by Maggie B.

“Honour thy father and mother;
(which is the first commandment with promise).”
{Ephesians 6:2} 

When thinking about the topic of blessing your mother on Mother’s day, I find it interesting that just the other day I was telling my mommy that it seemed every plan I’ve had to surprise her, did not work exactly as I had planned, because she wasn’t helping me with it! We are so close that I find it hard to do a grand project, without consulting her for her ideas and help!

Though I have planned elaborate surprises to bless my mother before, simple works well. A loving mother will enjoy any effort her children make to bless her. Here are some ideas that I hope will encourage you as you make your mom’s Mother Day special.

Meal Ideas

Over the years, I, with the help of my sister, have planned meals to make on Mother’s Day. It’s a challenge to put together a “special occasion” meal at times, but you really cannot go wrong, if you consider what foods she enjoys. You can either plan a “secret menu” or just ask her what she would like. Collaborate with your siblings and scout around to see if you can find a new recipe to try. Planning is the key to success.

I thought I’d share a couple recipes with you that I have made for a special occasion breakfast for my Mommy. Preparing a breakfast-in-bed is another special idea! [KBR’s cookbook, The Maiden’s Menu, includes special menu suggestions for a “Mother’s Day Breakfast in Bed” and a “Mother’s Day Tea,” along with more wonderful recipes to try!]

Vegetarian Egg Strata

“My mother loves vegetables, so this dish was a hit. You can change this recipe based on what you have on hand, or what vegetables your mother likes.”

• 1 medium zucchini, finely chopped
• 1 medium sweet red pepper, finely chopped
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1 medium red onion, finely chopped
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 teaspoons minced fresh thyme or ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• 1 (1-pound) loaf day-old bread, cubed (French bread would be great!)
• 2 (5.3-ounce) packages fresh goat cheese, crumbled or shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 ¾ cups grated Parmesan cheese
• 6 eggs
• 2 cups milk
• ¼ teaspoon grated nutmeg, optional

In a skillet, sauté zucchini, red pepper, mushrooms and onion in oil until tender. Add the garlic, thyme, salt and pepper; sauté 2 minutes more.

In a well-greased 13×9-inch baking dish, layer half of the bread cubes, half of zucchini mixture and half of cheeses. Repeat layers. In a bowl, whisk the eggs milk and nutmeg together. Pour over layers. Cover and refrigerate overnight.

Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees for 45-50 minutes or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Let stand for 10 minutes before cutting.

Lemon Pound Cake Muffins

“Mommy and I both like lemon. These “muffins” are more like dessert and are quite fancy! One key to muffins is to stir only until the dry ingredients are moistened so they come out tender.”

• ½ cup butter, softened
• ¾ – 1 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon lemon extract
• 1 ¾ cups flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda

Glaze:

• 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice

In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in the sour cream and extracts. Combine the flour, salt and baking soda; add to creamed mixture just until moistened.

Fill greased or paper-lined muffin cups three-fourths full. Bake at 400 degrees for about 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 5 minutes before removing from pan to a wire rack.

Combine the glaze ingredients; drizzle over muffins. Serve warm. Yields 1 dozen.

 

Gift Ideas

Again, any gift is special when it is given with love. Remember to include your siblings and ask for their ideas! They may have heard your mother mention something that she needs something in particular. Here are some thought-starters.

• Potted flowers and plants. You can either start your plant from seed or pick it up at a garden center or greenhouse. Pick out a pretty pot or dress up a plain terra cotta pot with paint. Or get some flower bulbs that will bloom every year.
• Cut flowers – whether they’re from a florist or gathered from the yard – are a very special gift.
• Make a “coupon” book. Fill each page with things like “Redeem to have the windows washed” or “Good for one candlelit dinner.” Be creative and ask your siblings to pitch in and contribute jobs that they will do. Tie or staple the pages together and present them to Mother.
• Fill a jar with slips of paper, each containing a Bible verse.
• Make a handicraft project, such as an apron, tablecover or dishcloth and present it prettily in tissue paper and ribbons.
• Create a card, either stamped, hand-drawn or purchased, and fill it with a message from each of the children of the family. For a different approach, you could also each compose a message and record it on a cassette tape, CD or video. This would be a special keepsake!
• Make a basket filled with pretty and useful things that she will enjoy. Some ideas? Boxed tea, a tea cup, stationery or note cards, a pen, a cooking magazine subscription, a gift card to a favorite restaurant, a herbal sachet or handmade soap, flower seeds, or a CD of music.

I hope these ideas help you to plan a delightful Mother’s Day this year!

Maggie B.
{Guest Writer}