how to treat yo’ mama (and in turn, yo’self) this mother’s day

Well, I think the answer as to how to accomplish this task is pretty obvious: with food. More specifically, with food that you, yes, YOU!, have prepared with those very hands of yours.

Food aside for a minute, a card is also a lovely gesture – especially if you’re not spending the day together. (This is my way of sneaking in an anecdote of my occasionally ridiculous life… Annnnnnd go!)

On Wednesday after work, I rushed to the post office to drop off my cards. I was so determined to beat the last collection of the day that I somehow didn’t see the mailbox “door” (which has a handle, mind you), and instead only saw the open slot above it. After staring at the contraption for a good two minutes, I finally dropped the cards in the slot… only to see the handle literally a second later. I immediately panicked and thought my cards were lost in the Boston Post Office Black Hole, so I hopped on line to alert one of the employees to my misplaced cards.

Turns out the slot is an acceptable place for your mail too… Who knew?

Also, did I mention that my cards were mailed with THE UGLIEST stamps? Yep, those were the result of my post office adventure the day before. Manly muscle car stamps on feminine Mother’s Day cards. Wonderful. (Surprise, Mom!)

Now, back to food! And where better to start than breakfast (/brunch)?!

sweets for sweeties

It’s almost February 14th.  You know what that means, right?

It means that it’s time to bust out the flour, the sugar, the butter, the chocolate.  It’s time to use a little elbow grease, a little patience.

It’s time to bake something sweet for your sweetie – your valentine.

Whether your valentine is your spouse, your mom, your sister, your friend – heck, even your dog ( Okay . . . maybe not your dog.  Chocolate and canines do not mix.), I hope you’ll take the time to show someone you care by baking something special.  After all, cooking or baking for someone shows a lot more thought than buying the usual heart-shaped box of chocolates at your local CVS. 

Trust me on this one.

I thought I’d offer some ideas and inspiration of what to make – my Valentine’s Day round-up of recipes, if you will.

Why not start Valentine’s Day off with a healthy breakfast?  My Maple Pecan Granola with Cinnamon Sugar Sprinkle is delicious and super satisfying.  Serve with strawberries and yogurt – yum!

More of a pancake person?  These Lemon-Scented German Pancakes are easy, light, and sophisticated. 

Now that breakfast is covered, let’s get to what we’re all really here for . . . dessert!

Blackberry Crostata combines a buttery crust with a fresh filling that is bursting with berry flavor.  Rustic and charming!

Homemade Strawberry Ice Cream is the perfect pink dessert for Valentine’s Day!  Drizzle with chocolate sauce for a new twist on the classic chocolate-covered strawberry!

Vanilla Bean Semifreddo with Fresh Raspberry Sauce is an ideal elegant dessert.  Light and creamy, this 5-ingredient dish is sure to impress your valentine!

Of course, you can’t celebrate Valentine’s Day without chocolate! 

Chocolate Shortbread Fingers are soft, tender, and full of chocolate and cinnamon flavor.  Such a great cookie!

 Mexican Hot Chocolate Bark is slightly spicy from a hint of cayenne and a dash of cinnamon, and finished with a sprinkling of pumpkin seeds and sea salt.  So addicting!

Chocolate Pot de Creme with Caramel Pretzel Crunch is the ultimate chocolate indulgence. 

I certainly hope I’ve helped you find something sweet to make for your sweetie!

Happy Valentine’s Day!