It’s your turn to wow mom this mother’s day with a simple yet thoughtful start to her day.  Make sure you have a sturdy tray, some flowers and homemade cards and check out these simple ideas for a delicious breakfast in bed.

Yogurt Parfait – Chobani greek yogurt is all the rage right now (mango is my fave).  Moms across the US have their grocery carts stocked with the stuff (we are always eyeing everyone’s carts for new ideas).  Add a little fancy by serving it in a parfait glass or tall ice cream dish and layering yogurt, granola, and fresh fruit (I usually go for berries). You can add two or three layers depending on the size of the glass.  This is a fun, no cook breakfast that the kids can even do on their own.

She’s Got Eggs – Click here to learn how to cook perfect scrambled eggs for mom on Mother’s Day.   Or, for the adventurous Dad, fix up a quiche the night before, such as this arugula and bacon quiche.  For mom’s breakfast, just a cut a slice the next morning and warm it up.  Quiche generally warms up great in the microwave.  Serve it up with muffins and berries. Delish!

She’ll Flip Over This – Try making a bunch of silver dollar pancakes and serve small plates to Mom with different toppings.  Try cut up strawberries with whipped cream, blueberry pancakes, or bananas and pecans with syrup.  Cook up some bacon on the side.  We like to cook it in the oven, on a foil-lined baking sheet, for 10 – 15 minutes at 400 degrees.

Smoothies – I’m sure that mom would love to start her mother’s day with a cold and refreshing smoothie.  Our favorite is the tropical smoothie with mango, pineapple and banana.  And as May starts strawberry season, you might want to try our berry blast smoothie.  Easy and healthy.

Inspired by Giada de Laurentis

But Cinco de Mayo does give me an excuse to go all out in Mexican tradition in celebration of our Southern neighbor’s historic Battle of Puebla.

So dust off your maracas, sombreros, and panchos and bring some Mexican culture to your house with pinatas, brightly colored decorations, mariachi music and, of course, a traditional Mexican menu.

Here’s our favorite Mexican cocktails, Mexican appetizers, Mexican entrees and Mexican desserts to get you started.

Mexican Cocktails

You can’t have a Mexican fiesta without a little tequila.  Try our no fail Margarita recipe, The Perfect Margarita.

Mexican Appetizers

Our absolutely favorite appetizer is the Gourmet Guacamole.  To check for perfectly ripe avocados, give each one a little squeeze to make sure it gives a little to the pressure.  Check out the video of Michelle demonstrating “how to make” our favorite guacamole.  Round out a trio of dips with chips by adding our homemade salsa (an absolute must) and a fun fiesta corn dip.  Make sure you whip up enough salsa to also serve with your entrees.

Mexican Entrees

Mexican cuisine can be easy to make with these tried-and-true  recipes.  The Authentic Enchiladas can be made ahead of time (or try the easy enchiladas if you are pinched for time).    Or fire up the grill for some smokin’ good steak fajitas.  If you are craving a little seafood, the Shrimp and Prosciutto tacos are divine (thanks Eric for sending us this recipe).  And Michelle’s neighbor shared with us her favorite (and now ours too) quesadilla recipe, Eason’s Easy Veggie Quesadillas.  Serve them as an app or main course.  Although May 5th is a Saturday this year, you still might choose to make our “easy enough for a weeknight” Mexican supper, the Chicken Chilaquiles (featured in the pic at the top of the page – making me hungry just looking at it).

Mexican Dessert

Eva Longoria Pan del Polvo – found this recipe in an old issue of In Style magazine.  If Eva loves them, you will too!

The unique ingredients blend together perfectly.  You’ll love the textures and flavors. Sometimes I serve it as a main course, and other times I’ll serve it as a side or pair it with homemade soup. In lieu of smoked salmon, you can use grilled chicken – or omit that ingredient completely. I love salmon (and need my Omega 3′s!), so I typically include it.

I think the salad only needs about 25% of the dressing.  Fortunately, the dressing keeps well in the refrigerator, so I make half and store the rest for up to 1 week. Be sure to toss it at the table so your family can enjoy the beauty of this salad.

Inspired by Gourmet

1. Stack graham cracker, chocolate square and a peep. Zap in the microwave until soft. Or you can place it under your broiler.
2. Top with another graham cracker square. Enjoy!

For more Easter recipe, check out our simple and tasty Easter brunch!