What I Made Today... New Year's Recipe

Lemon Risotto Cakes

Risotto:
2 tbsp of olive oil
1 cup Arborio rice
1/2 yellow onion
1/2 stick Butter
1/2 cup parmesan
1 cup white wine
zest from 1/2 a lemon
3 cups chicken stock
1 cup Italian bread crumbs
4 eggs


Marinara:
1 can of chopped tomatoes
5 basil leaves
1/2 onion
1/4 cup carrots


Risotto Directions:

Finely dice the onion (if you want to save time do the same for the marinara). In a large pot add olive oil and cook the onions until they become glossy and aromatic. Take the pot off the burner and pour in the white wine to remove the brown parts on the bottom of the pan - this is also called deglazing. At this point add salt to the rice. Let the wine reduce until there is little to none left in the pan. (When you stir, flip the rice instead of stirring it. This will prevent it from getting mushy). Heat up your chicken stock on the stove, and slowly add it to your rice – also flipping it and scrapping the bottom. The chicken stock should incorporate into the rice slowly. (Be sure to add salt during this whole process, because it will incorporate better than adding it at the end). Continue this process until the rice is cooked (if you squeeze the grain between your fingers it should separate and you should see three small beads between your fingers). At this point you can add butter, lemon zest and parmesan. Let cool.

Next, scoop out balls of the risotto and dip into the egg mixture, and then into the bread crumbs. Form it into a ball, and lay on parchment paper for later use. After you finish all of them you can freeze them for up to a month, or you can put them into the refrigerator for up to three days. Fry them in oil and serve with Marinara and parmesan shavings.

Marinara Directions:

Dice the onions and carrots into equal size. Sautee them in a pot and add a little salt and pepper. Once glistening and soft, add the canned tomato and basil. Simmer for thirty minutes. Then blend in a blender, reserve for later use.

Happy Cooking!
Mary

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hailmarys.inc@gmail.com

Ask Mary: Table Setting

Dear Mary,
I know this will probably seem like an obvious question to you, but I’m always wondering how to best set a table. Help!
Thanks so much, Jodi

I always had a hard time remembering how to set a table. Back in the day, without fail, right before my guests arrived, I would run to my drawer filled with placemats and tried, with no luck, to desperately remember what Emily Post would do in this situation (as my gourmet meal started to burn on the stove).

Since rule-book etiquette isn’t second nature for most of us, I decided to draw a picture of my table to keep close at hand for future setting scenarios. Take a look at the picture above to get some ideas. I suggest drawing your own picture to help you stay focused and organized during the pre-dinner planning process. This will help to make the evening stress free, and allow you to focus more on the food.

This is definitely that time of year when you are entertaining more than ever, and when you’re entertaining so frequently, it’s the little touches that make a big difference. Simple touches – like a nicely set table – are worth the extra effort. Place cards add a wonderful touch as well. With a medium to large-sized group, assigned seating in the form of a charming place card is a blessing, and will ensure a really fun night. Just like food, some people go together better than others! Enjoy!

Happy Cooking! Mary

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Happy Holidays!

I want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy Chanukah! I will be releasing New Year's Recipes and Tips this week, so be sure to check in!
All the Best,
Mary

Ingredient of the Day: Purple Cabbage

This is a beautiful head of purple cabbage. Packed with anthocyanins, the powerful antioxidant compounds that provide the rich purple and red hues in fruits like raspberries and blackberries, purple cabbage is higher in fiber than green cabbage and chock full of vitamin C.

When I was in culinary school, my chefs told me that if you boil cabbage that you can use the remaining liquid as coloring. Another really cool thing about cabbage is that if you add an acid to it, like balsamic vinegar, the color purple becomes even more vivid and intense (when cooked with an alkaline substance, the color will turn more blue). There are a lot of different ways you can use cabbage. Chop it for salads, use it for lettuce cups, and decorate platters. Use your imagination!

Happy Cooking! Mary

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Cooking with Mary

Cooking challenges us on a daily basis. From burning and over-seasoning to creating delectable culinary delights, I have found that the best cooks make mistakes – and learn to correct them. I want to help you do the same.
By: Chef Mary Payne Moran

Ingredient of the Day...French Bread.

These are Crostini.

Crostini means “little toasts” in Italian, and that’s exactly what they are. Cut on an angle (bias) into fairly thin slices, crostini are delicious served with any number of toppings. In Italy they are mainly served with spreadable påté, but I like to be a little more creative with my sides.

