Introduction: Mary Makes It Easy Recipes
What Makes Mary Berg’s Approach So Unique?
Mary Berg, the winner of MasterChef Canada, has brought a breath of fresh air to home cooking through her show, Mary Makes It Easy Recipes. Her recipes focus on flavors that are as comforting as they are approachable, all while being easy to prepare. Unlike traditional cooking shows that may seem intimidating with advanced techniques and rare ingredients, Mary’s philosophy is all about accessibility.
Whether you are a working parent, a student, or someone just venturing into the world of cooking, Mary breaks down recipes into easy-to-follow steps. Her passion is to help people make delicious food with minimal fuss, ensuring that anyone, regardless of their cooking skills, can whip up a delectable meal.
She draws from different culinary influences, seamlessly combining various flavors and techniques to make cooking enjoyable. What really stands out is her use of readily available ingredients and simple kitchen tools, making it realistic for those who don’t want to spend all day in the kitchen.
Top Recipes from Mary Makes It Easy Recipes
1. Comforting Mac and Cheese with a Twist
One of Mary’s signature recipes is her Mac and Cheese with a Twist. This recipe is rich, creamy, and has a few delightful surprises. Instead of the typical cheddar cheese, Mary adds a blend of sharp cheddar, gruyere, and a dash of Dijon mustard to give it a slightly tangy flavor. What really makes it unique, though, is the addition of crispy bacon and caramelized onions, which adds depth to this classic dish.
Recipe Overview
- Ingredients: Pasta, butter, flour, milk, sharp cheddar, gruyere, Dijon mustard, bacon, caramelized onions.
- Cooking Method: This one-pot recipe starts by making a simple roux (butter and flour) followed by adding milk and cheese to create a luscious sauce. It’s topped with crunchy breadcrumbs and baked until golden brown.
2. Easy Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas
Mary’s Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas are the embodiment of effortless weeknight cooking. This one-pan recipe cuts down on prep and cleanup time while delivering a mouthful of vibrant flavors. By mixing chicken breast strips with colorful bell peppers, red onions, and homemade fajita seasoning, you have a meal that tastes like it took hours to prepare.
How to Customize
You can easily tweak this recipe by swapping the chicken for shrimp, tofu, or even portobello mushrooms to cater to dietary needs or preferences. Serve the fajitas with warm tortillas, sour cream, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for that authentic Tex-Mex flavor.
For more Mexican-inspired dishes, consider exploring these easy taco recipes, which offer a wonderful complement to Mary’s fajitas.
3. Ultimate Rotisserie Chicken Salad
Using store-bought ingredients like a rotisserie chicken can be a lifesaver on busy days. Mary’s Ultimate Rotisserie Chicken Salad is perfect for when you want something light yet flavorful. She elevates a typical chicken salad by adding crunchy apples, toasted walnuts, and a homemade lemon herb dressing.
A Versatile Base
This chicken salad is versatile; you can serve it on whole-grain bread, wrap it in a tortilla, or pile it on top of a bed of greens for a lighter option. It’s ideal for meal prep as well, lasting up to three days in the fridge.
To explore other ways to use rotisserie chicken, check out her rotisserie chicken recipes.
4. Decadent Pineapple Upside-Down Cake
Mary’s Pineapple Upside-Down Cake stands out as a comforting and easy dessert that feels both nostalgic and luxurious. Featuring a buttery brown sugar glaze and caramelized pineapple slices, this cake is a wonderful treat that doesn’t require a lot of complicated ingredients or techniques.
The batter for this cake comes together in a matter of minutes, and you can even involve the kids in arranging the pineapple rings, which makes for a fun family activity. If you’re eager to master more baking skills, you can find an extensive baking guide here.
Comforting Meals for Busy Weeknights
One-Pan Roast Chicken and Vegetables
The magic of one-pan dinners lies in their simplicity. Mary’s One-Pan Roast Chicken and Vegetables features juicy chicken thighs seasoned with garlic, paprika, and lemon, surrounded by potatoes, carrots, and brussels sprouts. The dish roasts to perfection, leaving you with tender chicken and caramelized vegetables—all with minimal cleanup.
Tips for Making One-Pan Meals
- Avoid Overcrowding: Spread out the vegetables and chicken in the pan so that everything roasts evenly rather than steams.
- Choose Similar Cook Times: Use vegetables with similar cook times to ensure consistency.
