North State Parent magazine

Ok Dad, now's the time to head to the kitchen with the kids. As Mother's Day approaches, you know that breakfast-in-bed, or at least breakfast-that's-not-burnt, would definitely bless the Lady of the House. The following recipes, tips and presentation suggestions (hint, hint) are bound to bring a smile to Mom's face and ensure both of you fun memories with the kiddos.

Plan Ahead

If you are going to tackle the breakfast-in-bed deal with any hope of success, you're going to need to plan ahead. The last thing you want to do is rummage through cupboards and pantries early on a Sunday morning, yelling, "Honey, where's the....?" Not only does that raise suspicion, but it doesn't do much for your image as the Thoughtful Guy.

So, assuming you'll handle the recipe instructions just fine on your own, let's talk about the stuff you might otherwise miss. First, you'll need to find a nice serving tray. There might be one-(or ten)-in the house already... poke around, or ask your wife ahead of time. If she asks why you need one, say you're looking for something to sort screws on. Alternately, you can purchase a serving tray at your local department, antique, thrift or kitchen store.

You'll need a small vase and fresh flower. Realize that although Mom may consider hand-picked dandelions a sweet gesture from the kids, you might want to represent yourself in a more befitting manner by making a trip to the florist for that special flower. (Keep in mind it's common for flowers to sell out the day before Mother's Day-- plan accordingly.)

You also need to a cloth napkin and pretty dishes, along with a glass, mug and utensils. No plastic or paper serving-ware is allowed. Leatherman tools and pocket knives don't count either.

Don't forget to buy a card while you're at it!

Be sure to check that you have all breakfast ingredients on hand. Check out the "what you'll need" list in the article's sidebar. Read through the recipes ahead of time make sure you understand the scope of the project. You'll need to place the spinach package in the refrigerator to thaw overnight (hide it under some lettuce leaves In the back of a produce drawer, along with the strawberries).

The Food

On the big morning, get yourself and your crew up a couple hours before Mom. Yes, you can-- really. It's the least you can do in honor of her nine-month's service of nausea and feeling like she'd swallowed a watermelon. (Not to mention the delivery process...)

The kids can help with many of the prep tasks. It will be fun! Use caution around the stove and when knives are involved. The last thing you want on Mother's Day is a trip to the ER. So unless your kids are of an age and maturity that assure they will be safe, assist or supervise their cutting and baking contributions--or do these tasks yourself while the little guys rinse the fruit, arrange it on the platter, mix the egg casserole ingredients, and help make the crescent rolls.

Hint: Since the crescents and egg dish bake at different temperatures, prepare the crescents first. While they're baking, prepare the casserole. The rolls can cool while the egg dish cooks.

** Don't forget! Make sure you clean up after yourselves! A dirty kitchen totally cancels out any points you've earned by serving breakfast in bed.

Putting It All Together

While things are baking or cooling, have the kids set the tray with the cloth napkin, dishes and utensils, and have them sign the card. Set the card and flower on the tray. Use a small plate for the chocolate crescent rolls and dish Mom up a fruit plate and a square of the casserole on the 2nd plate. Add a pretty mug with her favorite hot drink and a glass of water for the elegance factor. Serve with a kiss and a smile.

Fresh Fruit Plate

You'll need:

• strawberries
• green & red grapes
• cantaloupe or other melon

Kids can rinse the strawberries and grapes and gently pat them dry. Older kids can use kitchen scissors to cut the grape bunches into small clusters. You will need to rinse, halve and skin the melon with a sharp knife. Have the kids remove the seeds with a large spoon. Cut the melon into wedges. Together you can arrange five or so strawberries in the center of a pretty plate and then arrange slices of melon around them like spokes on a wheel. Place grape clusters between the melon slices, alternating green and red.

Chocolate Crescent Rolls- easy and fun for the kids to make.

(You can also call grandma for her favorite blueberry muffin recipe or another healthy alternate.)

You'll need:

• 1 package refrigerated crescent rolls
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips, preferably dark
• tablespoons granulated sugar

Heat the oven according to the directions on the crescent roll package. Open and separate crescent rolls. Sprinkle surface of triangle with 10-12 chocolate chips. Roll up, starting at wide end of the triangle, rolling toward point. Place on cookie sheet. Sprinkle with sugar or drizzle with honey. Bake according to package directions.

Eggs Florentine Casserole

You'll need:

• 9 eggs
• 1 pint cottage cheese
• 8 ounces grated Swiss cheese
• 8 ounces crumbled feta cheese
• 1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, completely thawed and squeezed dry

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray, or coat it with butter or margarine. In large mixing bowl, beat eggs. Add cheeses and stir to combine well. Add in spinach and mix again. Pour mixture into prepared baking dish. Bake 45 minutes to one hour, or until eggs are cooked through (test with a knife-- it should come out clean). Cool slightly before cutting into squares.

Author Jessica Fisher is a wife and mother of five beautiful children. She is blessed that her husband and little chefs enjoy cooking all sorts of goodies.