Greek Orzo Pasta Salad with Whipped Feta
Creamy whipped feta, crisp cucumber, briny olives, and juicy pomegranate seeds turn…
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Recipes Are For Making
I want to encourage people to feel confident to try new things in the kitchen and to be inspired to share more meals with friends and family.
It’s easy to collect recipes and save them for “some day.” I believe recipes are for making. Join me in exploring the world through food.
Latest Recipes
Swordfish Rice Bowl with Ginger Peas
Marinated swordfish and ginger-glazed peas make this rice bowl hearty and satisfying.…
Chicken Spiedini with Whipped Honey Feta
Enjoy these yummy breaded grilled chicken skewers with some whipped honey feta…
Tomato Basil Tart
This colorful tomato basil tart combines juicy heirloom tomatoes, mozzarella, provolone, fresh…
Cioppino with Littleneck Clams
This hearty cioppino seafood stew features monkfish, shrimp, crab, littleneck clams, and…
Roasted Tomato Pesto Pappardelle
This authentic Sicilian tomato pesto (Pasta alla Trapanese) combines sweet tomatoes, almonds,…
Grilled Peach & Halloumi Salad
This summer salad recipe combines sweet grilled peaches, crispy halloumi cheese, crunchy…
Lemon Ricotta Pancakes
This fluffy lemon ricotta pancake recipe is bright, tender, and brunch-worthy! Creamy…
Yogurt Pickle Dip
This creamy pickle dip with dill, yogurt, and brine is tangy, fresh,…
Sesame Salmon Bites with Pickled Citrus
If you’re looking for a savory, bite-sized appetizer, look no further! These…
Baked Brie with Saffron Honey & Lemon Cured Fennel
Grape leaves, honey, and saffron bring a Middle Eastern vibe to this…
Spicy Short Rib Sliders
Slow-braised short ribs with spicy aioli and bright ginger relish make sliders…
Smoked Trout Blinis
Want to try an authentic blini recipe? These adorable little buckwheat pancakes…
Cambozola & Pear Cupcake Puffs
Bake a tray of these Cambozola Cupcake Puffs for your next game…
Shrimp Crudo Lettuce Boats
Fresh, bright, and elegant shrimp crudo served in crisp baby gem lettuce…
Caprese & Focaccia Skewers
Juicy tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, and focaccia on skewers—served with lemon-thyme dressing…
Grilled Eggplant Rollatini
These grilled eggplant rollatini are filled with a creamy herb yogurt filling.…
Sicilian-Style Stuffed Zucchini
Sweet raisins, salty Pecorino Romano, capers, and creamy ricotta make a crowd-pleasing…
Spicy Zucchini Bread
This sweet and spicy zucchini bread recipe is made with curry, jalapeño,…
Savory Apple & Cheddar Hand Pies
Flaky apple and cheddar hand pies with a savory-sweet filling—perfect for picnics,…
Herby Irish Soda Bread
Herby Irish soda bread with whole wheat flour and kefir, baked with…
Herby Mushy Peas
If you like Irish and English food and you’ve never tried mushy…
Oven-Dried Tomatoes
These slow-roasted, oven-dried tomatoes are easy to make and bring deep, summery…
Chestnut Celery Root Mash
This celery root and chestnut mash recipe is a light, flavorful twist…
Fig & Pistachio Goat Milk Gelato
Gelato gets an elegant upgrade with goat milk, Turkish figs, fig jam,…
Tropical Fruit Granita
This refreshing tropical granita blends pineapple, lime, coconut, and passion fruit into…
Pistachio Rolls with Honey Rosewater Glaze
These fragrant pistachio buns combine buttery yeast dough, rich pistachio filling, and…
Flourless Rhubarb Almond Cake
This flourless rhubarb almond cake is moist, tangy, and gluten-free, with warm…
Grandma Papaleo’s Lemon Knots
These traditional Italian lemon cookies are a favorite in my house. It’s…
Chocolate Stout Layer Cake
rich chocolate stout cake is made with Guinness and marmalade cream. Moist,…
Classic French Silk Pie
This classic French silk pie recipe with rich chocolate mousse filling and…
Cherry Amaro Chocolate Pots with Coffee Cream
Rich chocolate pots de crème with cherry syrup and amaro, topped with…
Tropical Rosé Sangria
This easy rosé sangria recipe combines fresh tropical fruits with mint, lime,…
Smooth & Dirty Vodka Martini
Love a dirty martini but not a fan of gin? This unique…
Bacon Bloody Mary
This bold bacon bloody mary swaps traditional vodka for sake and tequila.…
Strawberry & Black Pepper Vodka Spritz
This refreshing strawberry and black pepper vodka spritz cocktail is made with…
Limoncello & Campari Aperitivo
This limoncello Campari cocktail is light, fizzy, and citrusy with a hint…
White Negroni
A springtime cocktail recipe that takes after a white Negroni using gin,…
Manhattan Cocktail
Dry vermouth, sweet vermouth, amaro, and a homemade cherry syrup come together…
Rum Chai Hot Toddy
Warm up with this rum chai hot toddy, a cozy winter cocktail…
A Guide to Easter Brunch Recipes
We still have a couple weeks to go before the Easter holiday…
A Guide to Thanksgiving Recipes
Some of my best Thanksgiving recipes started with the women in my…
A Guide to Christmas Recipes
Christmas is a big deal at my house. And as much as…
A Guide to Artichoke Recipes
Artichokes are such a treat (once you know how to select and…
A Guide to Knife Skills
When I first started cooking, I remember looking at a recipe and…
A Guide to Mozzarella & Burrata
Because of the stracciatella, the inside of a burrata is softer and…
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Mary's Signature Collection
Giving Back
Pictured left to right: Mary, Cheri Oteri, and Juliet Yera
Having been adopted at birth and raised by a loving family, I know how important it is for children to have a place where they can feel safe, loved and cared for. 100% of the proceeds from my cookbooks are donated to the Oak Park River Forest Infant Welfare Society and the Hephzibah Children’s Association to support their work.
100% of Proceeds Donated
Over six years, sales of "A Gift of Cookies" and "My Life in Pies" have gone towards supporting children's programs.
120+ Years of Service
Oak Park River Forest Infant Welfare Society and the Hephzibah Children’s Association have proven track record of service.
3,000+ Children Reached Each Year
Your purchase helps to provide vital social and pediatric health care services, ensuring children grow up safe and healthy.