To make crostini, choose a nice French baguette – ciabatta works well – and after cutting, place your slivers on a sheet tray with good olive oil, salt and pepper. Then, stick them in the oven at 350 degrees for 3 to 4 minutes. You will want them to be toasty and firm so that you can use them with dips, baked brie, bruschetta, and so much more. Delicious, crusty and light, crostini are a perfect way to step up any appetizer.

Happy Cooking, Mary

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Spilt Milk

Have you ever had one of those days where nothing seems to go right? After catering a large party the night before, I woke up this morning in desperate need of that perfect cup of coffee. So, I cleaned up my kitchen and excitedly steamed 1% milk with Ghiradelli chocolate in a pot on the stove, whipping it up to create a frothy top for my morning Café Mocha. After I poured my coffee and added the milk and chocolate, I went to set the pot on the stove to cool a little – but I missed the stove top entirely. The pot came crashing to the ground, creating a perfect little mess on my perfectly clean floor. Talk about crying over spilt milk! Every cook has bad days. This morning was mine!

Let's Not Cry Over Spilt Milk!
Happy Cooking,
Mary

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What I Made Today...

Potatoes Au Gratin

My Favorite.

3 yukon gold potatoes
1 cup of cream
1/2 cup 1/2 and 1/2
2 cups gruyere cheese
1 leak
lot's of kosher salt


Preheat the oven to 325 F. Cut the leaks into long strips. Peel the potatoes, and set until all are peeled. Use a mandolin or slice really really thin. Grease a deep pan and begin by putting a little cream on the bottom. Next, layer the potatoes in a circle or spiral shape. Sprinkle salt, cheese, leak and a little half and half and cream. Continue this pattern until you get to the top. When you reach the top, add a lot of cheese. Cook at 325 for 45 minutes to an hour. If the top begins to get too brown you can cover it with foil. Enjoy!

Happy Cooking,
Mary

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Mary in the LA Times Magazine.

December 9th, 2007
The LA Times Magazine
Gingerbread House by: Mary Payne Moran and Elizabeth Belkind

This is what I wrote about my hilarious experience making a Gingerbread House with Chef Elizabeth Belkind. It was a huge challenge because I was traveling to Oklahoma at the time, and Elizabeth was back in California. Thank goodness for the internet! Now, with these 10 easy steps, you'll be able to make a Gingerbread House too, just in time for Christmas – and no matter where you are.

10 Easy Steps to a Gingerbread House!

1. Make sure that there are two of you to share this adventure. It is more satisfying when someone else can pat you on the back. One of you should go to Oklahoma and the other should stay in California.

2. Once he/she is in Oklahoma, the process of creating a pattern begins. Take a photograph of a house (cartoon, real, or drawn) and draw the four sides on cardboard to the desired scale and proceed to cut them out.

3. Tape all four sides together. This will allow you to make sure that everything fits properly.

4. Cut out the roof and any other details necessary to make the house look like the picture, like shutters, chimneys, railings, etc.

5. Detach all pieces and trace them onto large white paper. This is now your pattern.

6. Drive to a copy store and ask an assistant to help you reduce and fax your pattern to California.

7. He/she in California will receive the fax, and it will need to be enlarged to the correct dimensions. A calculator might be necessary. (Again, assistants may be useful in this cross country scenario).

8. Both of you should be in the same city to continue. Cut out the pattern, and trace the pieces to the gingerbread. Bake.

9. Make enough royal icing (Concrete sugar) to fill a bucket and begin to construct the Gingerbread House. It is easier with four hands, as two can hold and one can pipe. This step should be done in a day.

10. Decorate, Garnish, and Admire!

View the LA Times article above and check out the website for the full recipe:
http://www.latimes.com/features/magazine/la-tm-gingerbread.30dec9,1,3816295.story?coll=la-headlines-latmagazine

Enjoy! Mary

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Ask Mary...Presentation is half the battle!

Last night, I had the pleasure of cooking for a wonderful group of people. I cooked in their small, but serviceable, kitchen and found that, with just a little bit of planning, you can really do anything with a limited amount of space and equipment.

As I was garnishing the plates and getting ready to serve, something else occurred to me. It is so important to have a complete set of dishes. I’m often asked how many place settings one should have on hand. Dishes usually come in standard sets of eight or 12, but the reality is that you need as many dishes as you have seats around your table. If you have a limited budget, stick to salad and dinner plates as a start because they are the most essential. You can always add the extra pieces later.

Next, I implore everyone to buy simple, white dishes. White dishes really enhance the attractiveness of your food. And they can be relatively inexpensive. Chefs unilaterally prefer to serve food on white plates. Recently, while visiting a place called Bargain Outlet on Fairfax and Beverly in Los Angeles, I purchased white dishes for around $4 to $6 a piece. Not a huge investment, but what a visual improvement. Presentation is half the battle!

