It's that time of year...time to celebrate all of our wonderful mothers! I thought I'd share a few ideas I've been putting together for a brunch for mom this year. I't super easy and looks great so maybe you can throw one together for your mom too! :)
I've been in the gardening mood lately. We're growing tomatoes, herbs, and strawberries in our backyard in pots this year..in OC we can't get away with much more than that! I'm in the mood for springy, gardening type things and it is kind of influencing my mother's day plans. :) i LOVE this idea from MS for table numbers/namecards. Head to your local Home Depot and pick up a few seed packets and turn thm into something beautiful. Mixed in with glassware and white china...how pretty! In keeping with the theme how about berries and spring veggies?
I also love this idea of silverware in white linen napkins tied with raffia and antique button cards...but, in keeping with our theme, why not do your own take on this idea and tie them up with raffia and a garden marker which can double as a placecard when you write their name on it.
Fresh flowers placed in farmer's market tins are super pretty and easy. You can find the tins at your local craft store and they are great to have around for all kinds of occassions.
I have been saving this idea to use for a LONG time and I think this might just be the occassion... isn't it so pretty??? (courtesy of cottage living)
I think it was really the antique blue glasses combined with the lemonade and coral accents that really got me. So, I've been hunting and look what I scored just yesterday at my decorating/party planning mecca...
My very own beautiful blue glasses...and for only 2.00 a pop! Not bad if you ask me! :)
For a little favor for mom how about these cute little baskets of scones and strawberries at every place setting?
These fun country touches combined with your elegant (and easy) gourmet menu...here's a fave recipe...will make for a memorable day for mom!
Stuffed French Toast
- 1 Large Ripe Peach, peeled and pit removed
- 1 Pint Strawberries, stem removed and diced small
- 4 Ounces Cream Cheese, soft
- 1 Tablespoon Sugar
- 1 Loaf of Brioche, Challah, or White Bread, unsliced
- 3 Large Eggs
- 1 1/4 Cups Milk
- 1 Tablespoon Sugar
- 1 Teaspoon Vanilla
- 1/4 Teaspoon Cinnamon
- Butter and Vegetable Oil for frying
- Maple Syrup
Preparation:
Preheat oven to 300 degrees.
Filling Cut one half of the peach into 1/4 inch slices and set aside for topping later. Dice the other half of the peach into small cubes (about 1/4"). Mash together with a fork or mixer the diced peach and strawberries, 1 Tbl sugar, and cream cheese. Cut the bread into 1 inch slices. Using a serrated knife, cut a pocket in the side of each slice of bread. Try to make the pocket as deep as possible without cutting through the other side.
Place 2 tablespoons of the cream cheese mixture into each pocket.
Batter In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon and 1 Tbl sugar.
Heat up a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Place two or three slices of bread in the batter and let soak for 5 seconds. Flip over and soak again for 5 seconds. Remove the bread from the batter and place on a plate. Let the bread stand for 1 minute so the batter can soak in. Add a tablespoon of butter and a tablespoon of vegetable oil to the pan.
Place the soaked bread into the hot pan. When you have all the slices in the pan, start soaking the next three pieces as described before.
Cook each side until a light golden brown. Place on a cookie sheet or wire rack. When all the pieces have been fried, place the cookie sheet in the oven and bake for 10 minutes.
Remove from oven and top each serving with sliced peaches. Serve with maple syrup.
Have a great day!!
-t