Mother’s Day is just around the corner, and I always find it to be the perfect time to show my appreciation and love for the special person who has guided me throughout my life. One way I like to express my gratitude is by whipping up some delicious and heartfelt meals for my mom on this special day. In this article, I will share a few of my favorite Mother’s Day recipes that are sure to impress and delight your own mom.
In my family, breakfast in bed is a time-honored tradition on Mother’s Day. To make the morning extra special, I like to prepare a variety of sweet and savory dishes that are not only scrumptious but also beautifully presented. From fluffy pancakes with a homemade fruit compote to perfectly seasoned quiche, these breakfast ideas are guaranteed to show your mom just how much you care.
As the day progresses, a delightful, well-rounded meal for dinner is the ultimate way to pamper your mom. In the following paragraphs, I’ll be sharing some of my go-to recipes, from mouthwatering appetizers to indulgent desserts, which can make your Mother’s Day celebration truly unforgettable.
Mother’s Day Brunch
Breakfast in Bed
When I think of Mother’s Day brunch, the first thing that comes to my mind is breakfast in bed. It’s the perfect way for kids and spouses to show their appreciation to moms. For a delightful breakfast in bed, I like to start with a classic dish like smoked salmon and cream cheese bagels, paired with some fresh vegetables, such as cherry tomatoes and cucumber.
One of my favorite menu ideas is to create a mini omelette station, where I can mix and match a variety of ingredients like cheese, diced peppers, onions, and, of course, crispy bacon. To make it extra special, I love to garnish the omelette with edible flowers. As a side, I enjoy a refreshing spinach salad with a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
Moving on to appetizers, I find that prosciutto-wrapped melon or asparagus is a tasty and elegant choice for a Mother’s Day celebration. Additionally, bruschetta topped with a medley of diced tomatoes, basil, and a hint of garlic, served on toasted baguette slices, always adds a touch of Italian flair to my brunch table.
For those looking to enjoy a lighter option, an antipasto platter is an excellent choice. I like to include a selection of olives, marinated artichokes, roasted red peppers, and a variety of cheeses.
As we transition to lunch, I think it’s essential to keep the Mother’s Day brunch fresh and vibrant. I love to incorporate seasonal vegetables and fruits to create a colorful and flavorful spread. For instance, a quiche filled with spinach, feta cheese, and sundried tomatoes is always a hit. To keep things simple for the kids, I often prepare mini sandwiches with smoked salmon or turkey, lettuce, and a spread of hummus.
Preparing a delightful Mother’s Day brunch takes time and effort, but seeing the smile on my mom’s face is the ultimate reward. With these menu ideas, I am ready to celebrate the most important women in my life with a delicious and memorable brunch.
When it comes to Mother’s Day dinner, I like to prepare special dishes to celebrate the occasion. For a classic and delicious option, I often choose to make chicken thighs. They can be marinated in a variety of sauces and baked or grilled to perfection. One of my favorite recipes is honey mustard glazed chicken thighs served with a side of roasted vegetables.
If your mom prefers pasta dishes, consider whipping up a delightful and comforting pot pie. I usually opt for a creamy chicken and vegetable pot pie, but you can easily modify the recipe to include your family’s favorite ingredients or even make it vegetarian by substituting in a medley of hearty veggies.
For a more elegant and upscale option, I suggest preparing a succulent flank steak. Flank steak can be marinated in a variety of flavors, like soy sauce and ginger, before grilling or searing it to a medium-rare finish. This dish is sure to impress and make the Mother’s Day dinner feel extra special.
To accompany your chosen main course, choosing complementary side dishes is essential. Some of my go-to side dishes for a Mother’s Day dinner include:
Garlic mashed potatoes: Creamy and comforting, these pair well with most main courses and are always a hit at my dinner table.
Ingredient
Amount
Potatoes
2 lbs
Butter
1/4 cup
Garlic
3 cloves
Milk
1/4 – 1/2 cup
Salt & Pepper
To taste
Green beans almondine: A delicious and easy recipe with a touch of elegance, these green beans are sautéed with butter and slivered almonds for a tasty and nutritious side.