Happy Cooking! Mary

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Cooking with Mary Webisode 1

Ask Mary: Oils

Dear Mary,
I can never decide what oil to use when cooking. Which is better? Olive oil, Canola oil or peanut oil?
Thanks so much! Michelle

I am asked this question almost daily and my answer is simple: When in doubt use olive oil. Olive oil heightens and layers any dish thanks to its rich, beautiful flavor. It’s perfect for salads, pastas and even a delicious pureed soup. I like to use olive oil when I want its taste to shine. But, like any rule of thumb, there are always exceptions.

For example, canola works better than olive oil in salad dressing emulsions (perfectly blended mixtures of oil and vinegar). That’s because olive oil is heavier than canola, and doesn’t mix as well. Plus, since the taste of olive oil is more intense and can mask other flavors in an emulsion, beautiful vinegars or fancy mustards really shine best in canola.

Canola also has a higher smoke point than olive oil, making it more ideal for sautéing. Peanut is great for cooking at hotter temperatures too and has a unique nutty flavor that is lovely in stir fries.

As far as health benefits go, however, olive oil takes the prize. There is research to support that small amounts of good olive oil can help reduce coronary heart disease, thanks to the predominance of Oleic fatty acids (monounsaturated fats) in the oil. Monounsaturated fats have been proven to raise good (HDL) cholesterol as well.

It is important not to over use any oil. Even though they contain beneficial fatty acids, they are still significantly high in fat and calories. One tablespoon is equal to 14 grams of fat and 120 calories. (Men should have anywhere from 1600-2000 calories a day, and women around 1200 calories a day).

Before you choose the right oil for your cooking needs, first consider these questions:

-What are you using it for?
-What temperature are you cooking at?
-What type of flavor do you want?
-What is healthiest?

I hope this is helpful!
Mary

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Ask Mary: Parmesan

Mary,
Is Parmesan better shredded or grated?
Thanks! Allison

For those of you who don’t know, shredded parmesan is when the cheese comes in long strands. Grated parmesan looks more like dust. I grew up believing that shredded was the way to go, even though both can be used as a substitute for the other. But, as my mother says, “They just don’t taste the same.”

Strangely, even if the cheese comes from the same original piece, this is actually true. Do a taste test and you’ll see what I mean. As I’ve grown as a chef, I’ve found that I personally like the grated better – mother’s teachings aside. The flavor is more appealing and delicate than the shredded variety, and the texture is perfect for sprinkling on just about anything.

The reality, however, is that you can’t go wrong with either method. Parmesan is delicious any way you eat it. It’s important to remember that the kind of parmesan you get in a shaker at the grocery store is not the same as authentic Parmigiano-Reggiano – a hard, granular cheese made from raw cow’s milk and named for the producing areas of Parma and Reggio Emilia.

Made on age-old artisan farms, Parmigiano-Reggiano is more expensive than the store processed variety, but worth the extra pennies. It’s a true taste of Italy.

Have a Happy Adventure! Mary

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Ask Mary: Egg Separation

Hi Mary,
How do I separate an egg without breaking the yolk?
Brad

Have you ever read a recipe that asks you to separate the egg white from the egg yolk and panicked? You’re not alone. Clean egg separation is a task that takes patience and practice. Are you up to the challenge?

I think it is always best to crack the egg on a solid surface with a single, hard firm hit. Repeated strikes against the surface will increase your chances of breaking the yolk, making a mess of your whites. Skillful separation is an important skill because many recipes will ask you to whip the whites. And, if there is any yolk residue in the whites, the eggs will not whip (fat from the yolk prevents proper whipping).

There are a lot of expensive gadgets designed to assist you in this task, but honestly, they are not worth the price tag. Simply relax and let your hands do job. My favorite way to ensure perfect egg separation is to let the whites drip slowly through my fingers, all the while keeping the yolk in the shell. Sure, it’s sticky. But getting messy is part of the fun!

Happy Cooking, Mary

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Ask Mary...Grocery Shopping the Day Before

I just had the most amazing Thanksgiving shopping experience. I went to Whole Foods and, in anticipation of the pre-holiday crowds, there was a valet service waiting to take my car so that I could shop. Once inside, the lines were at least 10 people deep, and people were packed tightly down each isle. I highly suggest that you don't wait until the last minute to buy your holiday turkey. Unfortunately I did. But thank goodness for premium customer service. Only in LA!

