The most cherished Mother’s Day meal I recall is the very first one my son prepared for me.
At just three years old, he surprised me with breakfast in bed, featuring a bowl of whole grain cereal accompanied by my favorite organic soy milk, all arranged in a bowl he retrieved from the dishwasher. The catch? The dishwasher had not yet run, so we ended up enjoying our cereal from somewhat unwashed bowls—but it was the most heartwarming breakfast I’ve ever experienced.
As my son matured and honed his cooking skills, our Mother’s Day meals evolved too. What began with cereal transitioned to scrambled eggs, then French toast, and eventually, as he reached his teenage years, elaborate dinners. These meals typically feature pasta, a fresh salad, and ice cream, each made with care just for me.
Ultimately, what we mothers truly cherish is a heartfelt meal made from scratch!
If you’re looking to create an unforgettable Mother’s Day meal for your mom, here’s a complete guide. Remember, young chefs will need adult supervision while in the kitchen.
Menu
- Plated Green Salad with a Sweet and Tangy Creamy Dressing
- Chicken with Peaches
- Brown or red rice
- Your choice of green vegetable
- Fudge Brownie Chocolate Pudding Cake
Grocery List
- 1 – 5 oz (142 g) package of spring greens mix
- 12 cherry tomatoes
- 1 medium English cucumber
- 1 medium onion
- 8 organic skinless, boneless chicken thighs (about 1 1/2 lbs/ 700 g)
- 1 – 398 mL (14 oz) can of whole peaches in light syrup, water, or fruit juice
- Cocoa powder
- Chocolate chips, minimum 70 percent cocoa content
Preparation Plan
- Begin by making the Fudge Brownie Chocolate Pudding Cake.
- Cook the rice one hour before serving, following the instructions on the package.
- Prepare your preferred green vegetable, keeping it uncooked, and set it aside.
- Make the salad dressing and refrigerate it.
- Wash and spin dry the salad greens, then refrigerate.
- Chop the tomatoes and cucumber for the salad and store them in the fridge.
- Prepare the Chicken with Peaches no later than 30 minutes before the rice is ready.
- When the rice is cooked and the chicken is nearing completion, serve the salad.
- After the salad, cook the green vegetable.
- On four plates, arrange 1/2 cup (125 mL) of cooked rice, a quarter portion of Chicken with Peaches and its sauce, and the cooked vegetable.
- Finally, present the dessert after dinner.
Items to Have on Hand
Check your pantry and fridge for these essentials. If any are missing, add them to your grocery list—and aim for organic options where possible.
- Low-fat mayonnaise
- Low-fat plain yogurt
- Apple cider vinegar
- Low-sodium chicken broth
- Pure maple syrup
- Dijon mustard
- Paprika
- Dark brown sugar
- Granulated cane sugar
- Whole wheat flour
- Baking powder
- Cinnamon
- Pure vanilla extract
- Skim milk or soy milk
- Unsalted butter
