Sunday, May 12th is Mother’s Day. While we should all be thankful for our moms every day, and, frankly, be blessed if they are still with us, this is the one day each year that we should spoil them and remind them of how grateful we are for everything they do for us and how much we love them.
First Step: Breakfast in Bed?
Whether or not she works outside the home, no one works harder than a mother. So there isn’t a single mom out there who wouldn’t like to be pampered on Mother’s Day…what better way than to let her stay in bed and relax with a yummy spa-like breakfast served on a tray with, perhaps, a flower or two in a bud vase? Here is a yummy (and you know us, healthy 😉) recipe for Mango Coconut Cluster Granola that you can try instead of the old scrambled eggs and toast:
Mango Coconut Granola Cluster
Ingredients:
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup raw cashews, chopped
- 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded or flaked coconut
- 1/3 cup sliced almonds
- 1/2 tbsp flax seeds (optional)
- 3 tbsp maple syrup
- 2 tbsp organic virgin unrefined coconut oil
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1 egg white
- 2 cups chopped dried fruit: organic apricots, dried mangoes
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 325 F.
- Combine the first five ingredients in a large bowl. Heat the coconut oil and maple syrup in a microwave or on the stovetop until the oil has just melted. Whisk in the spices and sea salt. Toss with the oats and nuts until the mixture is evenly coated.
- Whisk an egg white in a small bowl until frothy. Stir into the granola mixture. Spread the granola on a large baking sheet in an even layer.
- Bake for about 20 to 25 minutes. Halfway through the baking time, carefully turn sections of the granola over with a spatula, but do not break it up too much. When the granola is golden brown, remove from the oven and carefully stir in the sliced dried fruit. Allow the granola to cool completely. It will harden as it cools.
Serve with slices of fresh fruit and/or plain or vanilla yogurt…and don’t forget some fresh-squeezed orange juice or mom’s favorite coffee or tea!
Now to REALLY spoil her!
If you are feeling super-extravagant, by all means gift your mom a day at a local spa or a facial and massage. But please remember, that spoiling her does NOT have to drain your pocketbook! You can give her a basket filled with goodies for a relaxing bath – bath salts, a facial masque, aromatic candles or oils will do the trick. Maybe you can follow up with a foot rub and some aloe-infused socks for her?
How about a coupon book filled with chores you might volunteer to do for her for a week, like cooking, laundry, or vacuuming. How about giving her the latest novel by her favorite author and a book light so she can catch up at night after a busy day? Or a basket filled with the dvd of her favorite chick flick (or action movie – whatever she likes), some popcorn, movie sized candy…and a brand new toothbrush and TUNG Brush and Gel to get rid of those pesky kernels before she goes to bed?
Of course, flowers, a dinner out at her favorite restaurant and lots of hugs and kisses are always in order. The idea is to show her how much you appreciate her and to let her have her special day. Oh, and by the way, most of the above will work really well for a grandma who takes care of you or for that single dad with whom you might live. Whatever you do, for whomever you wish, just be sure to end the day with a heartfelt “Thank you. I love and appreciate you for everything you do for me”.