Happy Thanksgiving!
Mary

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Ask Mary: From Rare to Well Done (and everything in between)

Dear Mary,
What is the difference between Rare, Medium Rare, Medium, Medium Well and Well Done?
Thanks so much! Jess

Great question! Here's a cheat sheet:

• Rare (120° - 125°): Very bloody, deep rich flavor, very tender. For very good pieces of meat. No juices have been released from the meat yet.
• Medium Rare (130° - 135°): Lighter red, juicy, tender, great for most all steaks and lamb. Juices start to bead at the top of the meat.
• Medium (140° - 145°): Reddish-pink, has lost a lot of juices on the top, but not all. I suggest this for pork.
• Medium well (150° - 155°): Pink and turning gray. I don’t suggest this temperature for anything.
  
• Well done (160° and above): Gray, flavorless, tough. My advice? Serve this version with steak sauce! Lots of it!
  

Good Luck!
Mary

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Ask Mary: Garnish a Turkey

Mary,
What's the perfect way to garnish a turkey?
Susan

Easy! Pomegranates are a perfect way to give your turkey that special touch. You can slice them through the middle equilaterally, and then layer them around the border for a professional look.

Happy Cooking!
Mary

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What I Made Today...Holiday Appetizer Recipes!

A Trio of Dips: Onion Marmalade, White Bean Puree, and Roasted Garlic Red Pepper Sauce
(served with Black Pepper Seared Beef and Goat Cheese-Stuffed Dates)

Trio of Dips

Ingredients:

Onion Marmalade:

1 yellow onion
Olive oil

White Bean Puree:

1 can white beans
4 cloves garlic
1 sprig of thyme
2 tbsp olive oil
¼ cup cream
salt and pepper

Roasted Garlic Red Pepper Sauce:

2 red peppers
5 cloves garlic
1 tsp cayenne
¼ French bread loaf, white part only


Directions:

Onion Marmalade:

1. Slice onions thinly, and slowly cook them in a sauté pan on low heat. You can put a little water in the pan to make sure it doesn’t burn the onion. If the onion burns, you have to start over.
2. In a blender, blend well using a little olive oil, thenand add salt and pepper to taste.

White Bean Puree:

1. In a sauté pan, add olive oil and whole garlic cloves. Slowly brown them.
2. Rinse the beans and add them to the garlic.
3. Add thyme leaves, then add salt and pepper.
4. Add the cream and simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Add to the blender and puree.
6. Reserve for later.

Roasted Garlic Red Pepper Sauce:

1. Roast garlic and peppers in the oven. Put the oven on 350 degrees F, and cook for about 10-15 minutes (roast garlic in a pan with olive oil and salt).
2. Take the peppers out and put them into a plastic bag. Let rest for a few minutes.
3. Under cold water take off skin.
4. Add peppers, olive oil, white bread, and garlic with oil to the blender.
5. If mixture is too thick you can add water.

**Serve all three dips with French bread slices.

Black Pepper Seared Beef

1 sirloin
1/4-cup black pepper
1/2-cup mayonnaise (good mayonnaise, Best Foods, etc.)
1/2-cup sour cream
2 tbsp horseradish
1 French baguette

Cut sirloin into strips; dip all four sides in black pepper. Add salt to all four sides and in sauté pan, sear-in a little canola oil to create a crust. Take off the heat and allow it to cool. In a bowl mix sour cream, mayonnaise, horseradish, and a little salt. Slice baguette into nice pieces. Slice sirloin into thin pieces.

Goat Cheese-Stuffed Dates Wrapped in Bacon

16 dates pitted
1 package of goat cheese
16 bacon strips

Stuff dates with goat cheese, and then wrap with bacon. (You may need to put a toothpick through them to make the bacon stay attached). Bake at 325 for 6-8 minutes.

Enjoy! Mary

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Ask Mary: Thanksgiving

Mary,
Can you share some Thanksgiving cooking tips?
Leslie

Do you know what to do to make your Thanksgiving meal great? It is not as difficult as you may think to cook for your family and friends, but some advance planning is suggested. Here are a few things that you may want to consider when cooking your Thanksgiving feast.

1. Cook your turkey for 20 minutes per lb at 350 degrees F.
2. Don’t pack your turkey with stuffing. This can lead to bacterial contamination (and no one wants that on Thanksgiving!). Cook stuffing separately.
3. Add chicken stock to the base of your chicken to keep it nice and juicy.
4. Brining your turkey is always a good way to keep the moisture in too.
5. Important – If you don’t overcook your turkey then it won’t be dry.
6. Make anything you can the day before. Green beans, stuffing, peeled potatoes, pies, and cranberry sauce are all great day-before dishes. Preparing prep items, like chopped onions, celery and carrots, can also save time.
7. Set your table the day before.
8. Let your turkey rest for about 30 to 45 minutes before serving.
9. Don't fret. You can always cheat and buy already prepped things to make your life easier. (I like to make the meal from scratch, but cheating is okay if you don't have time to do so).
10. Plan your menu ahead of time.

