Mother's Day is Approaching!
It's that time of year again. Mother's Day is fast approaching, and you may be looking for a way to give your mom the day she deserves. Cheesy greeting cards? Small kitchen appliances or oven mitts? Perhaps an ironic apron? Rather than contributing to the toxic corporate control of holidays, make a lasting impression. Personally, I am a firm believer in cooking a meal for those you love, and giving them a handwritten card to let them know you care.
Unfortunately the origin of Mother's Day isn't the happiest story. The credited 'mother of Mother's Day,' Anna Jarvis, was deeply upset when corporations began to use the holiday as a profit center. I wholeheartedly agree with her, no one should ever need an excuse to do something nice for their mom. However, it is nice to have a day out of the year to plan to cherish her!
My Mom's Mother's Day
One of my more redeemable qualities is the ability to cook fairly well. My mom was my first teacher in the kitchen; I remember flipping pancakes for her when I was quite young. A few years ago, I began the tradition of waking up early on Mother's Day and making my mom, and the whole family, breakfast. This year I decided to up the ante with a stuffed french toast!
The Recipe
Cream together a pound of cream cheese, a few tablespoons of sugar and a couple handfuls of pecans. Smear as much filling as you can in the middle of a brioche bun (one-up me by making your own brioche!). . .
. . .and batter them with a typical french toast mix of milk, eggs, cinnamon, with the addition of Grand Marnier (orange liqueur). This isn't your everyday french toast, the cream cheese will melt into heaven and the liqueur will bring out the ever necessary sugar and spice. Then top your fluffy ooey-gooey disks of goodness with fresh whipped cream. Which can be made by beating two tablespoons of sugar for every cup of heavy cream until stiff peaks form, an electric mixer would be your friend, but it isn't necessary. I also used some fresh strawberries from the near peak of season!
I would always recommend something sweet, but you know your mom best! Incorporating fresh fruit, not only makes your food more delicious, but it also adds a pleasing aesthetic. I made sure to add some bacon to the fray to satisfy the carnivorous, salt craving members of the family. The important thing is do to your best to create something with your hands.
This Mother's Day I urge you to stay away from the never ending storm of retail garbage, and give your mom something directly from the bottom of your heart. It is hard to dispute the value of a home cooked meal, a card or note that you wrote yourself (never a mass-appealing generic greeting card), and a nice bouquet of flowers if it is affordable. I assure you, that your mom will be ever grateful for your thoughtfulness!