Mary's Ways to Impress Without the Stress
With Mary’s step-by-step guidance, even beginner cooks can feel confident in the kitchen.
Episodes
See Episode GuideCast Away
A cast-iron pan is at the top of Mary Berg's must-have items list, but it can be intimidating, even for experienced cooks. Mary channels her inner cowboy with a hearty Vegetarian Chili Cobbler with Cornbread Dumplings, and she keeps down the number of dishes with her One-Pan Breadcrumb Chicken Thighs with orzo and greens. Then, Mary gets sweet with Peach and Berry Crisp, and her husband, Aaron, shares all the secrets to caring for cast iron.
Wine and Dine
Alcohol is not just a fun meal pairing, it's also a super flavorful ingredient to cook with! Mary Berg shakes things up with Wine Can Chicken that's cooked with a cocktail of dry white wine, lemon and herbs inside the bird and served with a wilted green, creamy sauce. For another boozy meal, Mary's Roast Pork with Red Wine Grape Sauce uses a dry red to complement the garlic and grainy mustard marinade. For dessert, Mary cracks open a cold one to craft a Chocolate Stout Cake. The bitter beer combined with chocolate is a recipe for delicious decadence. She tops it off with an Irish cream buttercream and a drizzle of salty-sweet Beer Caramel Sauce. Cheers!
My Fave Missed Steak
Mary Berg's veg versions of meaty classics can satisfy even the biggest meat lover by maintaining those hearty flavors and textures. Mary gets the jump on fast food with stovetop Falafel Burgers sandwiched between mini pita buns and garnished with quick-pickled red onion and garlic tahini sauce. Her Tofu Chicken Nuggets can crush any crunch craving by coating extra firm tofu in spiced batter with golden brown toasted panko and a mayo-honey mustard dip to dunk on the side. Mary's Quick Fakin' Bacon crumble replaces the mother of all meats, using flaked coconut to create a smoky topper for anything from Caesar salad to a breakfast sammy. For Italian night, Mary's Mushroom Lentil Meatballs are ready to be served up on a meatball sub or bowl of pasta.
Made to Hors D'oeuvres
Mary Berg elevates classic party recipes to easily turn out a tray of handy hors d'oeuvres. She kicks up the standard shrimp ring with her Grilled Shrimp Cocktail, served with three dunkable dips for the spicy cocktail sauce fan, the milder herb aioli enthusiast and a crowd-pleasing mix of both. Mary pairs it with her bubbly cocktail, the Grown-Up Float, featuring frozen sorbet and sparkling wine. Rounding out the party platter is a couple of grab 'n go's made for mingling, including a Sausage Roll Wreath with homemade pork and pancetta and Charcuterie Board Popovers that turn a cheese board into pleasant parcels stuffed with meats and cornichons.
When Life Gives You Lemons
In Mary Berg's world, when life gives you lemons, you put them in everything! Lemons are her absolute main squeeze in the kitchen, and she can never get enough. Using her all-time favorite ingredient as the star, Mary starts with sweets by baking Lemon Raspberry Loaf topped with a bright pink glaze, sure to satisfy her inner old lady at tea time. Moving on to mains, Mary whips up Lemon Parmesan Chicken that's fancy enough for guests but quick enough for any night of the week. Then, she shows off a zesty take on carbonara: Creamy Lemon Crab Pasta with a nutty sesame topping. To finish it off, she obviously has to make Lemonade infused with seasonal berries and fresh mint.
Picnic and Choose
Jazz up your outdoor hang with Mary Berg's recipes that are simple to make and easy to take. Chicken Pot Hand Pies are ready for the picnic basket with a chicken stew filling wrapped in a blanket of golden brown store-bought pastry. Then, Mary's Salmon Rillette is a flavor-packed spread that goes on any kind of bread or cracker, and Fridge Door Salad is customizable with whatever you've got on hand. For dessert, Mary makes Tangy Vanilla Panna Cotta, portioned in little grab 'n' go pudding jars and topped with strawberry-orange compote.
Comfort Food
Mary Berg shares the ultimate comfort foods that are the perfect recipe for indulging in your stretchy pants. She makes Tuna Noodle Casserole, complete with a crusty topping of crumbled potato chips, and Mini Panzerotti, palm-sized pockets of pizza goodness. Mary's Herby Chicken and Dumplings have fluffy herb-packed dumplings steamed right in the pot, and Ice Cream Tacos are served up in peanut butter-coated shells.
Back to the BBQ
Mary Berg loves to cook outside and has recipes that take grill night to the next level. Brie and Pancetta Burgers are topped with chunky grilled red onion and gooey Brie cheese. For a vegetarian grill-friendly main, Mary's Grilled Soy Maple Mushrooms caramelize beautifully, and on the lighter side, Grilled Scallops with Minty Pea Salad are flavored with garlic, lemon and herbs on a peppery arugula base. Finally, Mary does some barbecue baking with decadent Cheese Stuffed Grilled Garlic Flatbreads.
Taco Tuesday
Mary Berg celebrates her TV family with the perfect taco fiesta in her own backyard! Pork Carnitas make a tender and juicy taco filling with classic Mexican spices, beer for braising and fresh citrus. Then, Mary keeps it fresh with homemade Pico de Gallo and all the Taco Party Fixings, including flavorful guacamole and tortillas with a crispy cheese shell. Tacos Dorados de Papa combines tacos and potatoes with cotija cheese and chipotle sour cream for dipping. Finally, Mary proposes a toast with a bubbly Pineapple Spritz.
Side Show
A perfect side dish can make a lasting impression! Mary Berg lets the sides take center stage, starting with Crispy Sweet Potatoes and a spicy chipotle mayo for dunking. Then, Mary takes a savory flip on French upside-down cake with her Pear and Shallot Tarte Tatin. Plus, Roasted Carrots and Greens with Haloumi are jazzed up on a bed of tangy yogurt, and a Tomato-Tomato Salad gets drizzled with a double dose of dressing.
