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Mary Constantine

Title: Features Writer
Department: Editorial/Features
Contact: 865-342-6428 | Send Mary an email

About Mary Constantine

Biography

Lifelong memories are made through the foods that we prepare. My grandmother will always be remembered for her bread pudding. My mother for her corn bread. Me? My 3-year-old grandson will tell you I make a great strawberry milkshake.

It's those memories -- that legacy of others -- that I love to share with my readers.

I've literally grown up at the News Sentinel. I came to work here in 1979 and, except for temporary interruptions around the births of sons Daniel and Patrick, I’ve worked here ever since. Early on, I answered phones in the sports department. Later, I helped produce the wedding pages.

In 2004, I became the food writer. I created my Half-baked column as an outlet for me to share my experiences -- from admitting that my heart-shaped cake broke into pieces, to the emotional struggle of replacing my beloved old pots and pans.

"Stirring the Pot" is an online element on knoxnews.com created to share culinary news and recipes with readers. It includes cooking videos and a recipe-exchange blog. This year Jennifer Alexander, midday host of B97.5 and I created Sisters of the Skillet, offering readers an opportunity to win a cookbook twice a month.

My father gave me the gift of gab, so any time I have a chance to do cooking demonstrations, whether on television or at the Women Today or Food City Food Shows, I'm there with pot in hand. I also like to eat, so if you've got a culinary competition that needs judging, give me a call.

Mary Constantine

Position History

  • Features Writer
    Editorial/Features
    07/08/2009 - current

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Recent Work

  • Make it a light holiday with appetizing, low-cal options Published 11/19/2009 at midnight

    It's possible to eat, drink and be merry during the holiday season and not end up with a belly like Jolly Old Saint Nick's. At least that's the position of the Healthy Living Kitchen staff at the University of Tennessee ...

  • 'Eat on $30 Challenge' proves it’s possible to keep grocery costs low Published 11/12/2009 at midnight

    Kristina McLean began a challenge on Oct. 12 that has left a lasting impression on how she views her grocery bill. It happened after she participated in an Eat on $30 Challenge.

  • Celebrate the holiday season deliciously Published 11/12/2009 at midnight

    Reliable. That's the best word I can use to describe readers of the News Sentinel's Food and Home section. When a call went out requesting recipes for Celebrate the Season: Food and Fun for the Holidays, readers responded in droves. ...

  • Holidays start with breakfast Published 11/12/2009 at midnight

    With relatives scattered hither and yon, more and more families gather for breakfast or brunch during the holiday season to allow for other family obligations. If that's what your family does, here are some of our readers' favorite breakfast and ...

  • Exotic flavors dress up dinner table Published 11/12/2009 at midnight

    The only way to create new traditions for your holiday table is to try new things. This list of recipes for world cuisine is a good place to start.

  • Delicious presents extend the holiday spirit Published 11/12/2009 at midnight

    A gift of food is the ultimate compliment. It means the giver gave not only of their time, but also of their heart. These recipes will give you sweet ideas on how to complete your gift list.

  • John XXIII parishioners compile cookbook Published 11/05/2009 at midnight

    "Our Sunday Supper" is the title of a cookbook compiled by members of John XXIII Catholic Church.

  • Dishing with Garrett Scanlan Published 11/05/2009 at midnight

    Chef Garrett Scanlan grew up in Dublin, Ireland, where he worked in his family's restaurant.

  • Ghoul-icious goodies Published 10/29/2009 at midnight

    Halloween trick-or-treating has changed a lot since I was a child.

  • Powell neighbors get acquainted over bubbling pot of apple butter Published 10/22/2009 at midnight

    In an era where neighbors are typically acknowledged by a passing wave, Dan and Lillian "Lil" McCray have found a more personal way to greet their fellow property owners in Powell. Invite them over to make apple butter.

View all stories for this staff member.

Features