Mother’s Day Recipe Ideas, Plus Some Thoughts

Whether you live in the same city as your mum and are able to make her brunch or a special tea, or you will be wishing her a relaxing day from afar, take a few minutes to think about what your mum really means to you, the sacrifices that perhaps she has made over the years and the unconditional love she has for you and your siblings.

When you are a kid, it is hard to appreciate all of the things your mum does. Most of them are done quietly, without fanfare and without thanks. Doing laundry, cleaning the house, setting up play dates, making dentist appointments, organizing snacks and water bottles for soccer practice…the list goes on and on. It is not that kids think that these things magically happen, but it is just not on their radar.

Growing up, I certainly wasn’t aware of all the little things my mum did. I knew that she drove me all over town to attend flute, piano and voice lessons, and made sure that I got to soccer practice on time. I knew that she stayed up with me at night when I was sick and made me little bowls of honey and lemon when my throat was sore. I knew that she made dinner most nights of the week and made sure I went to school with a healthy lunch tucked away in my backpack. I knew that she volunteered in my classroom, helping the teacher with the book orders and taking the time to really know each of my friends. However, I never acknowledged the hundreds of other tasks my mum took on. Of course, my mum never asked for acknowledgement or grand praise. That’s not the kind of person she is.

If you asked my husband, he would say the same thing about his mum. From making brownies for every soccer game (and there were a lot of them) and cheering from the sidelines to ironing his clothes and making his favorite meals, my mother-in-law gave her time and love generously to her two boys. My husband and I realize that we were very lucky and not every child grows up with a mother who gives of herself unconditionally. As parents, we understand that what our children really want is two parents who spend time with them, show interest in their activities and friends and really listen to what they have to say. Our own parents gave us these gifts and we willingly pass them to our boys.

These days, our mothers are able to fill their lives with their own interests, travel adventures and friends. We hold dear to the time that we have with them during visits and phone calls. Although we live in a different state than my in-laws and a different country than my parents, we know that our mothers are still thinking of us, worrying about us and loving us. We know that, no matter how old we are, we will always be their babies. We understand this and, truly, we wouldn’t have it any other way. And so, to our mums we say this from our hearts:

Thank you and we love you.

Recipe Ideas:

Main Dishes for Brunch:

Left to right: Baked Crepes with Sun-Dried Tomato, Zucchini & Mascarpone Cheese; Whole Wheat Waffles with Blueberry Maple Sauce; Poached Egg on Toast with Chipotle Mayo, Bacon & Avocado; and How to: Make an Omelet (with variations).

Breads for Brunch:

Left to right: Smoked Salmon & Gorgonzola Cheese Savory Muffins, Glazed Pink Grapefruit Quick Bread and Heath Bar Chocolate & Toffee Cinnamon Rolls

Teatime:

Left to right: Orange & Coconut Tea Cookie; Ham, Mango Chutney & Pecan Tea Sandwiches; Savory Cranberry, Pistachio & Goat Cheese Palmiers; and Shrimp, Cucumber & Curry Cream Cheese Canapes.