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Mom, you are the source of all my inspiration. You are the strength when I am weak, the enlightenment when I am doubtful, the love I need when I am scared.
Thank you for all that you have done, all that you have sacrificed and all that you have taught me. Everyday I celebrate Mother’s Day. I thank God for blessing me with you…You are so much more than a Mom. You are my best-friend, my confidant, and my hero. I love you very much.
Love,
Tammy<3
I was reminiscing the other night with a close friend of mine, and we were exchanging stories about how our families spent the holidays growing up, and the memories those times left with each of us. The exchange centered almost exclusively around big holiday gatherings, an extended family full of a long line of characters, tradition intermingling freely with new means of memory making.
“It was like a different life,” she observed towards the end of the conversation. “It’s almost like I’ve woken up from a dream and have no way back,” with hints of nostalgia and distant longing intermingled in her words.
What struck me most of all, I must admit, is how much I found myself relating, as if the themes of our stories were one and the same, while differing merely on the particulars.
The exchange inspired me to make something truly memorable of the upcoming Mother’s Day, even if it would just be the three of us from Living the Gourmet. Then again, with the site being a family affair, perhaps that was supremely apropos for the holiday.
Over the years, as one might fully expect, ‘food’ is how we celebrate things not just at Living the Gourmet but also as the family behind the logo. No matter the event, it’s a time best commemorated by eating, and eating well. However, while the ‘perfect dinner’ is the idyllic standard, I decided early on to take a different route, in part because I simply wanted to do something unexpected, but mostly because I was single mindedly intent on creating a pristine seasonal affair. While this would of course entail creating an excellent dining experience, the meal would have to play into the setting first and foremost.
To help achieve this seasonal goal of mine, I decided to opt for a brunch or luncheon, and to set the tablescape up in the bright sunlight of our dining room astride the bay window, which in turn would serve to accentuate the table with the ambiance of fresh summer sunlight. All of this would combine into a single, seasonally themed atmosphere, as if the dining room were transformed into a direct extension of what lay beyond the bay window.
However, I needed a centerpiece, and not just a statuesque ‘there for show’ centerpiece, but something useable, something that was as utilitarian as it was pleasant to look. Given the commemorative nature of the holiday, I decided to make it a gift, something that would be taken from the table as if plucking a rose from a garden.
While trying to decide on the centerpiece, I remembered the bright seasonal packaging I had seen on the Coty Love2Love display at my local Walmart. Once I was back at Walmart, I surveyed the display, and noted the whimsical petal shaped end cap as well as the bright spring colors of the packaging, and realized it would fit in perfectly with the tablescape I had setup.
I selected the Bluebell + White Tea, whose unmistakably crisp texture carries a bouquet of captivating fresh flavors, as I felt this variety would best complement my theme, while also making for a perfect Mother’s Day gift. Despite the captivating nature of the fragrance, the world-class perfumers had somehow put together a fragrance vaguely reminiscent of the drowsy ease of a Sunday morning, and that too would work into the relaxed feel of the luncheon.
When I saw the accompanying giftbags for $.50 each, I decided to make a giftset, not only treating myself, but my close friends as well. The Jasmine + Sparkling Mimosa is like the first day of Spring. It is invigorating, fresh and energetic- just what every mom needs to feel. Everything was now complete.
As for the actual ‘lunch’ of the luncheon, I decided to go for the feel of a summer garden party, or a vaguely old world gazebo tea setting. To start, I began with a pair of fruit platters, one with sliced melon and orange, and a second with watermelon topped with feta and garnished with mint. I served these alongside a Summer Dip, whose bright green hue veils a thoroughly rustic and subtly heated combinations of cilantro and roasted garlic, offset with a tang of fresh lemon.
Melon Salads Petite Open-Faced Cucumber Sandwiches with Summer Dip Mediterranean Deviled Eggs Tropic Ice Goddess Pecan Coconut Lace Cookies
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 13 minutes
- Yield: 2 1x
- Category: Salad Appetizer Drinks Dessert
Ingredients
Watermelon, Feta and Mint Salad:
- Sliced watermelon
- Fresh mint leaves
- Feta cheese
Cantaloupe Citrus Salad:
- Sliced cantaloupe
- Sliced oranges
- Fresh mint leaves (I used Japanese mint)
Mint Infused Lemon Syrup:
- 1/4 cup simple syrup
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 small sprig of mint
Sandwiches:
- 1 Cucumber – sliced very thin
- Radishes – sliced very thin
- Your favorite bread
Summer Dip:
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro
- 1 roasted garlic clove
- 4 oz. cream cheese
- 1 teaspoon orange marmalade
- 2 tbs. lemon juice
- 1 tsp. capers
- 3 slices of bacon
- 7 hard boiled eggs
- 4 tsp. mayonnaise
- 1 roasted jalapeño – with or without seeds
- 4 tbs. Italian parsley
- 1 tbs. yellow mustard
- 2 tsp. lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. black pepper
- 1/4 tsp. paprika
- 1 Fresh lemon – without the skin
- 1 cup of coconut milk
- 3/4 cup of sugar
- 3 trays of ice
- Fresh mint and lemon for garnish
- 1/4 cup plain flour
- 1/8 cup coconut flakes
- 1/8 cup pecans
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons white sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions
Watermelon, Feta and Mint Salad:
- Slice melon and garnish with feta and mint.
Cantaloupe Citrus Salad:
- Slice melon and oranges. Arrange on platter and finish off with a drizzle of Mint Infused Lemon Syrup and a garnish of mint.
Mint Infused Lemon Syrup:
- In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, warm simple syrup, lemon juice and zest, and mint. When the mint leaves cook down and begin to wilt, transfer to syrup to a small bowl to cool.
