59 Recipes for a Small-Scale Mother’s Day Celebration

Best Strawberry Shortcake

For a dazzling summer dessert, you can’t beat juicy strawberries and fresh whipped cream over homemade shortcake. My father added even more indulgence to this recipe by buttering the shortcake. This is the best strawberry shortcake recipe. —Shirley Joan Helfenbein, Lapeer, Michigan

Go to Recipe

Simple Lemon Mousse

This classic, simple lemon mousse recipe is the refreshing dessert you need. Serve it with fresh fruit or eat it alone. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Salmon Croquette Sandwich

I’m obsessed with smoked salmon on bagels with all the accouterments! Smoked salmon can get pricey, though, so I found this salmon croquette sandwich alternative. I could seriously eat it every day for breakfast. —Jessi Hampton, Richmond Hill, Georgia

Discover more Mother’s Day recipes to whip up for mom.

Cherry Chip Waffles with Cherry Syrup

While on a recent trip to Door County, Wisconsin, for a family reunion, I created this yummy recipe using some freshly picked cherries. It was a hit with all ages and everyone was asking for more. —Heather Karow, Burnett, Wisconsin

The Best French Toast

There’s no question that this is the best French toast recipe. The caramelized exterior meets a soft, custardlike center that practically melts in your mouth. Not only that, but it’s quick and easy, too! —Audrey Rompon, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

French Hot Chocolate

One of my fondest memories of Paris was sipping a cup of thick, dark hot chocolate at one of their patisseries. French hot chocolate is velvety smooth, rich, decadent and almost the consistency of a molten chocolate bar. It is meant to be sipped slowly and savored. —Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon

Zucchini Muffins

These yummy zucchini muffins, packed full of currants and walnuts, are an excellent way to use up your garden overload of zucchini. —Peg Gausz, Watchung, New Jersey

Spinach Chicken Frittata

When we were growing up, spinach was one of the only vegetables my brothers and I enjoyed. So our mom found all kinds of ways to include it in meals. This dish is one of my favorites. —Paula Tuduri, Bozeman, Montana

Savory Waffles with Asparagus, Gruyere and Onion

I took one of our family’s favorite puff pastry recipes, which uses a similar mix of ingredients, and translated it to savory waffles. It’s a change of pace from sweeter fare. Served with a ham steak and fried eggs, it makes a fabulous meal. Feel free to add maple syrup or a spicy glaze. —Leslie Ponce, Miami, Florida

Boston Cream Cupcakes

Boston cream cupcakes have been my favorite bakery treat since I was a child, so I put together this easy-to-make version. —Jeanne Holt, Mendota Heights, Minnesota

Berry Smoothie

With two busy teenage boys in our house, getting everyone to eat well before school is a challenge. This thick berry smoothie is quick to fix and delicious, too. —Patricia Mahoney, Presque Isle, Maine

Ham & Cheese Breakfast Strudels

These get the morning off to a cheery start! Sometimes I assemble the strudels ahead and freeze them individually, then bake them as needed. —Jo Groth, Plainfield, Iowa

Rubies on Ice

Ginger and pomegranate are made for each other, and the color of this beverage is tantalizing. If you're looking for a nonalcoholic option, you can easily leave out the vodka for a delicious and festive drink! —Tara Deshpande, New York, New York

Apple Pie Ricotta Waffles

I had apples and ricotta cheese to use up, so instead of making a pie I decided to do something different. The result was these fluffy, tender waffles with just a hint of sweetness. —Teri Rasey, Cadillac, Michigan

Mango Bellini

Simple yet delicious, this mango Bellini is made with fresh mango puree and your favorite sparkling wine—I usually choose Prosecco for mine. You can easily turn it into a mocktail by using sparkling water in place of the champagne or Prosecco. —Ellen Folkman, Crystal Beach, Florida

Egg-Topped Avocado Toast

We always have avocados on hand, so it's easy to make this quick breakfast toast for my husband and me. It's really tasty! —Kallee Krong-McCreery, Escondido, California

Coconut Cold-Brew Latte

Cold-brew lattes are all the rage at coffee shops, but they're so easy to make at home. This coconut cold-brew version is ridiculously refreshing and it's vegan! —Natalie Larsen, Columbia, Maryland

Three-Cheese Quiche

Try eggs and cheese at their best. Guests often comment on how tall, light and fluffy this crustless entree is. You'll love it! —Judy Reagan, Hannibal, Missouri

