The Joy of Cooking for Mom
By Mark Mulcahy
Mother’s Day is celebrated on the second Sunday of May. I am lucky enough to still be able to celebrate with my mom, who is 99 years old, and, as you can imagine, each Mother’s Day we share becomes even more precious.
I visit my mom often, and part of my usual routine is to bring her something homemade to enjoy. It could be my spinach mushroom quiche, 12-hour crock pot chili, enchiladas with homemade sauce, our family’s favorite shortbread, or even oatmeal chocolate chip cookies from her very own recipe... but never lasagna!
As much as she loves to eat and appreciates the food gifts I bring, she is very specific about what she likes and doesn't like and clearly lets me know when something isn't to her liking. (Thus, no lasagna or refried beans, so I add black beans to the enchiladas instead.) At first it was a little hard to hear her dislikes, but now I mostly just appreciate that she tells me what she enjoys. It certainly makes cooking for her easier these days.
Now, don’t get me wrong—I’ll still surprise her with things like our friend Deb Pool’s lemon poke cake, or a new soup I’m trying out. The reward is worth the risk of her not liking it, and I’ve always felt that cooking is one way we show each other our love.
A couple of my mom’s favorite holidays are Easter and Mother’s Day, and green beans and fresh strawberries are at the top of her list of favorite fruits and vegetables. So this year I’m making her organic green beans amandine, organic strawberry shortcake, and grilled lemon chicken breast for her special day.
What are your mother, stepmother, adopted mom or friend-mom’s favorites?
If you haven't thought of a gift, maybe they would love to receive something homemade—and hopefully, you will find the joy of cooking for Mom or someone else to be an equal gift to yourself!
Melissa’s has tons of great recipes to get you started, and you know that with the Melissa’s label, whatever ingredient you use will be top-notch.
Gotta go—mom just texted me with some menu suggestions!
As much as she loves to eat and appreciates the food gifts I bring, she is very specific about what she likes and doesn't like and clearly lets me know when something isn't to her liking. (Thus, no lasagna or refried beans, so I add black beans to the enchiladas instead.) At first it was a little hard to hear her dislikes, but now I mostly just appreciate that she tells me what she enjoys. It certainly makes cooking for her easier these days.
Now, don’t get me wrong—I’ll still surprise her with things like our friend Deb Pool’s lemon poke cake, or a new soup I’m trying out. The reward is worth the risk of her not liking it, and I’ve always felt that cooking is one way we show each other our love.
What are your mother, stepmother, adopted mom or friend-mom’s favorites?
If you haven't thought of a gift, maybe they would love to receive something homemade—and hopefully, you will find the joy of cooking for Mom or someone else to be an equal gift to yourself!
Melissa’s has tons of great recipes to get you started, and you know that with the Melissa’s label, whatever ingredient you use will be top-notch.
Gotta go—mom just texted me with some menu suggestions!
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