Summer Dip:
- Cook the bacon until crispy and set aside.
- In a food processor combine the cilantro, roasted garlic clove, cream cheese, marmalade, lemon juice, capers and the bacon; process until smooth and creamy.
Sandwiches:
- Cut the bread into rounds and place a teaspoon of the spread followed by a slice of cucumber and a slice of radish.
- Carefully halve the eggs, setting aside the yolks.
- In a food processor combine the egg yolks, mayonnaise, jalapeño, parsley, yellow mustard, lemon juice and the seasonings. Process these ingredients until smooth.
- Spoon this mixture into the halved egg-whites. Place the prepared eggs on a bed on your favorite salad greens.
- Combine all of the above in a food processor or blender.
- Process this mixture until smooth and creamy.
- Serve with a garnish of lemon and mint leaves.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Set aside.
- In a food processor, process flour, coconut flakes and pecans. Transfer to a small bowl and add sugars, vanilla and melted butter.
- Using a rounded teaspoon, scoop cookie dough onto prepared baking sheets. Bake for 8-10 minutes, until the cookies have melted down and are golden.
- Carefully transfer the baking sheet onto a cooling rack and let the cookies cool completely to set.
- Serve with tea or coffee and enjoy!
That was my take this year on Mother’s Day, and it did prove memorable, while also serving as a departure from the more conventional well-worn paths of previous years.
What are you doing special for this Mother’s Day? We would absolutely love to hear what you have planned.
Recipes developed by Catherine Pappas | Forward written by Michael & Tammy
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Comedy Plus says
What a lovely tribute to your mother Tammy. Wow, you’re a great daughter too. And I know Michael is a great son. You’re one lucky mom Catherine.
All the food looks heavenly. What a Mother’s Day feast.
Have a fabulous day you three. ☺
★★★★★
Dottie Sauchelli-Balin says
Dear Catherine, Tammy, and Michael…..
You all should open a restaurant….I would be there waiting to get a table…How beautiful! What a lovely tribute to you Catherine and all mothers. You are truly blessed with your family. Each recipe and picture I saw is better than the first. Outstanding menu for a mother’s day brunch. Love the melon salads, fresh fruit first is so refreshing and makes a clear palate for the next course…Love the sandwiches and to pair them with the deviled eggs, genius! But what sold me was the Tropic Ice Goddess, and the Lace cookies. What a Mother’s Day to remember. Wonderful post and yummy recipes. Thanks for sharing…Dear friend, I wish you a blessed and fun Mother’s Day this weekend. Tammy and Michael, great gift as well..
Dottie x 🙂
Jerry E. Beuterbaugh says
Well done!
★★★★★
[email protected]'s Recipes says
What a lovely meal you have prepared! I want some of those deviled eggs!
Have a great weekend!
Angie
Nicole Elliott says
What an amazing idea!!! I love it all and think that this would be the perfect way to celebrate Mother’s Day each year–I might have to suggest it! 😀 #client
swathi says
Delicious lovely luncheon for mother, perfect for mother’ day. Catherine, Tammy Michael, you guys are doing wonderful posts it reflects lot of love.
Ginny Hartzler says
What an awesome idea! You are so creative! The table looks beautiful and abundant! Now I want to smell, I may have to go to Wal-Mart! One question. In the Ice Goddess drink…is the whole lemon just for garnish? I don’t cut it u and put it in the blender along with everything else, right?
AnnMarie says
What a perfect menu and table you have set up for your Mom! Any mother would love this luncheon and the gifts. My husband is grilling salmon, grilled citrus vegetables, and cilantro lime rice for my dinner. I am making a lemon angel food trifle. Can’t wait!
★★★★★
Big Daddy Daved says
Catherine, Wow! What a fine spread! My wife would love it but given my skills in the kitchen, she’ll have to survive on a breakfast of bacon, over-easy eggs and an English muffin and later, dinner with a grilled ribeye steak and a salad. Have a terrific mother’s day! Take Care, Big Daddy Dave
Linda @ With A Blast says
What a beautiful table, Catherine ! Coty always has the most beautiful sets for special occasions !
Arman Liew says
What a beautiful post and collaboration Tammy, Michael and Catherine! Have an amazing day today!
tanna says
Dear Catherine, I don’t think you could have ever wished for more. Beautifully done, Tammy and Michael. =) Wishing you a wonderful Mother’s Day, Catherine! I can see you will have it. blessings ~ tanna
[email protected] says
What a lovely table of food and ideas. I hope you are having a lovely Mother’s Day yourself. We had ours in March over herein the UK.
Christina @ Christina's Cucina says
Catherine, this is truly a lovely feast! The decor is lovely with the flowers and perfumes and every menu item is more tempting than the one before! I especially love the Tropic Ice Goddess since I am a coconut fiend! Have a lovely Mothers Day!
Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy says
This all looks delicious. I would be very happy to have this for lunch.
Kristi @ Inspiration Kitchen says
Wow! What a beautifully set table! I would’ve loved to have had that on Mother’s Day! Everything looks so great!
Linda (Meal Planning Maven) says
What a lovely meal you have prepared Catherine! Any mother would be so lucky to be treated to this wonderful feast!
★★★★★
peter @feedyoursoultoo says
What a great collection. I really like the spin on the deviled eggs.
Adita says
Un bonito homenaje para la madre, aquí se celebra un poco antes que ahí, y una mesa que te quedo estupendo todo un lujo besos
Cakelaw says
What a fabulous feast!
Healing Tomato says
All the recipes look so delicious. The spread looks fantastic.
★★★★★