Mother's Day Menu for All Ages

Mother's Day - that special day in May set aside to remember our Mom's. For some of us it is gathering for a large reunion of multi-generations, all enjoying their meal together. For other families it may be a specially cooked breakfast served to Mother in bed.

For my household it is a Mid-Day meal. Why do we pick a late lunch or early supper? Mother's Day is on a Sunday and it is a school night an early gathering gives time for baths, quiet down time from the day's excitement and maybe a chance at a reasonable bedtime.

Here are two menus for you to try depending on your plans; both are designed to be easy for the grown-up in charge (not Mother - remember she is off today).

The Luncheon at Home
Easy Salad Sandwiches
Cut Veggie Platter with Dip
Berry Layered ShortcakeIced
Tea with Lemonade Ice Cubes

This menu can consist of a variety of your favorite salads such as, tuna, chicken, and egg. To add more variety offer different breads to build fun sandwiches with one slice of whole wheat and the other slice white can make for lots of smiles and laughs. Cut veggies are available all ready to serve in the grocery and many dressings that are ideal for dipping are available in children friendly flavors. Pour lemonade into an ice cube tray and freeze for lemonade ice cubes.

Below is the recipe for the Berry Layered Shortcake, don't forget to have plenty of whipped cream ready.

Berry Layered Shortcake

1 Butter Pound Cake - homemade or store bought, sliced into about 1-inch thick slices

1 ½ to 2 cups raspberries, blueberries and sliced strawberries

1 Tablespoon sugar

½ teaspoon vanilla

Whipped Cream

Cut each slice of pound cake into quarters. Combine assorted berries, sugar and vanilla in a bowl and set aside.

To assemble:
1. Place pound cake piece on plate and spoon berries on top.
2. Repeat making another layer of cake and berries.
3. Top with whipped cream.

Fun Easy Picnic
Tortillas Wraps
Veggie Bags with Ranch Dressing
Cookies
Cooled Juice Drinks

In the event of rain this meal can be moved to a picnic inside the house. This menu can consist of a buffet style sandwich that the children can help create for mother from the deli meats, cheeses (most of the main brands now come all pre-sliced in tight closing containers, ready to toss in your ice packed cooler), lettuce and tomato the grown-up in charge purchased at the grocery. Tortillas wraps come in a wide variety of different flavors and sizes. Mayonnaise should be purchased in very small containers that you throw away when you return home - just to be safe (food poisoning does not a Happy Mother's Day make). Cut veggies placed in personal zip-lock bags with a Ranch dressing dipping cup is ready to travel. An assortment of cookies and lots of cool drinks make a well rounded meal. Don't forget the Wet Wipes for sticky messy hands, fingers, and faces.

Our luncheon is usually held at home on the back deck, weather permitting. It is then followed by the children and now - grand child planting the Mother's Day gift that has become their signature for my nearly 30 years of Motherhood - a flat or two of marigolds lovingly planted into the annual garden. It is a gift that I enjoy all season long.

Happy Mother's Day to All!!