Hearty Beef and Barley Soup
When the weather gets chilly, few things are more satisfying than a bowl of Hearty Beef and Barley Soup. Mary’s version of this classic uses lean beef, mushrooms, barley, and root vegetables to create a dish that’s rich, filling, and nutritious. A splash of red wine adds depth, while fresh thyme ties everything together.
Customizations for Personal Taste
- Vegetarian Version: Replace the beef with lentils and the beef broth with vegetable broth.
- Spice It Up: Add cayenne pepper or smoked paprika if you prefer a more pronounced kick.
Classic Spaghetti Carbonara
Mary loves showcasing recipes that use pantry staples, and her Spaghetti Carbonara is one of them. Made with pasta, egg yolks, grated Parmesan, and crispy pancetta, this Italian classic is a fantastic way to get a hearty meal on the table in just 20 minutes. The trick lies in adding the egg mixture to the hot (but not boiling) pasta to create a creamy sauce without scrambling the eggs.
For another comforting pasta dish, you can explore this delicious take on simple pasta dishes.
More Easy Dinner Ideas from Mary’s Kitchen
Lemon Herb Grilled Salmon
Salmon is a versatile fish that cooks quickly, and Mary’s Lemon Herb Grilled Salmon is a great example of how to bring out the best in it. The fish is marinated in a blend of lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, and herbs, and then grilled to perfection. The result is flaky, tender salmon bursting with bright, zesty flavors. Serve it with a side of roasted asparagus or garlic mashed potatoes.
Stuffed Bell Peppers
Mary’s Stuffed Bell Peppers are another popular option for busy nights. This dish features bell peppers filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, cooked rice, tomatoes, and cheese, then baked until bubbling and golden. It’s a colorful, nutrient-packed dinner that can be easily adapted for different tastes. Swap the beef for ground turkey or even quinoa for a vegetarian option.
Easy Variations
- Mexican-Inspired Peppers: Add black beans, corn, and a sprinkle of taco seasoning.
- Italian Twist: Use Italian sausage instead of ground beef and add some marinara sauce.
Baking Made Easy: Sweet Treats Without the Fuss
Mary knows that baking can sometimes feel daunting, especially for beginners. That’s why her recipes are designed to be straightforward without sacrificing flavor. Let’s dive into some of her favorite baking treats.
Blueberry Muffins with Streusel Topping
Blueberry Muffins are a classic, but Mary’s version includes a buttery streusel topping that takes them to the next level. Bursting with juicy blueberries and topped with a sweet crumbly mixture, these muffins are perfect for breakfast or as a mid-day snack.
Key Tips for the Perfect Muffin
- Don’t Overmix: Stir until just combined to avoid tough muffins.
- Use Fresh or Frozen Blueberries: Both work well, but if using frozen, toss them in flour before mixing into the batter to prevent them from sinking.
No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars
When you need a dessert but don’t want to turn on the oven, Mary’s No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars are perfect. They require just five ingredients—peanut butter, butter, powdered sugar, graham crackers, and chocolate chips—and can be made in under 15 minutes.
Customize Your Bars
- Crunchy or Smooth?: Use either crunchy or smooth peanut butter based on preference.
- Add Some Crunch: Fold in chopped pretzels for an extra layer of texture.
Soft Lemon Sugar Cookies
These Soft Lemon Sugar Cookies are bright and refreshing, featuring fresh lemon zest and juice in the batter, giving them that perfect citrus kick. They are slightly chewy, which makes them a hit with everyone. Top them with a light lemon glaze for a truly delightful finish.
Make It Your Own
- Add Lavender: A teaspoon of dried culinary lavender can be added to the batter for a floral twist.
- Zesty Finish: Sprinkle extra lemon zest on top before the glaze sets for an added burst of flavor.
Essential Cooking Tips from Mary Berg
1. Stock Up on Versatile Ingredients
Mary recommends always having certain staples on hand to make quick meals. Ingredients like pasta, canned beans, chicken broth, garlic, onions, and spices can help you make a wide variety of dishes. These essentials are the backbone of many of her recipes, allowing you to be flexible and creative without making extra trips to the grocery store.
2. Prepping Ahead for Stress-Free Cooking
The secret to stress-free cooking is being prepared. Mary advises doing ingredient prep in advance when possible. For example, chop your vegetables or portion out proteins when you bring them home from the store. This small habit can drastically cut down cooking time and make the entire process more enjoyable.
3. Utilize Leftovers Creatively
Leftovers can be a time-saving goldmine. Mary encourages her viewers to reinvent them into new dishes. Leftover roast chicken can easily be transformed into Chicken Tacos, Chicken Salad, or even a hearty Chicken Soup. By planning ahead, you can ensure that leftovers don’t go to waste and become the foundation of another meal.
