Moms labor year-round for their families, so labors of love from others are especially appreciated on Mother’s Day, whether it’s a handmade card from a 4-year-old or a gourmet dinner cooked at home.
It isn’t necessary to spend a lot of money to make a mom feel loved and appreciated on her designated day. Homemade cookies, breakfast in bed, a family brunch or cookout, a box of her favorite chocolates, or time to relax over a leisurely cup of coffee all are simple ideas to make her feel appreciated.
Backing up this idea have been surveys that say that moms appreciate thoughtful gifts the most, whether it’s something homemade or a chance to relax and get a break from “mom” duties.
Whatever you decide, keep in mind that moms need to eat and they love it when someone else does the cooking. Make your reservation now if you want to go out, or start planning a menu if you prefer to eat at home. Dinner is good, but so is brunch, especially when it is followed by a day doing something she likes, such as a trip to a theme park, vineyard or floral gardens.
If planning a meal, this recipe from allrecipes.com would work for brunch or as dessert on Mother’s Day or any other day you want to make someone feel special. For now, Southern strawberries are available in supermarkets. In a few weeks we can enjoy locally-grown berries.
Creamy Strawberry Crepes
Crepes:
3 eggs
½ cup milk
½ cup water
3 tablespoons butter, melted
¾ cup all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt
Filling:
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1¼ cups sifted confectioners’ sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup heavy cream, whipped
4 cups sliced strawberries
1. Place the eggs, milk, water, melted butter, flour, and salt in the pitcher of a blender; blend until smooth.
2. Blend the cream cheese, confectioners’ sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla with an electric mixer until smooth. Gently fold in the whipped cream.
3. Heat a lightly oiled griddle or non-stick skillet over medium heat. Pour or scoop the batter onto the griddle, using approximately 2 tablespoons for each crepe. Tip and rotate pan to spread batter as thinly as possible. Flip over when the batter is set and the edges are beginning to brown. Cook until the other side begins to brown. Stack finished crepes on a plate, cover with a damp towel and set aside.
4. To serve, fill each crepe with 1/4 cup sliced strawberries and 1/3 cup of the cream cheese filling, roll up and top with a small dollop of the cream cheese filling and more sliced strawberries.
