a lot of fresh beets soon. Sometimes we cant get clients to take them because they only think of boiling beets. I’m trying to come up with different ways to enjoy them when I stumbled upon your recipe for Indian Spiced Beets . I’ve made them myself and they’re wondcerful. I would like your permission to distribute this recipe to our clients in hoped that they’ll take more beets. If you have any questions just ask.

    Have a great day!
    Pam Wells
    (608)-#778- 8798

    Reply
    • Mary Frances says

      June 11, 2017 at 9:48 PM

      Of course!! Please share with your clients! So glad you enjoyed it!!!

      Reply
  77. livejasmin credit hack without survey says

    May 13, 2018 at 10:49 PM

    First off I want to say superb blog! I had a quick question in which
    I’d like to ask if you don’t mind. I was curious to know how you center
    yourself and clear your mind before writing. I’ve had a tough time clearing my mind
    in getting my thoughts out. I truly do enjoy writing but it just seems like the first 10
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    Reply
    • Mary says

      June 15, 2018 at 7:20 PM

      I do Kundalini Yoga – 1 hour every morning.

      Reply
  78. Tyler Flathau says

    June 10, 2020 at 12:29 PM

    My name is Tyler Flathau and I work for a gourmet cookie manufacturer in Hattiesburg, Mississippi called Flathau’s Fine Foods. We bake different flavored shortbread cookies that are covered in powdered sugar, and they have pieces of crushed up candy inside that give it a nice crunch. I am contacting you today about possibly reviewing our cookies on your website! Let us know what you think, and we will send some samples your way! Here is a link to the website as well. https://flathausfinefoods.com/

    Reply

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