This coming Sunday is Mother’s Day, a day where mother’s are acknowledged for all the hard work they do in parenting us, and putting up with all of our complaining/arguing/toddler tantrums/teenage angst. On Sunday, Mothers around the world (or around the world in the countries that celebrate Mothers Day on the 10th May at least!) will be showered with presents, some lucky to get that piece of jewelry they have been lusting over for ages, while others have to make do with a few pieces of macaroni threaded onto some kitchen twine. A special homemade brunch or breakfast in bed is also of high probability this Sunday.
I asked my own mother recently if she had any memorable Mother’s Day breakfasts that I had made her as a youngster and she told me a story about how at the tender age of five I made her an organic, free-range egg omelette topped with home-sprouted beans and fermented kimchi. Kidding. At the age of five, little Dearna toddled into her mother’s bedroom with a breakfast tray topped with a lukewarm cup of milk with a few tablespoons of instant coffee poured in, and a plate full of fairy bread. Perhaps not the nicest or most nourishing meal in the world, but one made with a lot of love.
This year unfortunately I won’t be seeing my mother for brunch (or at all) on Mother’s Day as she’s currently living in Western Australia, two plane flights away… But the good news is that she is actually in the process of moving back to Tasmania, down to Hobart! Very exciting as my mother and I haven’t lived in the same place for a good 15 or so years.
Mum and I in Paglieta in 2006, the small town in Italy where she was born
For those of you wanting to serve your mother up something a little more impressive than sliced white bread topped with sprinkles, I’ve got you covered. Listed below some of my favorite brunch recipes from the archives, and if nothing here tickles your fancy, then look out for a brand new brunch dish later on in the week.
Sweet dishes
Wholegrain Banana Berry Bake – A front-runner if you’re in a cold climate, this is perfect cooler weather fare – warming, nourishing and utterly delicious!
Baked Chocolate + Zucchini Oatmeal – a decadent, chocolatey dish that tastes a little naughty but is filled with nourishing goodness + some hidden veggies!
Spiced Pear and Blueberry Skillet Cake – for all the Mum’s with a sweet tooth out there! A thick, grain-free pancake studded with fruit and best served with a dollop of coconut cream on top.
Savoury dishes
Soaked Buckwheat Pancake – One of my most recent creations, and a new addition to the household favorites list. A definite Mum-pleaser!
Sweet Potato Fritters – Soft-in-the-middle and crunchy-on-the-outside latkes, served with garlicky greens, a poached egg and pesto to finish
Greens + Eggs Breakfast Bowl – lighter fare for those of you lucky enough to be somewhere warm at the moment!
Savoury Vegetable Pancakes – a tasty Japanese-inspired vegetable pancake served with a delicious creamy coconut and coriander pesto
Bondi Breakfast Bowl – a little more forethought and effort required with this one, but a great idea if you’re cooking for a few people. Cook up a big batch of each of the components and let everyone add the ones they like to their bowl.
Shakshuka (baked eggs) – one of my favorite brunch dishes, this dish sees eggs baked into a tasty tomatoey mixture which is sure to impress.
An Israeli Breakfast Dish – another favorite of ours, made even better were served with homemade hummus
Za’atar Baked Eggs – a variation on my original Shakshuka recipe, this one is a little quicker to make and flavoured with za’atar spices
To make your eggy dish even better, how about making a loaf of bread to serve with it – you’ve still got time to get started on a sourdough starter and make your own sourdough bread – your Mum will be so impressed, guaranteed!
Or why not try one of my savoury loaves, either the grain-free Paleo Bread or green-flecked Zucchini and Quinoa Loaf.
And to wash it all down with? Nothing beats a pot of homemade chai tea or an almond milk chai latte!
Happy Mothers Day to all the mum’s out there x
Aw little Dearna making her mother quick coffee is so nice :) I bet she loved it anyway
And how nice she is moving to Tasmania – it must be nice to have to live close to you again.
Thanks for the inspiration! I will definitely make my mom brunch on Sunday :)
Yes Im sure she did Josefine :) And very exciting she is moving back here! Hope you have a lovely mothers day with your mum x
Loved seeing the picture of you and your mom back in the day. ;-) And you almost had me fooled with that breakfast your “ideal” 5 year old self served. I love all these breakfast ideas. But I can personally attest to how good those soaked buckwheat pancakes are!