Foodie News
3 Unforgettable Mother’s Day Meals That Will Make Her Heart (and Taste Buds) Sing
Create an unforgettable Mother’s Day with a home-cooked meal featuring three easy yet impressive recipes: Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, Mediterranean Brunch Board, and Herb-Crusted Salmon, paired with wines to enhance flavors and create lasting memories.
Last Updated on May 10, 2025 by Daily News Staff
Want to make this Mother’s Day extra special? Skip the crowded restaurants and show Mom your love through a home-cooked meal she’ll never forget. We’ve crafted three foolproof recipes that even kitchen novices can master – because nothing says “I love you” quite like a meal made from the heart.
🌟 1. Heavenly Lemon Ricotta Pancakes with Berry Compote
Picture golden, cloud-like pancakes that practically float off the plate, their edges delicately crispy while their centers remain pillowy-soft and tender. The rich, creamy ricotta creates pockets of moisture that melt in your mouth, while bright lemon zest cuts through with citrusy sparkle. The warm berry compote cascades over the stack, its jewel-toned fruits bursting with sweet-tart juice that mingles perfectly with pure maple syrup.
🍳 2. Mediterranean Brunch Board
A feast for both eyes and palate, this stunning spread features eggs with golden yolks that ooze luxuriously when broken, their richness enhanced by aromatic dukkah’s nutty crunch. Creamy, house-made hummus swirled with extra virgin olive oil sits alongside prosciutto roses that fold like silk. Fresh figs, split to reveal their honey-sweet crimson centers, nestle against wedges of artisanal cheese that range from buttery-soft to crystalline-sharp. Every bite tells a story of Mediterranean sunshine.
👑 3. Herb-Crusted Salmon with Champagne Cream Sauce
A masterpiece of textures and flavors: the salmon’s herb crust offers a satisfying crackle before revealing the perfectly cooked, rose-pink flesh beneath that flakes at the mere touch of a fork. The champagne cream sauce, velvety and sophisticated, pools elegantly around the fish, its subtle bubbles lending an air of celebration. Bright green asparagus spears provide the perfect crisp-tender contrast, while the wild mushroom risotto, infused with earthy aromatics and finished with a generous shower of Parmesan, creates a bed of creamy comfort that ties the whole dish together.
Why These Recipes Work:
Each recipe can be partially prepped in advance
Ingredients are easily found in most supermarkets
They’re impressive without being overly complicated
Perfect balance of flavors and textures
Suitable for various dietary preferences
Each bite is carefully crafted to create not just a meal, but a memorable experience that shows Mom just how special she is. The interplay of textures and flavors in each dish creates a symphony of tastes that will linger in her memory long after the last bite.
Here are some Wine Pairings to make these dishes perfect:
🌟 Lemon Ricotta Pancakes
Perfect Pairing: Prosecco or Moscato d’Asti
Why it works: The light bubbles and subtle sweetness complement the citrus notes while cutting through the richness of the ricotta.
🍳 Mediterranean Brunch Board
Perfect Pairing: Rosé or Albariño
Why it works: A crisp, dry rosé enhances the salty prosciutto and creamy cheeses, while Albariño’s mineral notes complement the Mediterranean flavors.
👑 Herb-Crusted Salmon
Perfect Pairing: Chardonnay or Pinot Noir
Why it works: A lightly oaked Chardonnay matches the richness of the champagne sauce, while a light-bodied Pinot Noir works beautifully with the herb crust.
Plating Instructions:
Lemon Ricotta Pancakes:
Stack 3-4 pancakes slightly off-center on a warm, white plate
Drizzle berry compote in an artistic swoosh from 2 o’clock to 7 o’clock
Garnish with fresh mint leaves and a light dusting of powdered sugar
Pro tip: Use a wide, flat plate to let the colors pop against the white background
Mediterranean Brunch Board:
Start with a large wooden board or slate platter
Create height by placing small bowls of hummus and dips at different points
Arrange prosciutto roses in a cascading pattern
Group cheeses by type, creating a gradient from soft to hard
Fill negative space with fresh herbs and edible flowers
Pro tip: Use small olive wood bowls for dips to add rustic elegance
Herb-Crusted Salmon:
Place the risotto in a shallow bowl using a ring mold
Position the salmon at a 45-degree angle, slightly overlapping the risotto
Arrange asparagus spears like a fan
Drizzle champagne sauce in an elegant circle around the plate
Garnish with micro herbs and edible flowers
Pro tip: Warm the plates before serving to keep everything at perfect temperature
Remember: The most important ingredient isn’t listed in any recipe – it’s the love and thought you put into making Mom’s day special. These meals aren’t just about the food; they’re about creating precious moments together.
Ready to make Mom’s day unforgettable? Save these recipes now and start planning your Mother’s Day menu. Trust us – seeing her face light up will be worth every minute in the kitchen.
