Creating the Perfect Mother's Day Brunch

Creating the perfect Mother's Day isn't as hard as you think, if you just keep in mind the mantra: "It's all about mom!"

By Khalil Hymore

What is it about Mother's Day that screams brunch? Even though my sister and I used take our mom out for dinner on Mother's Day, I always seem to remember it as breakfast or brunch. Either way, Mother's Day celebrations should be kept simple and easy. This is not a holiday to spend slaving away in the kitchen away from your guest of honor. Hmm...maybe thats why it is so often associated with breakfast--it's easier!

Opt for meals that you can prepare quickly or in advance (like a buffet of baked goods). Scott and I love to have brunch parties, because the food tends to be simpler to prepare and the atmosphere is more leisurely. In fact, there is no shame in a no cook party!

• Tea Party - Find a fabulous pastry shop and pick up an assortment of scones, croissants, and cookies. Whip up a quick fruit salad, open a few jars of jam, steep a pot of tea, brew some coffee, and you have an instant Mother's Day brunch.

• Bagels and Schmere - Head to your local bagel shop for a dozen bagels, some lox (smoked salmon) and cream cheese (the schmere). Quickly slice up a tomato, some red onion, and a cucumber for topping, arrange it all on a beautiful platter, and you'll end up with a Mother's Day feast that'll have your grandmother declaring "Le'chaim!"
  

• Picnic in the Park - Grab a blanket, a basket, and a bottle of vino and head to your local Italian market or deli. Ask the butcher to slice up some charcuterie (aged meats), pick out a couple wedges of cheese, and pint or two of olives. Call mom and have her meet you in the park for an impromptu picnic, or better yet, find a concert in the park and treat mom to some brunch music.
  

• Mother's Day Marathon - You could skip brunch altogether and set your coffee table up with all of your mom's favorite junk foods and snacks and Netflix some classic television shows for a Mother's Day marathon. I Love Lucy, The Mary Tyler Moore Show, or, might I suggest, commemorate the life and times of Bea Arthur with The Golden Girls (oh, how Scott and I will miss Bea, aka Dorothy Zbornack).
  

Of course, if you choose to stay in, be sure to set the table with your finest linens (preferable handed down from previous generations for sentimental value), arrange a beautiful bouquet of her favorite flowers (the day is all about "mom" after all), and have her favorite tunes playing in the background. The point is to make mom feel relaxed and happy, and, of course, to let her know how much you love her!

To make my Pineapple Eggs Benedict (posting Wednesday, be sure to check back!) you'll need:

From the pantry:

• 1 can of sliced pineapple
  
• light brown sugar
• cayenne pepper
• kosher or sea salt

From the market:

• 1 dozen large yolks
  
• 2 sticks of unsalted butter
  
• 1 lemon
  
• 2 brioche or Challah rolls
  
• 1/2 pound thick cut bacon
  
• 1 bunch fresh chives

Click here to download the Printable Shopping List!