Making Mother's Day Brunch

Dear Kids – and Dads of Kids,

Mark your calendars. Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 11. It’s time to celebrate the mothers in your life. Now, it’s true that no mom would ever complain about microwaved eggs and dandelions plucked from the front lawn by her precious little ones, but this year, how about doing something a little more sophisticated for all the women in the family?

A Mother’s Day brunch is a great alternative to breakfast in bed with the kids, and it’s not hard to do. In order to make this a success, you’ll need a good team. Start by calling up a few of the men in your family and invite them and their kids over to celebrate and honor their wives on Mother’s Day.

Remember, it’s her day, so do the things you know she likes, even if you hate them.

• Play Celine Dion, even if you prefer Lynard Skynard.

• Make eggs and salmon hash, even if you would rather have a plate full of meat and potatoes with a side of cheese grits.

• Light candles, use the good plates, and don’t be afraid to dress up a little bit for the occasion. She will notice and certainly appreciate all of the thoughtful gestures and sacrifices you make. With a few simple recipes (that the kids can help with) and a bouquet of her favorite flowers, this will be an unforgettable Mother’s Day for everyone, especially Mom.

Now the secret to success is planning. Even if you’ve never ventured into the kitchen before, you will wow her with these simple and easy-to-prepare recipes. From start to finish this will take you less than 30 minutes and will only cost about $45. If you’re still certain that this is simply beyond your capability, a trip to Paris or a diamond necklace may work as well!

Important Tip: Gather all of the ingredients, pots and pans, and equipment you’ll need. Better to find out you won’t have enough eggs before the guests arrive. Set water boiling before you do anything else.

This recipe takes the basic Mimosa and turns it up a notch. Once you've enjoyed a Passion Fruit Mimosa, it is unlikely that you'll settle for the standard OJ and bubbles during your next celebratory brunch.

Ingredients

Fill half of a Champagne flute with chilled Champagne and top off with chilled passion fruit juice, gently stir. For added flare, slice up a strawberry or an orange to decorate the rim of each flute.

Ingredients

Make sauce according to package directions. Set aside in warm area.

Place ham slices on microwave-safe plate and warm in microwave 30 seconds (a good job for the kids). Check pot to make sure water is boiling. Add 1 tablespoon of vinegar to boiling water. Lightly salt water. Carefully break eggs into a bowl, and then gently put eggs in boiling water. Be careful not to break the yolks.

Simmer eggs on lowest stovetop setting, for 3 to 5 minutes or until desired doneness. Remove with slotted spoon; drain on clean towel. On warm serving plates, place toasted English muffins, 2 halves to each plate. Top each muffin half with a slice of ham and a poached egg. Spoon a little sauce over the eggs.

PREPARATION:

Cook sliced potatoes in boiling water until just tender, 5-6 minutes. Drain, rinse under cold water and pat dry. In heavy 8-inch skillet, over high heat, melt 1 tablespoon butter with 1 tablespoon oil. Add potatoes and cook until crisp and golden, 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently. Transfer potatoes to medium bowl and set aside. In same skillet, over medium low heat, melt 1 tablespoon butter. Add garlic, onion, celery, and green pepper. Cook until soft, about 6 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add this mixture to potatoes.

Stir cream and pepper into potatoes. Cool to room temperature. Mix parsley and cubed salmon into potatoes. Cover and refrigerate up to 24 hours if made ahead.

Before serving, bake at 250 or microwave until hot.

Place a spoonful of Salmon Hash on plate. Serve.

Pat yourself on the back for a job well done. Oh, and don’t forget, it’s your turn to do the dishes too.