Good Luck, and Happy Thanksgiving!
Mary

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What I Made Today...Great Stuffing Recipe for Thanksgiving!

The best. Trust me.

Ingredients:

2 loaves of French bread
5 celery sticks diced
2 shallots minced
1 onion diced
1 pkg. dried cranberries, re-hydrated
1 stick of butter
1 can chicken stock
1 bunch of thyme
1 bunch sage
1 bunch rosemary
pinch of both salt and pepper
1/2 cup olive oil

Method:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Dice onions, shallots and celery, heat up a frying pan. Put oil in to just cover the bottom. Add the shallots, onions and celery, then toss in a pinch of salt. Cook these until the outside is glossy and you can smell everything cooking. Dice up bread into little squares and put into a mixing bowl. Then add rosemary, thyme, sage, olive oil, and salt. Next, add chicken stock and re-hydrated cranberries. Mix it all together and either stuff the bird or put it in a pan and cook separately! I prefer to do the latter.

Enjoy! Mary

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Thanksgiving Recipes Coming Soon!

Thanksgiving Recipes Coming Sunday!

What I Made Today...

Miso Soaked Black Cod

This is such a beautiful and simple dish. It will wow anyone that comes to dinner. Black Cod is also known as the butterfish, thanks to its rich buttery flavor and smooth texture. This fish literally melts in your mouth. My favorite recipe is one that I made through trial and error. I like to serve it with julienne vegetables of your choice, and bok choy. (If you have never cooked bok choy, it is very simple - just cook the leaves with a little salt, pepper and oil until they soften.)

Black Cod Recipe

four 8 oz pieces of black cod
1 cup mirin (rice wine)
1 container of white miso
1/4 cup brown sugar

In a small pot on medium heat, cook the mirin for about 3 to 5 minutes (keep an eye on it so it doesn't burn). Add the brown sugar and cook for another 4 minutes. You want the sugar to melt completely. If it is not melted, you can feel the granules of sugar between your fingers. After it is melted, add the miso and with a whisk stir out any lumps. Let this mixture cool completely.

Add the fish to the mixture and store in a container. This should sit overnight – or up to two days. When you are ready to cook, remove some of the excess marinade by whipping it off. Then heat the oven to broil, and in a non-stick sauté pan on medium heat cook the fish bottom (skin side down) for a few minutes. Then put it into the oven. Cook for about 6-8 minutes. Serve and Enjoy!

Happy Cooking!
Mary

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Ask Mary: Buying Eggs

Dear Mary,
What kind of eggs should I buy? White or brown? Large or Xlarge? Grass fed, free range and organic? There are so many options out there, and it gets confusing.
Thanks, Melanie

This is a tough question, but thankfully, there is really no right or wrong answer. My personal preference is to buy large eggs because most recipes call for them. Using Xlarge eggs in place of large eggs in a recipe might throw off the balance of what you are cooking.

As far color goes, I don't think one tastes different from the other, but I do like to use them as a way to know which I should eat first out of my fridge – in other words, I use them to indicate which one is more perishable. I like to alternate buying brown eggs one week and white the next as a way to color code their age.

When it comes to how the chickens are raised and fed, I prefer to buy eggs made from free-range, grass fed chickens. And if there is an organic option, I always choose it. Again, this has little to do with taste, but a lot to do with supporting sustainable agriculture.

Happy Cooking!
Mary

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Pure Deliciousness... Braised Short Ribs and Creamy Polenta

These are my comforting favorites during cold winter months! Can you say yum???



































The photo’s were taken by an amazing photographer named Michael Rueter. His website is www.michaelrueter.com, and he can also be reached at 818.268.3630.

Happy Cooking!
Mary

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French Macaroons

While visiting Paris, my parents kept walking by this hole-in-the-wall shop. Everyday when they would walk past the shop, a long line of Parisians would be snaking out of the door. Curious, they decided to walk in and see what all the fuss was about. The moment they entered the shop, their eyes were amazed by the most beautiful macaroons they had ever seen. Tempted, they bought a few, and of course, got a real sampling – brilliant reds, greens, browns... you name it. Mom and Dad took that first bite and were instantly hooked.

