Some Ideas for Mother's Day 2019
Hiya! How’s your weekend going so far? Kind of hard to believe that it’s been a year since last Mother’s day but the calendar says it’s coming up next Sunday, so who am I to argue?!!
Now, I’ve found that the celebrating of moms falls into 2 pretty district camps: Brunch and Dinner. We are definitely of the brunch sort, the at home kind—I know some people go out but we’re just too many to do it pleasantly and besides we’re too picky, so brunch at home it is (though we have been known to throw the occasional dinner bbq).
After years and years of either hosting or going to my mom’s or to one of my sisters' houses, I’ve come up with a few guidelines that are mostly for me, but I thought might help you too. Take or leave ‘em, except for the dessert clause, because duh!!!
*First off and most important: No pancakes or waffles or other last minute goodies if you are serving more than 6 people or if you’ve got small kids—not even if others (such as husbands or partners) offer to “help”—it’s just too much stress no matter what and you want happiness and warm, fuzzy feelings, not some crazy lady who’s ready to tear out her hair as well as everyone else’s!! Save those for lazy Sunday mornings.
*Which brings us to those lifesaver dishes that you can make ahead and generally make in one pan or vessel. Get to know them. Stuff like quiches, bread puddings, frittatas, overnight French toast, etc, They are your friends! (I’ve indicated them in the lists below. I would also include any quick breads or muffins you can either bake the day before or at least make the batter the day before and then just bake up the morning of. Also don’t forget about what a treat homemade granola with yogurt can be—easy and totally make ahead.)
*Don’t make the mistake I always do which is to feel like I have to hit all the bases and make everyone’s favorites..This is brunch, not an all day food-fest. Pick a couple of dishes and stick with them. Like you can make a bread pudding or a quiche and serve bagels but you don’t need to bake muffins and bread too. I always go overboard.
*That said, this is a celebration, so even though it’s brunch, I highly recommend some sort of dessert. As a mom, I can tell you that no get-together for kids is ever really complete without something sweet and since the day is about moms that presumes the existence of kids and well...you get the picture.
*One more thing—if you’re looking for a gift for your mom or need to give someone in your life some serious help in the gift-buying department, check out this Mother’s Day Gift Guide from my friends at Dear Ava or explore their site for other great gift ideas!
Now without further ado, here are some great ideas for main dishes and desserts that’ll make that Mom’s Day brunch sane and amazingly delicious too! Have a great weekend!
BRUNCH
"No-Crust" Asparagus and Feta Quiche
Another Crustless Quiche: Caramelized Onion, Leek and Mushroom with Red Pepper and Fontina
Overnight Onion, Spinach and Cheese Strata—
Corn, Scallion and Potato Frittata
Dried Cherry and Apricot Bread Pudding
Overnight Cinnamon Toast Bread Pudding
Peanut Butter Granola with Chocolate and Apricots
Double Chocolate Cherry Muffins
Dangerously Good Blueberry Bread
Whole Grain Strawberry Muffins with Walnuts and Chocolate
Blueberry Lemon Cornmeal Scones
Lemon-Currant Buttermilk Scones
Vanilla French Toast with Brown Sugar Cranberry Sauce—only if you’re 6 or less
Lemon Ricotta Hotcakes with Fresh Blackberry Sauce—only if you’re 6 or less
Desserts
Blueberry Cornmeal Muffin Cake
My Husband’s Favorite Coffeecake (mine too!)
Everyday Raspberry Buttermilk Cake
Easy Slice ‘n Bake Butter Cookies
Chocolate Chocolate Chip Espresso Cookies
Chewy Double Chocolate Cherry Cookies
Chunky Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies
Flat Chewy Heath Bar Chocolate Chunk Cookies
No-Bake Peanut Butter and Chocolate Bars
Luscious Lemon Shortbread Bars
Annabel's Peanut Butter Blondies
Easy Toasted Coconut Key Lime Pie Bars
I’ll be sharing a couple of new brunch ideas during the week too, depending on how my kitchen time goes this weekend, but I think this gives you a pretty good start! And if you have any brunch favorites of your own, please share! I love getting your recipes!!!