4. Invest in Simple Kitchen Tools
Cooking is much easier when you have the right tools. Mary’s kitchen is stocked with a few simple but essential items, including:
- Sharp Knives: They make chopping safer and quicker.
- Cast Iron Skillet: This versatile pan is perfect for everything from searing meats to baking cornbread.
- Immersion Blender: Ideal for making soups, sauces, and even smoothies without extra mess.
Ingredient Swaps and Dietary Options
Mary’s recipes are inherently adaptable, catering to a variety of dietary needs. Here are some common ingredient swaps to make her recipes more inclusive:
Vegetarian and Vegan Swaps
- Dairy-Free Cheese: Substitute traditional cheese with vegan cheese for dairy-free versions of pasta dishes and pizzas.
- Meat Alternatives: Use tofu, tempeh, or chickpeas in place of chicken or beef in most dishes.
Gluten-Free Adaptations
- Gluten-Free Flour: When baking, you can substitute all-purpose flour with 1:1 gluten-free flour blends.
- Quinoa or Rice: Replace pasta with quinoa or rice to create a gluten-free alternative in pasta dishes.
Health-Conscious Substitutions
- Greek Yogurt: Use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream to cut calories and add protein to creamy sauces and soups.
- Whole-Wheat Pasta: Swap out regular pasta for whole-wheat or chickpea pasta for added fiber and nutrition.
Elevate Your Cooking with Mary’s Kitchen Tools
Favorite Tools to Make Cooking Easier
Mary knows the importance of having good-quality kitchen tools to make cooking both efficient and enjoyable. Here are some of the tools that make her cooking style accessible:
Cast Iron Skillet
The cast iron skillet is one of Mary’s favorites. It’s incredibly versatile, capable of going from stove to oven seamlessly. Whether you’re searing steaks or baking a skillet cookie, this pan retains heat well and cooks evenly.
Food Processor
For Mary’s more involved recipes, like her homemade hummus or pastry dough, a food processor saves time and ensures a consistent result. It’s especially useful when dealing with ingredients that need to be evenly combined.
Kitchen Scale
Accuracy is key in baking, which is why Mary recommends using a kitchen scale. This tool ensures you’re adding just the right amount of flour or sugar, which can make all the difference in the outcome of your baked goods.
Creative Recipes for Any Occasion
Romantic Dinner: Lemon Garlic Shrimp Risotto
If you’re planning a romantic dinner at home, consider making Mary’s Lemon Garlic Shrimp Risotto. This creamy, luscious dish features succulent shrimp, arborio rice, lemon zest, and white wine. Risotto may seem daunting, but Mary breaks it down so that even beginner cooks can pull it off.
Family Game Night: Buffalo Chicken Dip
Mary’s Buffalo Chicken Dip is a perfect addition to any family game night. It combines shredded chicken, cream cheese, buffalo sauce, and cheddar cheese, baked until bubbly and served with crusty bread or veggie sticks. It’s a fun, casual recipe that brings everyone together.
Brunch Party: Frittata with Seasonal Vegetables
Hosting brunch? Mary’s Frittata with Seasonal Vegetables is a crowd-pleaser. It’s packed with fresh vegetables, cheese, and herbs. Serve it alongside a light salad and some fresh fruit for an easy yet elegant spread.
Conclusion: Mary Makes It Easy Recipes
“Mary Makes It Easy Recipes” is more than just a cooking show—it’s a philosophy that emphasizes simplicity, accessibility, and the joy of cooking. Mary Berg’s recipes provide an invitation for everyone, from beginners to seasoned cooks, to step into the kitchen and create something wonderful without stress.
Whether it’s whipping up a comforting bowl of mac and cheese, experimenting with sheet pan dinners, or baking a pineapple upside-down cake that takes you back to simpler times, Mary’s approach encourages everyone to find their culinary groove.
Cooking is not just about feeding ourselves; it’s about creating moments, exploring flavors, and connecting with those we love. Mary Berg’s recipes make it easy for anyone to find confidence and joy in the kitchen. With her insightful tips, easy swaps for dietary needs, and efficient use of ingredients, you’ll find yourself enjoying cooking more than ever before.
Next time you’re in need of inspiration, remember to revisit some of Mary’s easy, comforting, and utterly delicious recipes. You can also explore related ideas like these easy taco recipes or improve your baking skills with this baking guide. Keep cooking, keep experimenting, and most importantly—keep having fun in the kitchen!