As a treat, they took a box to dinner that night for all of their friends. With the box on the table, my mom found out that these were no ordinary macaroons, and much more special than she thought. All of the waiters were teasing them, trying to sample a few for themselves. Eventually she gave in (French waiters are notoriously handsome) and handed over the remaining macaroons to the waiters. The thank you she received was overwhelming. Apparently, these macaroons are famous in Paris.

After hearing this story, I found myself walking in Beverly Hills, and stumbled upon this perfect little macaroon shop. Each macaroon was beautifully colored, with flavors and textures to dream about. The first bite simply melted in my mouth. I just had to surprise my mom with an overnight box of the incredible cookies. The owner and chef, Paulette Koumetz, explained to me that I needed to bubble wrap the macaroons and pack them with an ice pack. I was thankful for the tip, or they likely would've spoiled. When my mom received the package, she laughed and smiled. It was a perfect treat, and although it didn't travel as far as Paris, the amour she felt from the experience was the same.

Paulette Macaroons
Chef Paulette Koumetz
9466 Charleville Blvd.
Beverly Hills, CA
(310) 275-0023

Happy Cooking!
Mary

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What I Made Today...

Challah Brioche Bread Pudding

A rich delicious treat.

1/2 a loaf of good challah, brioche, or croissants
8 eggs (use 4 of them just for the yolks)
1/2 cup 2% milk
3/4 cup half and half
1/2 cup sugar

Cut bread into 1 1/2 in. cubes and let sit out to dry (the dryer the better). Mix together eggs and sugar, then quickly add milk and half and half. Add the bread and mix with your hands to keep the bread in squares. Put into a 3 inch dish that has been sprayed/greased heavily. Place that dish in a pan of water and cover with foil. Bake for 45 minutes.

Happy Cooking!
Mary

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My First Job!

After culinary school, I went out into the world to find a job. Being a woman in a field of mostly men, I wanted to act as tough as I could. At my first interview, I walked into a Spanish speaking, male dominated kitchen, where the majority of the staff was at least 15 years older than I was. I knew that I had to prove myself to everyone because this was (and is still) one of the best restaurants in LA. Landing this job would be a dream come true.

I tried desperately to fit in. And then I was given one of the biggest challenges of my life. The chef (who was actually a woman) looked at me with no sympathy and calmly asked me if I had ever cleaned a soft-shell crab. I tried hard not to panic, because the truth was that I hadn't. But I held it together and looked her in the eye and said, "Yes!" Then she narrowed her eyes and said, "Did you bring your scissors?"

I grabbed my scissors, wondering what on earth I could possibly need them for as she led me to the back table. There, in all their glory, were bushels of crabs squirming around. Each bushel is equal to 13 crabs, so there were quite a few. I observed as a very tough gentleman carefully cut off their faces and gills and then tossed them back into the lot. All I could think was, "OH MY GOD!" But then, my tough side jumped in. This was a test to see if I could hack it with the big boys. I wasn't backing down.

So, as quickly as I could, I cleaned them all, all the while listening to their whistles and feeling them crawling against my skin. Never in my life will I do that again. BUT I won that day. I got that job and was finally on my way to becoming a chef. And I now know how to clean soft-shell crabs. It's quite a party trick.

Happy Cooking!
Mary

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Ingredient of the day: Shallot



Ode to the Shallot!

A relative of the onion, the shallot is basically a smaller onion with a sweeter, milder flavor. Unlike onions, which grow in a single bulb, shallots form in clusters in a manner similar to garlic.

What can you do with it you ask? Pretty much anything. You can dice it, slice it or roast it! Add it like you would add garlic to any of the same dishes for an extra layer of flavor. OR you even can actually use shallots as part of the dish – for example, in a dish like "Green Beans with Crunchy Shallots." Any way you cook them, they are a tasty treat.

Shallots are not uncommon, and can be bought in most grocery stores. If you are as concerned with prep time as I am, you might want to find a store like Whole Foods that has them available for purchase already peeled. Keep in mind, though, unpeeled shallots stay fresher longer.

Happy Cooking
Mary

Send your questions about food, cooking and life in the kitchen to:
hailmarys.inc@gmail.com

What I Made Today...

Ossobucco





















Today’s beautiful masterpiece is Ossobucco with Spinach and Saffron Couscous (and for the kids, home made chicken nuggets!).

