Mary Makes It Easy

Just watched an episode of this new show. And while I truly appreciate that it's an instructive show rather than another food-wasting game show or yet another hour of that charmless Pioneer lady, this show needs some tweaking. Within 10 minutes of my watching, the screamingly millennial host mentioned how broccoli could get "farty" when cooked with chicken. Well, yes, thank you. Hey, Food Network, I don't want to be reminded of flatulence when you're trying to convince me something is appetizing. I know some halfwit in Florida may think it's important to be truthful about nature, but in this setting it's not professional, appealing, or even necessary. Now every time I scroll through what's on, and I see "Mary Makes It Easy," I'm going to think "That's the farty lady." Whenever I see her, I'm going to think, "There's the tooter. Is she tooting now? And if not her, then that husband of hers looks fond of Dutch ovens." I'll also think about how Farty Mary doesn't seem to want to touch the food she's cooking because it would mess up her freshly manicured nails or something. (Giada gets that way sometimes too.) Never trust a chef who doesn't want to get their hands dirty. C'mon, Food Network, elevate the content. You're supposed to be aspirational.

My wife and I have been delighted by the first few episodes of this new Food Network show. Mary is a fun, vibrant host who gives clear and complete instructions when presenting a recipe. While most hosts seem to repeat things like, "a bit of.." or "a scoop of.." when adding ingredients, Mary tells the audience precise measurements as she goes through her demonstration. This approach makes it possible to follow along and come out with a complete recipe! The two dishes I've tried so far (French Onion Croque Madame & Steak Bourguignon) have been delicious, easy, and pretty quick to make.

In addition to great recipes, Mary includes lots of extra kitchen tips for the home cook, and includes common sense or food science based reasons behind her methods.

Finally, I don't think I've ever laughed during a cooking show before, but Mary finds a way to blend her goofy charm and humor into the show which can sometimes make it feel like part instructional cooking show and part comedy special. There's a liveliness to her presentation that's lacking from some of the other more established hosts, who often seem like they're only going through the motions.

We'll definitely be watching the rest of the season, and hope to see more from Mary!

I like the idea of easy meals, especially foods one thinks of as being difficult or solving common problems and quandaries. But Mary- just not vibing with her. Maybe I'm too old? Or maybe her hipster quirkiness comes off as too much of a schtick (it probably isn't but it feels a bit forced to have some variety in hosts). Not my favorite.

Love Mary males it easy. She's always smiling and happy about what she is cooking. I want to make her shrimp tacos Fajitas. They look so good as well as her banana bread. I have to do them as well as some others. I also love the spice containers she uses. Still trying to find her recipes. Her cooking don't have a lot of fat. She has good energy.. I really love her show and hope she is here to stay. She seem to love what she is cooking. Glad to here her stories when she was growing up and the food she and her mom cooked together. Glad to see her mom on the show now enjoying her cooking. Great show.

I just love this lady❤ her step by steps. Lol her stair case. Is clear and wounerful for beginning cooks and I can't make that cooks. Me I've been cooking but never tried cooking that or this. She is fun and doesn't make it confusing. Her Mom is a Doll with dry humor. So pretty and we all spill stuff! Point after learning, that's my thing. You make it your own. She will guild us threw every step. Mary has humor that is contagious. I would say flight of fancy with Smart Knowledge! Of how to not do one dish but show how 3 can come together for a meal without a mental break down. Again I cook at home and I mess up. But She is a Joy to watch and a breath of fresh air. Compared to the up tight, spin all the plates and sweat.