Mother’s Day is here again, and, this year, let’s make sure Mom gets a chance to slow down and relax. Despite our best efforts, the reality is that sometimes Mother’s Day doesn’t end up that way. It may be spent running to and fro, stuck in traffic, trying to find parking at a packed restaurant, or even cleaning up unexpected messes made by adorable, well-meaning young chefs.
Just as no two moms are the same, the way they prefer to celebrate may be different.
Some moms love to go out and celebrate, while others may prefer to celebrate at home. That may mean alone time and having the “day off” or it might be doing something meaningful like taking a walk, playing a game, or preparing and sharing a meal together. Moms of very young children rarely get a rest, so Mother’s Day may be about finding simple, small ways to make sure they can get some time to themselves, even if it’s just five minutes to sip a special smoothie in peace and quiet.
This year, let’s find ways to create a more mindful environment for the moms in our lives. Think about recognizing all the moms you know. Some of them might not have family support; what can you do to ensure they’re also celebrated? Something as simple as a small note or text of appreciation or in solidarity with a fellow mom can do a lot.
If you’re a mom yourself, sometimes it’s hard to relax and let others take the wheel. That’s okay too. Think about how you want the day to unfold, and let your family and friends know how you’d like to celebrate. It’s okay to say you’d prefer not to have an elaborate brunch buffet or even that that you don’t care for cucumbers.
One way to give Mom a chance to relax is to give her the chance to enjoy some delicious food that she can savor slowly and intentionally.
With that in mind, here are some recipes that are simple to prepare. Getting the kids to “help” can be great if they’re old enough to do so. But remember that leaving mom a mess in the kitchen is no gift at all!
This menu is designed to be served throughout the day so Mom can enjoy small bites of deliciousness that she can truly savor from the minute the plate is put down in front of her. Give her time to appreciate the colors, textures, and flavors—subtle, layered, or intense.
Read on for five recipes that are designed to be easy to prepare, beautifully-yet-simply presented, and suffused with flavor to allow Mom to savor her day.
Romesco Devilled Eggs
For these classic hors d’oeuvres, blend hardboiled egg yolks with the traditional ingredients of a romesco sauce: piquillo peppers, sherry vinegar, and hazelnuts. The result is a mild and creamy two-bite wonder with just a hint of smoky spice. They make a perfect brunch appetizer or light snack to keep Mom going. Make them pretty by piling the filling high and garnishing with piquillo pepper slices, hazelnuts, and capers. Deliver them to her while she reads her favorite book.
Avocado Toast with Micro Arugula, Strawberries, Goat Cheese, and Balsamic Vinegar
This sweet and savory avocado toast is a snap to put together. Even young children can help to make this. The avocado gets a hit of spice with the addition of some chili flakes and then is topped with balsamic-marinated strawberries and peppery microgreens for the perfect combination of savory and sweet.
Spicy Tofu Scramble with Spinach and Sweet Potato
Packed with flavor, spice, and plant-based protein, this satisfying and spicy breakfast dish makes enough for the whole family and is a cinch to make. Mustard powder, turmeric, and tahini lend not only their color but their flavor to this scrumptious dish while sweet potatoes and spinach make sure that mom gets her veggies.
Seared Scallops with Soy and Ginger Marinated Grilled Asparagus
If Mom is more lunch than brunch, this simple and delicious plate is sure to please. Spring asparagus gets a delicious savory treatment full of flavor from soy, ginger, garlic, miso, and chili flakes. Served alongside sweet scallops, it’s a beautiful and sophisticated combination that’s easy to make and enjoy.
Aquafaba Pavlova with Mango, Mint, and Lime Coconut Cream
Mom is sure to love this sweet and sensational-looking dessert made with aquafaba meringue. The meringue’s crisp texture provides contrast with the fluffy whipped coconut cream, topped with mango purée and sweet mango chunks. Lime zest and mint bring everything together, while a dash of blue matcha makes the meringue’s interior a subtle surprise.
This recipe originally appeared on alive.com as “Mindful Mother’s Day.”
