Mary Constantine, Features Writer - GoVolsXtra's Department

About Mary Constantine

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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.

Position History

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

RSS Feeds

Stories

Link	Date
Follow Mary on Twitter	10/29/2009
Stirring the Pot blog	07/08/2009

Constantine: No luck needed to test delicious dishes Published 10/15/2009 at midnight
I have fond memories of the church potluck dinners I attended as a child.
Constantine: Be a winner and sample a winner Published 09/24/2009 at midnight
This, that and the other.n It's been eight months since Jennifer Alexander, midday host for WJXB B97.5 and I began our Sisters of the Skillet cookbook giveaway.
Constantine: Famous Dave's fulfills reader's request Published 09/10/2009 at midnight
Shari McRae's request for Famous Dave's bread pudding and corn muffin recipes cost me $20 last week, but it was worth every penny.
Constantine: Deen lights up Food Show with Southern charm Published 09/03/2009 at midnight
I have a love/hate relationship with Paula Deen.
Constantine: The key to victory? Turning on the stove Published 08/06/2009 at midnight
NASHVILLE - I'm a winner.So are Nathan Scofield and Jonathan Moore, chefs with Gaylord Opryland's banquet operations.
Constantine: Apple of her eye needs less fruity name Published 07/30/2009 at midnight
I recently became a great aunt. My niece, Elizabeth, gave birth to an 8-pound, 4-ounce baby girl in late June.
Constantine: Email about jazz prompts a break in the normal workday rhythm Published 07/02/2009 at midnight
I left the office for lunch last week. That's not a big deal for most, but it's definitely out of the norm for me. The change in my routine was prompted by an e-mail I received from the Knoxville Jazz ...
Constantine: End of Three Rivers Cornmeal greeted with mixed reactions Published 05/21/2009 at midnight
When you get bad news about something you care about, it's human nature to share that information with those closest to you. That's what I did Monday after I received confirmation that the J.M. Smucker Co. had stopped production of ...
Constantine: Prix fixe changes preconceived ideas - sometimes Published 04/09/2009 at midnight
I love visiting Townsend. The community has such a laid-back atmosphere that every time I'm there I wish I could stay forever.

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.
New cookbook captures essence of Inn's regional fare Published 10/15/2009 at midnight
Perfection is a word that comes to mind when Blackberry Farm is mentioned.
Family gristmill inspires grits-based southern cookbook Published 10/08/2009 at midnight
Lovers of stone-ground grits, cornmeal and polenta owe Frank McEwen of Wilsonville, Ala., a debt of gratitude.
Dishing with Monica Flatford Published 10/08/2009 at midnight
Monica Flatford, Knoxville, is a finalist in the national Chex Party Mix contest with her recipe for buffalo chex mix. The winner is decided by the number of votes received at chex.com/recipes/. Deadline is Oct. 15.
Retired dentist finds fresh enterprise in his mountain orchard Published 10/01/2009 at midnight
Sandi Bailey thinks her husband is a little on the crazy side.
Constantine: Dishing with Sherri Lee Published 10/01/2009 at midnight
Sherri Lee came to Knoxville from Texas in 1969 to attend graduate school at the University of Tennessee. She taught at Webb School for 10 years before leaving to raise three sons, Baxter, Parker and Fletcher, and do volunteer work.
Sevierville cafe finds niche with grilled panini sandwiches Published 09/17/2009 at midnight
The Tin Roof Cafe isn't what owner Summer Smith envisioned it to be.