Here are some related links to further help you make Mother’s Day special:
Good Housekeeping: 55 Best Mother’s Day Dinner Ideas – Good Housekeeping
Food Network: Mother’s Day Recipes: Brunch, Dinner, Desserts and More
NYT Cooking: Mother’s Day Recipes – NYT Cooking
Happy Mother’s Day!
At our core, we at STM Daily News, strive to keep you informed and inspired with the freshest content on all things food and beverage. From mouthwatering recipes to intriguing articles, we’re here to satisfy your appetite for culinary knowledge.
Visit our Food & Drink section to get the latest on Foodie News and recipes, offering a delightful blend of culinary inspiration and gastronomic trends to elevate your dining experience.
Last Updated on June 23, 2026 by Daily News Staff
(Family Features) Some summertime dishes are just too good to be true. This Easy Pasta Salad is simple enough to become a favorite side and filling enough to serve as a light main course. Enjoy more warm weather recipes by visiting Culinary.net.
Easy Pasta Salad
Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy”
Servings: 4-6
- 1 pound pasta noodles of choice
- 1 can (15 ounces) peas, drained
- 1 can (15 ounces) carrots, drained
- 1 package (16 ounces) diced ham
- 1 package (2 1/2 ounces) real bacon pieces
- 1 package (6 ounces) cheddar cheese cubes
- 2 1/2 cups mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1/2 cup juice from bread butter pickles
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons mustard
- salt, to taste
- pepper, to taste
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and place in large bowl. Add peas, carrots, ham, bacon pieces and cheese cubes.
- In separate bowl, mix mayonnaise, sugar, pickle juice, vinegar and mustard. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Pour mixture over pasta and mix well.
- Refrigerate 1-2 hours before serving.
SOURCE:
Explore the Food and Drink section on STM Daily News for timely coverage of culinary trends, beverage news, seasonal recipes, and food-focused community stories
(Feature Impact) A healthy brain goes beyond reading exercises and completing puzzles – it extends to the kitchen, too. Emerging nutritional science is clear that what people eat doesn’t just fuel the body; it shapes memory, mood and cognitive health.
Among the foods you can include in your diet to give your brain a boost are peanuts and peanut butter, staples valued not only for their convenience but also for their cognitive benefits. In fact, a study published in the “Journal of the Prevention of Alzheimer’s Disease” found adults 60-80 years old who did not eat peanuts and peanut butter regularly were 30-50% more likely to perform poorly on tests measuring learning, memory, language, processing motor speed and attentiveness compared to those who did consumer peanuts and peanut butter.
It’s not just the older generation that can benefit. According to research published in “Clinical Nutrition,” a study of college students ages 18-33 showed consumption of peanuts and peanut butter was associated with improved memory function and decreased anxiety, depression and stress.
Consider this key information from the Georgia Peanut Commission before your next meal planning session.
Nutrients that Give the Brain a Boost
Despite their small stature, peanuts pack a nutrition punch. Their unique blend of various vitamins, minerals and bioactive compounds includes:
- Niacin, which can slow cognitive decline and reduce the risk for Alzheimer’s disease, according to the “Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry”
- Vitamin E, found to promote healthy brain aging and delay cognitive decline
- Resveratrol, believed to be beneficial in fighting against Alzheimer’s disease and other nerve degenerating diseases, per the “Journal of Biological Chemistry”
- P-coumaric acid, an antioxidant that appears to target the neurotransmitters in the brain that regulate mood, stress and anxiety
Peace of MIND
Peanuts are included in the MIND diet, a combination of the Mediterranean and DASH diets, which specifically includes foods shown to benefit the brain.
Adding peanuts to your menu can be a breeze. Look no further than a powerful main course like Crunchy and Creamy Cold Green Pea and Peanut Salad, a perfect accompaniment at potlucks and cookouts as an easy side or light main course. Make breakfast-on-the-go part of your daily commute with Flourless Blueberry Muffins that require just five ingredients, including creamy peanut butter, or add a pinch of protein to snack time with Protein Balls that can be refrigerated until hunger strikes.
Brain Food for Thought
Supporting your brain starts with the right nutrition, and evidence makes clear peanuts and peanut butter should be top-of-mind as you head to the grocery store. For help getting started, find more recipes and nutritional information by visiting GAPeanuts.com.
Flourless Blueberry Muffins
Recipe courtesy of The Peanut Institute
Servings: 12
- 2 bananas
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup blueberries
- Preheat oven to 350 F. Grease muffin pan.
- In blender or food processor, combine bananas, peanut butter, eggs and baking powder; blend until smooth. Fold in blueberries by hand.
- Pour mixture into muffin tin. Bake 12-15 minutes.