Ossobucco

2 veal shanks
2 tbsp canola oil
2 cans chicken stock
½ cup of baby carrots
1 large yellow onion diced
5 cloves of garlic
1 tbsp Herbs of Provence
½ cup white wine
2 bay leaves
salt and pepper to taste

Season the meat with salt pepper and Herbs of Provence. Heat a skillet with a little bit of canola oil, and place the veal presentation side down first. Sear on medium to low heat. Brown and then flip. Put into a deep braising dish that has a lid. Next, put in a little more oil and sauté onions, carrots, bay leaf and garlic. Brown, and if the food starts to burn add a little chicken stock and scrape it around. Once the vegetables have browned add chicken stock and white wine and reduce a little. Pour over veal shanks and close with lid. Put in the oven at 325 for 2 hours.

Happy Cooking!
Mary

Send your questions about food, cooking and life in the kitchen to:
hailmarys.inc@gmail.com

What is in Season?

We should always try to cook and eat with the seasons. In the winter, we should eat heartier vegetables and meats to prepare for the cold months ahead.

Here are 10 seasonal items I like to look for in the markets and the grocery stores this time of year:

1. Root Vegetables: parsnips, carrots and turnips are perfect for winter.
2. Beets: red or yellow, beets are easy to cook; put them in water and cover and bake for 40 minutes at 325, then peel off the skin.
3. Cranberries: yum!
4. Chestnuts: delicious in salads, and a favorite holiday treat.
5. Parsnips: peel and roast with salt, pepper, oil and garlic at 350.
6. Sweet potatoes: scrumptious with chimichurri sauce.
7. Heartier meats like roasts: braise roasts with vegetables, wine, stock, and crushed tomato.
8. Lamb: rack of lamb is my favorite served with mint jelly (I am from Oklahoma and this is a true southern tradition) at a perfect medium rare.
9. Pheasant: you probably won’t cook this, and neither will I.
10. Duck: difficult to cook, but very rewarding.

Cheers and Happy Cooking!
Mary

Send your questions about food, cooking and life in the kitchen to:
hailmarys.inc@gmail.com

Farmers Market

It's early Sunday morning, and everyone is ready to go to the Farmers Market.

Happy November! Mary

Ask Mary: How to Finish a Meal

Dear Mary,
What is the best way to finish a meal?
Cheers! Paul

Absolutely, cheese is the best way to finish a meal. When making a cheese platter for the table, I suggest a hard cheese like Parmesan, and a soft cheese like a Triple Cream (similar to a Brie). Finish the platter with a a beautiful goat cheese like Humble Fog. If you can't find this brand, go for Chevre. If you're feeling adventurous, you can also try a sheep cheese like Petit Basque. It's just wonderful.

Check out this website for more options:

http://www.igourmet.com/shoppe/shoppe.aspx?cat=1&SubCat=ALL%2bSheep&gclid=CMmO9s7Cvo8CFRdPagodNmByYA

Sheep cheese is easier to digest than other cheeses, and in my opinion, it has a delicious flavor that can't be beat!

Happy Hunting,
Mary

Send your questions about food, cooking and life in the kitchen to:
hailmarys.inc@gmail.com

What I Cooked Today...

Spaghetti and Meatballs

Can't go wrong with this traditional favorite.

AND

Chicken and Noodle Soup

Simple. Delicious.


Spaghetti and Meatballs

1 lb spaghetti noodles
8 ounces ground beef
2 cups really good tomato sauce
1/2 yellow onion diced
3 cloves garlic
1 tbsp parsley flakes
2 cups chicken stock

Boil a pot of water, and add salt to the water! In a sauté pan, cook the onions with a little bit of oil. Add a dash of salt and pepper. Set aside to cool. In a large mixing bowl add ground beef, cooled onions, a cup of the tomato sauce, garlic, parsley flakes and salt and pepper. Roll into balls and set aside.

Simmer 2 cups of chicken stock, and drop meatballs into chicken stock. Cook through.

Boil spaghetti until it is al dente, which means "to the tooth." The pasta should not be overly soft. Add tomato sauce to the top and place meatballs on for garnish. Top with cheese right before serving.

Happy Cooking!
Mary

Send your questions about food, cooking and life in the kitchen to:
hailmarys.inc@gmail.com

Carving Pumpkins!

Carving pumpkins is as easy as one, two, three!

1. Find a perfect pumpkin with a smooth side, take off the top and clean out the insides.
2. Draw out your design.
3. Use carving tools to get detailed cuts.

Stand back and enjoy!
Mary

Send your questions about food, cooking and life in the kitchen to:
hailmarys.inc@gmail.com

What I Made Today...Delicious Chili. Happy Halloween!