Berry Puff Pancake

Breakfast is my husband's favorite meal of the day. I use our homegrown blueberries in this sweet morning treat. —Cecilia Morgan, Milwaukie, Oregon

Honey Coffee

For a soothing pick-me-up, sip this pleasantly sweet coffee, inspired by the taste of a traditional Spanish latte. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Breakfast BLT Waffles

I’m not a big fan of sweets for breakfast, but I love a crisp waffle. My son and I tried these BLT waffles, and they were a huge success! We used gluten-free, dairy-free waffles with fantastic results. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas

Southern Hash Browns and Ham Sheet-Pan Bake

Why not take the convenience of sheet-pan cooking and apply it to breakfast? I love how easily this meal comes together. —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia

Baked Blueberry Pancake

For a quick breakfast, Norna makes the pancake while fixing supper the night before, then cuts it into squares. The next morning, she tops them with butter and syrup before placing them in the microwave. This innovative way to make pancakes takes most of the fuss out of making breakfast. Norna Detig - Lindenwood, Illinois

Minted Fruit Salad

Filled with the season’s best, freshest fruit, this salad shouts summer. The hint of mint adds a refreshing note to the colorful melon compote. —Edie DeSpain, Logan, Utah

Banana-Hazelnut Pain Perdu Duet

The ultimate breakfast at our house is French toast with warm bananas and Nutella. Pass it around with confectioners' sugar, maple syrup and fresh mint. —Charlene Chambers, Ormond Beach, Florida

Potato Omelet

Even folks who don't care for eggs will enjoy this dish. The comforting tastes of potatoes, onions and garlic come through. —Edie DeSpain, Logan, Utah

Almond Berry Pancakes

Whole wheat flour and two kinds of berries add an extra helping of nutrition to these hearty pancakes. It’s a breakfast I feel good about eating. —Sarah Haengel, Bowie, Maryland

Berry Rhubarb Fool

A "fool" is a British dessert that's usually made with custard. This is a modified, quicker version I created. My kids love it because it doesn't taste like rhubarb—so I guess it's well named! —Cheryl Miller, Fort Collins, Colorado

Hash Brown Pancakes with Smoked Salmon & Dill Cream

On weekends when I was growing up, pancakees, salmon and bagels were our brunch staples. Now, I combine the concepts and use whipped cream instead of cream cheese. —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois

Broccoli-Ham Puff Pancake

We like to use our heirloom cast-iron skillet to make this Sunday special. The golden brown puff pancake with a creamy ham and broccoli filling makes a tasty main dish for brunch.—Edna Hoffman, Hebron, Indiana

Strawberry-Lavender Infused Water

A little bit of lavender goes a long way, so be sure not to overdo it! This pretty combo screams summer, but you can also dry out the lavender and enjoy this anytime.

Chocolate Lover's Pancakes

These chocolate pancakes are fluffy on the inside, with a rich but not-too-sweet flavor from the cocoa and a nice tang from the buttermilk. They're delicious with either maple or chocolate syrup—and even better with both swirled together! —Harland Johns, Leesburg, Texas

Upside-Down Bacon Pancake

Make a big impression when you present one family-sized bacon pancake. The brown sugar adds sweetness that complements the salty bacon. If you can fit more bacon in the skillet and want to add more, go for it. —Mindie Hilton, Susanville, California

Blueberry Cantaloupe Salad

The simple citrus and poppy seed dressing in this fruit medley really dresses up the refreshing mix of berries and melon. —R. Jean Rand, Edina, Minnesota

Ham & Egg Pockets

Refrigerated crescent roll dough make these savory breakfast pockets a snap to prepare. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Fizzy Peach Shake

This recipe came about when I was a child living in peach country in eastern Washington. There were fresh peaches everywhere, so my mom and I came up with this beverage. We called it a fizz because there's a bit of bubbling from the ginger ale. This recipe says summer to my family and me. By the way, there is no need to peel the peaches. Add more ginger ale to make it thinner, or more ice cream to make it thicker. —Teresa Jarnot, Monroe, Washington

Puffy Apple Omelet

With all the eggs our chickens produce, I could make this omelet every day! It's a pretty, festive-looking dish, but you could fix it anytime—including for a light supper. —Melissa Davenport, Campbell, Minnesota

