Stop Blogging and Cook

I love a man with dishpan hands.  ~kitchen magnet recently purchased

GIFT SUGGESTIONS

SIX WORD SATURDAY
Once again, six words summing up, meme courtesy of Cate at Show My Face.   Eating in is always a win for so many reasons.  See previous post Top Ten Reasons to Know How to Cook.

Cooking at home – with music you love, a few candles – beats the pants off of dining out on a major holiday like Mother’s Day.  Restaurants are crowded, harried, overbooked and who needs it?  Staying in on Sunday will pay dividends in the end.  Go out to dinner on Wednesday, when the restaurant will be glad to see you and be able to give you the attention you deserve.  The food will probably be even better.

TOP TEN REASONS TO EAT IN

10.  You don’t have to dress.
9.   You don’t have to drive.
8.  You don’t have to wait.
7.  You don’t have to tip.
6.  The kitchen won’t run out of what you’ve ordered.
5.  You can eat exactly what you want exactly how you want it.
4.  No inattention by the waiter.
3.  No line at the bar.
2.  No line in the bathroom.
1.  No gigantic pepper grinder.

NO FLOWERS TODAY
I suggest not buying plants or flowers for delivery on Mother’s Day.  Don’t get me wrong; I love flowers and believe with all my heart that a woman (meaning me) can never have too many flowers.  But florals this week will be twice the price they were last week.  Steer clear of the dozen or so holidays and save your money to send flowers the other 353 days of the year.  Be clever and richer, sending them next week – or next month – after the prices have returned to earth and she won’t be expecting them.  Note for the future:  send the flowers a week or two before Mother’s Day, just so she knows you didn’t forget.

Give cards – printed or blank – with a hand-written note.  Getting personalized snail mail is a rarity these days, a throw-back to a less harried – and more romantic – time.  And greeting card prices don’t spike during high-demand.

Today’s list is suggestions for gift-giving.  Heavily weighted towards the kitchen and dining room, I’ve selected things in all price ranges for mothers on every level of cooking persuasion.  I hope you’ll find something that will help make cooking or eating more enjoyable or sensual.

WINNING INNING
What Mom – or the mother of your children – wouldn’t cherish a lovingly prepared brunch or dinner to signify your unflagging devotion?  Imagine her eyes when she sees the table set with a spread made by your own hands, and maybe those of your kids who, of course, want to be a part of the celebration.

It doesn’t have to be elaborate because the thoughtful nature of the gesture is what’s important.  Fresh fruit from the green market, fresh croissants from the bakery, granola and yogurt, a pot of robust coffee will do nicely if you’re new at this.  If you’re more adventurous, try some French Toast or Poached Egg on toast.  Eggs Benedict if you’re really serious, and if you’re not that serious, try Eggs Benedict Arnold.  Adding linen napkins and the good china make it romantic.  Just so you know, husbands and kids, this does include clean-up, making the woman of the house feel pampered.

If you haven’t been following along, there’s a Mother’s Day Menu.  Or, check out the left sidebar for a list of Preparations from which to fashion your own menu.  Either way, nothing shows appreciation for being cared for like cooking for a woman.  You’ll be making the Woman of Your Dream’s dreams come true.

Tags: appreciation, brunch, dinner, eating in, fruit, good for you food, thoughtfulness, top ten list, whole food, yogurt