Sharing food as an act of love is a common adage that really comes into its own on Mother's Day. The maternal figure in our lives is often the one who has literally nurtured us into being. And so when Sunday 13 May rolls around, it's your turn to pay it back in kind. Get a little prepared and sort out a menu that lets Mum know just how special she is to you. You can either pick a meal - breakfast, lunch or dinner - to spoil her with, or, better yet, let her relax the day away while you put all three on the table for her. Here are some menu suggestions:
BREAKFAST IN BED
What can be nicer than to start her day with a home-cooked breakfast fit for a queen. Give her the breakfast-in-bed treatment or set the table with flowers and beautiful crockery. Fresh juice (or even better, a mimosa!) and tea or coffee should greet her on waking, before plating up something that shows how well you know her.
For the health-conscious mum
This nutrition-packed breakfast salad with tahini dressing has an air of special occasion about it.
Or how about a warming bowl of overnight gluten-free oats with macerated apricots and coconut yoghurt. You can replace the apricots with something in season - try feijoas or tamarillos.
For the indulgent mum
This cheesy croissant bake is nothing short of unadulterated yum.
For the not-so-hungry-in-the-morning mum
Opt for a chai spiced almond milk for something soothing and warming to set her up for a good day.
Find even more Mother's Day breakfast ideas, click here for our collection.
MIDDAY FEASTING
A long lunch feels like a lovely way to celebrate Mum. Set out a few dishes accompanied with a crusty loaf and make it a shared family feast or invite those for whom Mother's Day is maybe more bittersweet.
Whip up some Bloody Marys to warm up the party.
Let everyone tuck into a big dish of harvest baked chicken with hearty flavours of the Med.
And a tasty autumn salad to accompany, such as roasted brussels sprouts and garlic with pickled onions.
Or maybe a pear and prosciutto salad too because who can decide?
DINNER DATE
Put a little effort in to making the end of her day memorable with recipes that speak to a special occasion. Light the candles, put on her favourite music and make the meal all about her – turn the conversation to all those things you never knew about your mother. What classes did she excel at in school? What are her best memories of her grandparents? What was her favourite dinner growing up? A little bit of attention can go a long way.
A grilled mussel with chorizo and pinenut seafood starter to whet the appetite.
For the main course, this roasted eye fillet of beef with rocket and shaved parmesan might be simple but it's still a bit of a showstopper.
And don't forget the carbs – round out the meal with Geoff's potato gratin.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Sweeten up Mum just that little bit more and successfully cap off any meal with Ray MacVinnie's great dessert ideas for a Mother's Day dinner or see our autumn desserts collection.