Spinach-Egg Breakfast Pizzas

I like my food pretty, and this breakfast pizza is eye-popping. Bring it to the table with a bowl of berries or grapes and café au lait. —Lily Julow, Lawrenceville, Georgia

Cherry Fruit Smoothies

You need just four ingredients to blend together these super-fast smoothies for breakfast. Try whipping them up on a hot summer day for a cool and refreshing treat. —Macy Plummer, Avon, Indiana

Fruit 'n' Cream Crepes

This fresh and creamy breakfast is just the start—you can fill the light crepes with anything you like! — Ruth Kaercher, Hudsonville, Michigan

Bacon Egg Cups

These adorable bacon egg cups are a fresh take on the classic breakfast combo. Make sure to use ovenproof bowls when baking. —Carol Forcum, Marion, Illinois

Chai Tea Latte

My family loves this comforting chai tea latte recipe, especially on cold days instead of cocoa or when they're feeling under the weather. I simplified this chai tea recipe by using the filter basket of our coffeepot. It's delicious and great after dinner! —Julie Plummer, Sykesville, Maryland

Roasted Vegetable and Chevre Quiche

Roasting the veggies in this rich yet bright quiche intensifies their flavors. The addition of fresh goat cheese lends a wonderful creamy tanginess. —Laura Davis, Chincoteague, Virginia

Carrot Cake Pancakes

Here's a way for fans of carrot cake to have their favorite dessert for breakfast. These delicate, decadent pancakes are drizzled with sweet and spicy maple syrup that complements the sour cream and nut topping. —Leane Goering, Salem, Indiana

Eggs Lorraine

Super easy and elegant, this is one of my favorite special-occasion dishes. It’s absolutely delicious! —Sandra Woolard, DeLand, Florida

Pineapple RumChata Shortcakes

This deliciously different dessert is made in the slow cooker instead of in the oven. When done, add final touches to the cooled pineapple shortcake jars and serve. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas

Slow-Cooker Frittata Provencal

This recipe means that a delectable dinner is ready when I walk in the door from work. The meatless slow-cooker meal also makes an elegant brunch for lazy weekend mornings. —Connie Eaton, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Blackberry White Chocolate Cheesecake Cups

I read that white chocolate intensifies the flavor of blackberries. It's true! The crunch of baking chips, the blackberry puree, and the sweet and salty pretzel crust make this a sensational mini dessert. —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois

Denver Omelet Salad

I love this recipe. It may not be your typical breakfast, but it has all the right elements. Plus, it’s easy, healthy and fast. Just turn your favorite omelet ingredients into a morning salad! —Pauline Custer, Duluth, Minnesota

True Belgian Waffles

It was during a visit to my husband's relatives in Europe that I was given this Belgian waffle recipe. These homemade waffles are fantastic with any kind of topping: blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, fried apples, powdered sugar or whipped topping. —Rose Delemeester, St. Charles, Michigan

Artichoke and Potato Frittata

This potato frittata is a delicious brunch dish, but it’s hearty enough for a weeknight dinner, too. If you like Greek or Mediterranean cuisine, you’ll want to add this to your keeper files. —Sarah Newman, Harvest, Alabama

Fruity Croissant Puff

I got this recipe from a good friend. Sweet, tart, tender and light, it tastes like a Danish.—Myra Aimer, Tuttle, North Dakota

Vegetable Strata

We always serve food at our Bunco games, and since one of us is a vegetarian we like to make fun meatless dishes we can all enjoy. This strata can easily be doubled and tastes fantastic hot or at room temperature. —Doris Mancini, Port Orchard, Washington

Dutch Baby Pancake with Strawberry-Almond Compote

Pannekoeken, or Dutch baked pancakes, are a treat in my husband’s family. You can also try this recipe with vanilla extract, blueberries and lemon peel. —Jennifer Beckman, Falls Church, Virginia

Fruit Cup with Citrus Sauce

This fruit salad is so elegant that I serve it in my prettiest crystal bowls. With its dressed-up flavor, it's perfect for a special event, but easy enough for every day. —Edna Lee, Greeley, Colorado

Blueberry Cornmeal Pancakes

These blueberry cornmeal pancakes are one of my family's favorite breakfasts. No time to make it from scratch? No problem! My grandmother's standby of store-bought corn muffin mix makes quick work of the job. —Carolyn Eskew, Dayton, Ohio