Mother’s Day and brunch go together like peanut butter and jelly. Why brunch? Maybe the timing: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. suits all ages, from fussy newborns to older people in the family. Mother’s Day brunch is so popular in the U.S. that 58 percent of those polled in 2012 said they would celebrate Mom with a restaurant brunch.
As a foodie, mom and grandmother, I say go against the tide: Something homemade is more meaningful — and you won’t have to wait in line. The key is planning and thinking ahead for something different and better: better, because you took the time to think, plan and execute.
Mom’s not the breakfast-in-bed type? How about putting together an omelet bar in the kitchen that features her favorite ingredients? The key is to figure out what Mom would like best. Maybe a picnic lunch or dinner would be her cup of tea. Or an afternoon tea.
The bottom line: Figure out what would make your mom happy. Does she like an intimate gathering with her kids? Or would she like it if you invite some of her close friends who may otherwise be alone on Mother’s Day?
The ingredients for a successful Mother’s Day depend on your thoughtfulness. “You get out what you put in,” as my late mother would say.
While you’re thinking and planning, consider the following recipes, which I love. They are from a new cookbook, “CHIC Made Simple” by Esther Deutsch. It is full of helpful comments and gorgeous photos of fresh, fast and fabulous kosher cuisine. I’m sure any mom would love this book!
Chocolate Chunk Pudding Cookies
Tips & Tricks
• Using grated citrus rind or fresh ginger in a recipe? Freeze the whole lemon, lime or peeled ginger for about 30 minutes until partially hardened. You can freeze leftover zest.
• To mince garlic or ginger evenly in a food processor, drop the cloves through the feed tube while the steel blade is running.
• When a recipe calls for softened butter, leave it at room temperature for 45 to 60 minutes or slice it to speed softening. Butter too soft will provide less leavening.
• For a great plate warmer, place your plates on top of your toaster while toasting bagels or bread.
