This Sunday may be called “Mother’s Day,” but in my household it could easily be renamed “Wife’s Day,” as I’ve yet to see my kids really roll up their sleeves to help make it special.
Sure, the hand-drawn cards and coupons redeemable for chores (or hugs) are nice, but at 12- and 15-years-old, I’m expecting they’ll play a larger role in the big jobs like breakfast in bed.
For my wife, this is the highlight of her day. A delicious, home-cooked meal served on our seldom-used folding tray, preceded by a steaming cup of coffee and the Sunday paper. It doesn’t get much better than that.
Upgrading Your Mother’s Day Breakfast in Bed
Even a kitchen clutz can fry a couple of eggs and a few strips of bacon – and then fire up the toaster. But I know you can do better than that, so here are a few upgrades to make breakfast even more special.
1. Artisanal Bread
For starters, instead of plain old white or brown bread, buy an artisanal loaf. There’s a quantum difference between whole-grain, seed and nut-infused artisan bread, and the highly-processed stuff. Look for names like Ace Bakery, Stonemill Slow Crafted, Ozery Bakery, and Dave’s Killer Bread.
Or to step it up even further, how about a couple of halves of French Toast on the side? More absorbent breads like brioche, sourdough or thick-cut Texas toast work best to soak up the egg.
And don’t forget to top it off with real maple syrup!
2. Up Your Egg Game with Organic, Free-Run or Free-Range
Speaking of eggs, why not raise the bar to organic, free-run and free-range. What’s the difference? For both varieties, hens do not live in cages but in an open-concept barn with a variety of nests and perches. Free range birds have the added bonus of an outdoor pasture, where they can freely forage.
Organic eggs come from hens given a certified feed, made from non-GMO grains. You’ll pay a little more, but I’ve noticed a richer, darker yolk – almost orange in colour – and the taste is more robust.
3. Peameal Bacon, Antibiotic & Hormone Free
I like regular bacon, but peameal is arguably an even better accompaniment for your eggs. It comes from a lean, boneless pork loin, and is lower in fat than traditional strips.
Vince’s Own peameal bacon uses pork that is antibiotic and hormone free, cured a minimum of seven days in a low-sodium brine. Meat is tender, but without excess moisture – which means it doesn’t cook down like regular bacon.
4. A Healthy Smoothie on the Side
All of which goes well with a healthy smoothie. Here’s one of my favourites: ½-cup blueberries (fresh or frozen), ½ or 1 banana (depending on size), 1 cup milk or nut milk (almond, cashew, etc.), 1 teaspoon flax oil, 1 scoop protein powder. Blend well.
My wife also likes adding kale, which is great if you have a monster blender to liquefy the chunks. I prefer baby spinach, which has a milder flavour and delivers a smoother result.
5. CLEAN UP!
As you’d expect, such a meal can be a kitchen destroyer. And there’s no better way to turn Mom’s smile into a frown than leaving the mess for her.
So, load up the dishwasher or sink, and get to it. You heard me kids… And remember, Father’s Day is just around the corner.
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Til next time,
Neil