Halloween is my favorite time of year.
First of all the fall is so beautiful, and second of all the changing flavors is so rewarding after a long hot summer. The deep rich flavors of stews, soups and braises make my taste buds sing. Every year I host a pumpkin carving party and the traditional treat is home made chili.

Chili is one of those perfect meals that you can do ahead of time while you are carving pumpkins (which is what I will be doing). The longer it sits the more flavor it gets.

1 lb Ground beef 80/20
1/2 lb ground pork or Italian sausage (take it out of the casing)
1 yellow onion diced
1 can tomatoes diced
1 can of dark beer
1 cup chicken stock
1 package of brown bag chili spices

Sauté onions, brown meat, add tomatoes, stir in beer, dark beer and spices. Cook on low heat for about four hours.

Happy cooking

Grocery Shopping in Oklahoma

I recently went to Oklahoma to throw my girlfriend who is having a baby girl a baby shower. Being the LA Chef that I am I volunteered to cook for the event. I went to one of the only grocery stores in Oklahoma and bought ok produce, and frozen fish. As I pushed my cart up to the check out stand the woman asked paper or plastic. I said paper, and then realized none of their paper bags had handles!

Then as the clerk finished ringing my groceries, I heard her say $220 dollars. I couldn't believe my ears. What was I paying for? At whole foods in Los Angeles I could get it everything I bought, and better quality for around $120. Is the Midwest really that behind?

Happy Cooking, and I wish you better success shopping in the Midwest than I had!
Mary

Ask Mary...It's All About Taste

Do you actually taste your food before you serve it? I suggest that you do. A simple test for you to try at home the next time you are cooking. This test works well with soups. While you are cooking, don't add a lot of salt.

To begin put soup into a few different bowls. Then add a pinch of salt to the first bowl, a little more to the next and a little more to the next, etc. The last bowl you should add too much. This will help you to taste the difference between too little and too much salt and everything in-between. Have Fun!

Happy Cooking,
mary

Ask Mary...How to tell if chicken is done?

Do you know how to tell if chicken is cooked? You open the oven and smell the deliciousness of the Chicken. You take it out of the oven, and then....
You don't know if it is done, so you sit and look at it for a few moments. Then with out any tact you cut right through the top of the chicken breast only to find out that it is not done and have to put it back in the oven. It cooks for a little longer and when you pull the chicken out again it is dry and over cooked with a huge slash through the middle. You present it to your guest, and immediately feel remorse for cutting through the chicken.

Solution...

When cooking chicken, look for signs for the chicken to be cooked, clear juices (seriously they are clear), meat is pulling away from the bone (if it is on the bone), and firm to touch. If all else fails. If you have to cut it, go to the side of the chicken, and cut through length wise so no one can tell that you cut it, also you can cut it from the back!!! If you are cooking a whole chicken cut underneath the leg. DO anything but DON'T cut through the middle!
I check too, every once in a while, it is not that you cheat it is how you cheat. You don't need anyone else to know!

Happy Cooking!
Mary

Hail Mary's, Starlight Arcade

Last Saturday, October 13th, my company Hail Mary's did an event for a thousand people. I must say it was supper successful. It was for the Junior League's Starlight Arcade. I was lucky enough to be 1 of the 10 food vendors. The event was held on the sony lot and there were tons of video games, new and old, beer, wine and liqour flowing.

My menu...
Braised short ribs over couscous
Butternut squash soup
Wild mushroom polenta with a roasted garlic red pepper sauce

I hope you enjoy the pictures...

Happy Cooking!
Mary

What I Made Today!

Today seems like a very productive day! I made...

Haricot Vert (Green Beans) with Roasted Garlic...

1 Bunch Haricot Vert (french green bean that is much smaller and consistant in size)
6 cloves Garlic
1/4 C olive oil
salt and pepper to taste

In foil place garlic, oil and a pinch of salt, close tightly and throw it in the oven 325 for 30 minutes. Heat salted boiling water, and cook green beans for 3 minutes, then add roasted garlic, and salt. Call it a day. I hate recipes that have too many ingredients and take longer than 10 minutes.

Pan Roasted Boneless 1/2 Chicken...

Ok well I butcher my own chicken, but you probably won't so just ask a butcher to do it for you. Rinse and dry (it is important to dry because otherwise the oil will spit at you, and that is really painful)

Salt and pepper the outside of the chicken, place in a cold saut pan with oil and chicken skin side down. Turn on medium high heat. This will brown the outside and once it is all golden brown flip it over and put it in an oven at 325 for 20 minutes!


Mary's Secret Mac and cheese.

If I told you it wouldn't be secret any more!

Happy Cooking!
mary