By Shruthi Baskaran-Makanju

Mother’s Day is a celebration of the love and sacrifice of the remarkable women in your life. It’s a day for both new moms and practiced moms, alike, to feel cherished and appreciated. This Mother’s Day, why not create lasting memories with your family through the magic of cooking?

This year, it’s time for all dads to become head chefs. More than giving moms a break from their regular duties, food can transcend its ordinary role as mere sustenance. Food is a canvas for memories that remain well after the last bite and a medium for expressing heartfelt emotions. Every pancake flipped, egg scrambled and coffee brewed, is an opportunity for dads to make the day special.

So, dads, put down your phones, pick up those pans and make this Mother’s Day unforgettable. Your kitchen is the stage, your meals are love letters – it’s time to cook up memories that will last a lifetime.

Set the stage by awakening to affection

The morning’s meal should be seen as the opening act to the day’s celebrations. Dads have the golden opportunity to weave elements of surprise and delight together, to make a meal that is more than just food.

On Mother’s Day, breakfast isn’t just another quick fix, scarfed down before rushing the kids to school. It is a thoughtful celebration of mom’s unique tastes that should be approached with intentionality. Start by choosing recipes that speak to what she loves. Whether a comforting classic or an adventurous delight, consider mom’s recent cravings or favorite ingredients to make the meal feel personalized and heartfelt.

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For a unique twist on a breakfast-time classic that is always a hit, try a croissant french toast bake. With its buttery, flaking layers and sweet custard soaked interior, this dish is the perfect metaphor for warmth and love. If the idea of cooking something elaborate sounds daunting, consider prepping some components the day before.

This way, you can focus on any finishing touches in the morning. Incorporating elements like a beautifully set table or fresh flowers from your local farmer’s market can elevate this simple experience, helping to set this day apart from others. With this gentle opening to the day’s festivities, let the aroma of fresh coffee and warm pastries create an ambiance for connection and affection.

Craft moments together

As the spring sun reaches its peak, the afternoon unfolds into the perfect opportunity for culinary adventures and outdoor exploration. Make the midday meal a journey of flavors and a bonding experience for the whole family.

Introduce a new and bold dish that may not be a household staple, like the vibrant and flavourful North African shakshuka. Shakshuka, typically served in a hot skillet, features a spicy, simmering tomato sauce, cradling poached eggs in fragrant spices. This delicious dish can be effortlessly made by even the most novice chefs and is a great way to add a dash of exploration and discovery to your day.

Pair the meal with activities that foster connection, learning and fun for the whole family. Get the kids involved with the preparation, from cracking eggs to sprinkling herbs. Meanwhile, treat mom to a refreshing cocktail or a freshly squeezed juice, giving her the perfect view to enjoy her happy helpers bustling in the kitchen.

Remember that flexibility and spontaneity can make the day even more memorable. Sometimes the best moments happen without a plan. If the weather is inviting, why not take your feast outside and enjoy a lovely picnic in the sun?

Trying new dishes together can mirror your family’s journey together, embracing the unexpected and cherishing the unique moments of parenthood. The collaboration in the kitchen, the anticipation of new flavors and the vibrant colors and spices of this new dish reflect the excitement and variety of life together.

End with an unforgettable dinner and dessert

As evening sets in, it’s time to pull out all the stops for a dinnertime masterpiece that celebrates your relationship. This meal is a chance to express your love and reminisce over shared memories.

Consider creating an experience that revisits your pre-parenting days to celebrate the history that brought you here. A meal that is reminiscent of a memorable date or a special vacation adds an atmosphere of loving nostalgia and connection. Beyond food, setting the table with care or curating a playlist to set the mood can effortlessly enhance the mood.

Don’t forget to cap the evening with a sweet finale. Strawberry shortcake cookies are a delicious treat for baking enthusiasts and beginners alike, leaving a taste as sweet as the day’s memories.

As the evening winds down, take a moment to reflect on the day and on each other. Acknowledge everything your partner contributes to your life and your family. It is important to savor these moments, be fully present and cherish one another.

Leave a lasting taste of love

Mother’s Day can set the tone for how future celebrations can unfold, where food can continue to serve as a canvas for expressing love, gratitude and the excitement of family life. Each meal and shared moment in the kitchen contributes to your family’s story, highlighting that the essence of celebration is in the love and care put into every action.

Remember to document this day, whether through photos or a journal, to honor these special moments and culinary adventures. This establishes a tradition of love, care and shared joy in the kitchen, encouraging dads to view cooking as a meaningful way to celebrate and create lasting memories with their partners. This invites the whole family to start and nurture their own traditions with each recipe and meal shared.

Shruthi Baskaran-Makanju is a food and travel writer and a global food systems expert based in Seattle. She has lived in or traveled extensively to over 60 countries, and shares stories and recipes inspired by those travels on Urban Farmie.