- Store in airtight container up to 3 days.
Nutritional information per serving: 155 calories, 10 g carbohydrates, 31 mg cholesterol, 2 g saturated fat, 9 g unsaturated fat, 2 g fiber, 6 g protein, 98 mg sodium, 5 g sugar.
Crunchy and Creamy Cold Green Pea and Peanut Salad
Recipe courtesy of The Peanut Institute
Servings: 8
Dressing:
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- 1 1/2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons sugar
Salad:
- 1 package (20 ounces) green peas, frozen
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 1/3 cup red onions, chopped
- 1 cup dry roasted peanuts
- 6 slices thick cut bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 pinch salt, or to taste
- 1 pinch freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
- To make dressing: In small mixing bowl, whisk sour cream, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar and sugar.
- To make salad: In large mixing bowl, combine frozen green peas, celery and onion. Pour dressing over salad and toss to combine. Refrigerate at least 2 hours.
- Before serving, stir in roasted peanuts and crumbled bacon. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Nutritional information per serving: 230 calories, 17 g carbohydrates, 12 mg cholesterol, 3 g saturated fat, 9 g unsaturated fat, 5 g fiber, 11 g protein, 249 mg sodium, 6 g sugar, 1 g added sugar.
Protein Balls
Recipe courtesy of The Peanut Institute
Servings: 24
- 1 cup chunky peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon vanilla
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 cups quick oats
- 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup dried, chopped cranberries
- 1/8 teaspoon iodized salt
- 1/4 cup water
- Using stand mixer, combine peanut butter, vanilla, honey, quick oats, flaxseed, coconut, cranberries, salt and water; mix until well combined.
- Form dough into 1-ounce portions and refrigerate 30 minutes before serving.
Nutritional information per serving: 130 calories, 7 g fat, 14 g carbohydrates, 3 g protein, 2 g fiber, 60 mg sodium.
SOURCE:
STM Daily News’ Food and Drink section highlights the stories, trends, flavors, and events shaping today’s food culture. From recipes to restaurant news, it keeps readers connected to what’s fresh and worth tasting.
Food and Beverage
McDonald’s Fried Apple Pie Returns June 23—A Limited-Time Summer Throwback
McDonald’s is bringing back its OG Fried Apple Pie starting June 23 for a limited time at participating restaurants nationwide—plus a 35-foot pie photo stop on Route 66 near Chicago.
Summer tends to fly by, but certain bites slow time down. McDonald’s is betting its Fried Apple Pie is one of them.
According to a new announcement from McDonald’s USA, the OG Fried Apple Pie returns to participating restaurants nationwide starting June 23 for a limited time. The classic dessert is described as featuring a signature filling made with 100% American-grown apples, wrapped in the same golden, crunchy, flaky fried crust longtime fans remember.
Why the Fried Apple Pie comeback matters
McDonald’s is framing the return as a nostalgia play with a patriotic twist, tying the seasonal rollout to the lead-up to America’s 250th birthday. If you grew up hearing people talk about “the fried pies,” this is the moment they mean: hot, sweet, and unmistakably old-school.
And if you’ve never tried it? McDonald’s is positioning June 23 as your entry point—an “if you know, you know” menu item that’s meant to feel like a summer memory in dessert form.
A classic that started as a family recipe
The company also shared a bit of origin story: the Fried Apple Pie traces back to the 1960s, when East Tennessee McDonald’s Owner/Operator Litton Cochran created a fried apple hand pie that became a local favorite. Over time, it made its way into McDonald’s history.
Eric Cochran, a McDonald’s Owner/Operator, said the pie is one of those foods that “take you back,” and credited his grandparents—Litton and Jo Cochran—with helping shape the recipe when McDonald’s founder Ray Kroc was looking for a dessert that would resonate with customers.
The 35-foot Fried Apple Pie (yes, really)
To make the return feel like a road-trip moment, McDonald’s is also unveiling a giant roadside installation: The McDonald’s Largest Fried Apple Pie, a 35-foot version of the dessert placed along Route 66—built to be a photo stop.
Fans can snap a selfie and pick up a McDonald’s souvenir map at:
- 920 N Broadway St., Joliet, IL 60435 (just outside Chicago)
If you’re near Chicagoland, here are the dates
- Kickoff event (June 23): 3:30–6:00 p.m. CT, with live music, an ice-cold Coca-Cola, and complimentary Arch Cards
- June 23–July 4: The installation remains up through the holiday stretch
How to get it
McDonald’s says the Fried Apple Pie will be available all day at participating restaurants nationwide, and can also be ordered via the McDonald’s App, while supplies last.If your summer plans include a long drive, a late-night snack run, or just chasing a little nostalgia, June 23 might be the date to circle. Some menu items are built for convenience—this one is built for the detour.
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