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Happy-Gourmand

Give Mom a break

It's that time of year again when we are all supposed to give Mom a break. Cook a meal, clean the house, walk the dog ... Pitch in a bit extra as a way of saying thank you for all she does. Perhaps too Mother's Day is a chance for the rest of us to walk a mile in Mom's shoes?

Moms - and I'm including Grandmas, step-moms, and any other female caregivers you might know - do a lot. Nurturing another human being is a many-faceted responsibility. As such, we have many opportunities to show our gratitude. Unfortunately it's all too easy to forget everyday things and Moms are usually a big part of our everyday life. Mother's Day is our official reminder.

We can certainly do the traditional things like making Mom breakfast in bed or taking her out to a restaurant. If your Mom would enjoy this then go for it! My only advice here is make a reservation for the restaurant and plan a reasonable menu for breakfast in bed. Don't attempt to do either of these last minute unless your family is used to the challenges that come with spontaneity (translation: everyone needs a sense of humour).

Or, how about trying something out for the box for Mom?

  • Maybe she's not a foodie and you're not much of a cook. Then ordering pizza or Thai or whatever is fine; your special gesture is planning on her not cooking or doing dishes. Add a card or something else personal, just from you, and you're set!
  • How many things do Moms look after that they'd rather not? If you could take one thing off her plate what would it be? You would do it for a friend, doesn't Mom deserve the same?
  • What is usually the most rare commodity these days? Time is a beautiful gift to give Mom, even if it's a simple walk in the park. Create a memory - it doesn't have to cost a penny.

 

Maybe Mom lives far away. If you can, call her on Mother's Day. Moms love to hear our voices. Emails and online cards are fine, but there is nothing like hearing the actual words, "I love you." When I was younger and away from my mom, she used to say that hearing my voice helped her place me in the world and know I was safe.

If you're like me and not a mom you might want to recognize other moms too. I have some wonderful girlfriends who are great moms for their families and have been an inspiration to me as a woman.

More than anything, just don't let Mother's Day pass by without recognizing at least one Mom you admire.

And, in case you need a recipe for breakfast in bed, here's one that never fails :)

 

CHEF MARTIN'S HOMEMADE FRUIT GOOP

(great on pancakes or French toast, and awesome on yogurt, or ice cream!)

  • 8 large apples, cut in medium pieces and peeled and cored if necessary

(you can use any crispy-fleshed apple variety, any kind of berries, rhubarb, pears, peaches, plums - or a combination. Try to pick fruit in season or go for frozen pieces)

  • 2 cups water (use only 1 cup if your fruit is frozen)
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • zest of 1 lemon
  • 1-1/2 tsp cornstarch in 2 tbsp water, added at the end to make it a bit thicker if you wish

 

Optional:

Other spices - cloves for apples or pears, ginger for rhubarb or pears, nutmeg for peaches - use your imagination!

 

Method:

In a large saucepan, combine the fruit, apples, sugar, spice and lemon zest, and bring to a gentle boil. Lower the heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the fruit is tender but not mushy and the mixture is a bit thicker, around 10 to 15 minutes. If you wish, here is where you add the cornstarch. Remember this mixture will also thicken a bit as it cools off; you still want it to be a sauce, not a jam.

Remove from the heat and let cool to room temperature before serving.

French toast tips:

  • add a touch of cream with the milk to make it richer (try coconut milk if you want dairy free)
  • Add cinnamon, nutmeg too if you like, and a splash of vanilla extract - or even rum, if a grown up is helping :)
  • Cook on a hot griddle or pan and keep extras warm in a 200F oven.
  • Serve with syrup, jam or other accompaniments at room temperature (not cold out of the fridge, they have more taste when a bit warmer)

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.



More Happy Gourmand articles

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About the Author

Kristin Peturson-Laprise is a customer experience specialist by trade, which means she is someone passionate about people having a good time. 

Her company, Wow Service Mentor, helps businesses enhance their customer experience through hands-on training, service programs, and special event coordination.

Kristin enjoys her own experiences too, and that is what she writes about in this column. She and her husband Martin Laprise (also known as Chef Martin, of The Chef Instead) love to share their passion for food and entertaining.  

Kristin says:

"Wikipedia lists a gourmand as a person who takes great pleasure in food. I have taken the concept of gourmandise, or enjoying something to the fullest, in all parts of my life. I love to grow and cook food, and I loved wine enough to become a Sommelier. I call a meal a success when I can convey that 'sense of place' from where the food has come . . . the French call that terroir, but I just call it the full experience. It might mean tasting the flavours of my own garden, or transporting everyone at the table to a faraway place, reminiscent of travels or dreams we have had."

 

E-mail Kristin at:  [email protected]

Check out her website here:  www.wowservicementor.com

 



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The views expressed are strictly those of the author and not necessarily those of Castanet. Castanet does not warrant the contents.

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