A Mother’s Day Menu Mom Will Love

Planning a menu for Mom? Southern Living recently asked the many mothers among its readership to suggest a few favorite dishes based on their likes. For the early birds, there’s a quiche and “fruitini” combination — perfect for breakfast in bed. A “coastal” mom’s menu includes grilled shrimp and Key lime pie. And the “gourmet” mom gets rack of lamb and a chocolate soufflé. When you’re on a budget, even elegant dishes are less expensive to cook yourself than a restaurant meal — and Mom will know that it took lots of effort. Whatever you choose for your Mother’s Day menu, don’t let her lift a finger during meal preparation, serving or (especially) cleanup.

Easter Brunch on a Budget

Taking the family out for an Easter brunch can get costly, with restaurants competing to offer the most lavish seafood towers, made-to-order omelets and carvery plates. It’s simple to stage a family feast on a budget, however, if you shop wisely. Watch for deals on mainstays like ham and leg of lamb; crowd-pleasing sides such as deviled eggs, asparagus and scalloped potatoes are in-season and inexpensive to prepare. Check out sites such as the Food Network for seasonal ideas, and you’ll be able to create a spring banquet for a fraction of what you’d spend at the local buffet.

Make an Unforgettable Mother’s Day Brunch

Sometimes, the best Mother’s Day gift is to let Mom sleep late and do all of the cooking for an unforgettable brunch. The Food Network offers 28 breakfast and brunch ideas that are sure to warm her heart, such as a breakfast tart with pancetta and green onions and lemon-blueberry pancakes. Pick out easy, fun-to-make recipes and get the kids involved; not only will it teach them valuable skills they can use later in life, but it will also keep them out of Mom’s hair for a while.