Knoxville.com

Features Writer

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• Call Mary at 865-342-6428

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.

Recent stories:

• Constantine: Baconfest celebrates everything pork
  March 4, 2010
• Knoxville entrepreneur's passion for baking fueled by joy of sharing
  February 18, 2010
• Dishing with Rebecca Napier
  February 4, 2010
• Layla Kiffin's happy to be at home with family and friends
  September 4, 2009
• Tailgate traditions: Readers share their favorite recipes
  September 4, 2009
• Score points: Support local food providers
  September 4, 2009
• Food Network's Jamie Deen, the Neelys ready for football season to begin
  September 4, 2009
• Creative cocktails offer delicious change from a tall one
  September 4, 2009
• Musician-turned-caterer expands to include marina restaurant
  July 30, 2009
• Dining briefs: Market Square Farmers' Market tour; Cafe 4 has blues & BBQ show
  July 17, 2009
• See full list of stories by Mary Constantine...

Recent videos by Mary Constantine:

• Paula Deen welcomes Lane Kiffin
  Constantine as Videographer | September 4, 2009
• UT professor performs during jazz luncheon at the Square Room
  Constantine as Videographer | June 30, 2009
• See full list of videos by Mary Constantine...