Celebrating Mother

A mother is not a person to lean on, but a person to make leaning unnecessary. Dorothy Canfield Fisher

Mom's love it when their children offer gifts made from their own hands, from their hearts. Not everyone is crafty. Not everyone is a great cook. However, if you follow these recipes, step-by-step, you should end up with a meal everyone will enjoy. Better yet, make this a family affair where all of the siblings join in the meal preparation. It doesn't need to turn out perfectly, have fun with it. The joy you put into it will show in your mother's face, at the brunch table.

Menu

Coffee

Tea

Fruit Salad

White Chocolate Cranberry Scones

Mothers Day Strata

Instructions

1. A day or two before the big day, make a list of ingredients from the recipes below. Purchase needed items.

The morning of Mothers Day

2. Brew Coffee

(have a cup while you cook)

3. Prepare in order:

White Chocolate Cranberry Scones

(this recipe makes 8 scones, it may be doubled if needed)

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour

½ cup sugar

1 teaspoon baking powder

¼ teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon salt

8 tablespoons butter

½ cup dried cranberries ( or craisins)

½ cup white chocolate chips

½ cup chopped walnuts

½ cup sour cream

1 egg

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Cut butter into flour mixture (as for biscuits) until crumbly.

Mix in dried cranberries, white chocolate chips and walnuts.

In a separate bowl, beat eggs. Whisk in softened cream cheese until mixture is smooth. Combine with dry mixture and stir. Form eight balls, flatten and place on a cookie sheet. Bake 15 to 17 minutes. Serve warm.

(while scones are baking prepare Mothers Day strata)

Mothers Day Strata

Ingredients

3 cups chopped fresh broccoli or zucchini (your choice)

2 cups cubed ham or cooked chopped bacon (your choice)

1 cup chopped onion

1 cup chopped red bell pepper

1 cup chopped orange bell pepper

1/3 cup vegetable oil

2 - 8 oz. packages cream cheese, softened

1 dozen eggs

4 cups cubed bread (whole wheat, white, French, sour dough - your choice)

3 cups Cheddar cheese

Salt & pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

In a large prying pan, saute vegetables in oil until they are tender. Set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add eggs and beat. Add bread cubes, cheddar cheese and vegetable mixture. Pour into 2 greased 7"X"11" baking pan. Bake, uncovered, 35 to 40 minutes. Check doneness by inserting knife in center and it comes out clean, not wet. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving. Leftovers are great heated and served with a green salad.

(while strata is baking prepare tea and fruit)

Fruit Salad

Ingredients

1 15 oz. can pineapple chunks (with juice)

1 cup sliced strawberries

1 cup blackberries

1 cup raspberries

1 banana

1 cup mandarin orange slices

Combine all fruit in a large bowl. Mix in pineapple juice. Chill until ready to serve.

Brew a second pot of coffee if needed.

Heat water for tea.

Don't forget to set a nice table using the beautiful flower arrangement you brought for your mother.

Most importantly, clean up. Appoint family members to unset the table, wash dishes and clean the kitchen.

Have a lovely day.