Caprese salad: Simple and visually appealing, this salad consists of tomatoes, mozzarella, fresh basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. It’s a light and refreshing option that pairs well with pasta dishes and more.
Remember, the key to making a memorable Mother’s Day dinner is to choose recipes that are special and meaningful to your family. Happy cooking!
On Mother’s Day, I love to prepare cakes to celebrate. One of my favorite cakes is a classic strawberry shortcake. It’s a simple and elegant dessert that always impresses my mom. Plus, it’s easy to make:
1 pound fresh strawberries
3 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold
1 cup heavy cream
1 large egg
Powdered sugar, for dusting
When I want something richer, I opt for a luscious lemon cheesecake. Its tangy flavor pairs perfectly with the creamy texture.
Pies and tarts make excellent Mother’s Day desserts too. My lemon tart recipe never fails to put a smile on my mom’s face. Here’s what I use for the filling:
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 cup fresh lemon juice, about 4 lemons
1 tablespoon lemon zest, finely grated
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
Simply combine the above ingredients, pour into a pre-baked tart shell and bake at 350°F (180°C) for approximately 20-25 minutes.
Fruity Treats
If I want to avoid the heaviness of cakes and pies, I prepare something lighter like chocolate-covered strawberries. They’re incredibly simple to make:
Wash and dry one pound of fresh strawberries
Melt 8 oz. of chocolate in a double boiler or the microwave
Dip the strawberries in the melted chocolate
Set on parchment paper to cool and harden
These delightful treats are always a hit on Mother’s Day while keeping things light and enjoyable.
Flavors and Ingredients
When I think of Mother’s Day recipes, I want to create dishes that are both delicious and elegant. To achieve this, I like to focus on fresh and flavorful ingredients that can be combined in creative ways. In this section, I will share some of my favorite flavors and ingredients for a memorable Mother’s Day meal.
Asparagus is a classic spring vegetable that I love incorporating into Mother’s Day dishes. It’s versatile and can be roasted, grilled, or steamed, making it the perfect addition to salads, quiches, or as a side dish. I also find that pairing asparagus with the natural sweetness of honey or the richness of puff pastry makes for a delightful appetizer or side.
When it comes to herbs, basil is one of my top choices for Mother’s Day recipes. It adds a fresh, aromatic flavor to many dishes, and pairs especially well with almonds and mushrooms. A homemade basil pesto can be used as a versatile sauce for pasta, a topping for bruschetta, or mixed into a mayo-based spread for sandwiches.
Seafood, such as scallops, offers a touch of elegance and is perfect for a special meal. I like to serve scallops over an avocado salad, which features a combination of flavors and textures from creamy avocado, tangy lime juice, and crunchy heirloom tomatoes. I often dress this salad with a balsamic vinaigrette to add a touch of sweetness and acidity.
For a unique and savory side dish, I like to roast mushrooms with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkling of rosemary. This pairing enhances the earthy flavors of the mushrooms and adds a touch of brightness. To make this dish even more satisfying, I sometimes thread these mushrooms onto skewers, alongside other vegetables or meats.
Lastly, no Mother’s Day celebration would be complete without a sweet finish. One of my go-to ingredients for desserts is brown sugar which adds a rich, caramelized flavor. I love using it in combination with pecans or a hint of horseradish for a twist on a classic dessert. To round out the flavors, I often add a touch of celery to balance the sweetness of the dish.
Incorporating these flavors and ingredients into your Mother’s Day menu will not only create a delicious and memorable meal, but also celebrate the fresh and vibrant tastes of the season.
Cassie brings decades of experience to the Kitchen Community. She is a noted chef and avid gardener. Her new book "Healthy Eating Through the Garden" will be released shortly. When not writing or speaking about food and gardens Cassie can be found puttering around farmer's markets and greenhouses looking for the next great idea.
