Jan Bilton: Sweet treats to celebrate mum

You could bake mum some treats this Mother's Day. Photo/Thinkstock

The origin of Mother's Day can be traced to the ancient Greeks and Romans. However, the celebrations as we know them are only about 100 years old. Mother's Day is celebrated in more than 40 countries (although on different dates) and is a popular event.

Here are six suggestions for making mum feel appreciated:

1. Take her breakfast in bed - not too early as it's a Sunday - 9am would be fine. However, a cuppa and the Sunday paper would be nice about 8am.

2. Bake her a cake. Not too sweet or chocolatey. I know youngsters like that but mums generally prefer something more savoury or tangy. How about a real orange cake?

3. Make a little posy of flowers. Not roses because they don't last long. Try tulips as they grow in the vase, or a bunch of fresh herbs and violas. Freesias are a favourite - my mum had them on her wedding tables.

4. Treat her to a healthy salad for lunch - not the barbecued sausages dad normally flambes. If you must serve sausies, I know my mum preferred smoked chorizo with cos lettuce, avocados, shaved parmesan and Paul Newman's Caesar salad dressing.

5. Afternoon tea would be great. I can remember going with my mother to the rooftop Grand Tearoom at the old Farmers store on Hobson St in Auckland for sandwiches and cake. And very proper it was too. Tiered cake stands and fine china tea cups. I think I drank Fanta. But they're doing it again - except the Fanta will be replaced by bubbles. The Heritage Hotel has inherited the Farmers building, which has just turned 100, and is providing morning and afternoon sessions of fine food to celebrate its centenary.

6. For dinner my mother enjoyed a glass of pinot noir followed by slow-cooked roast lamb. It's so easy to cook - the oven does all the work.