What Do Moms Who Cook Really Want?
Somewhere along the way, someone decided the pinnacle of The Mother’s Day Experience was breakfast in bed, maybe with a few flowers tossed in for good measure. But let’s be honest: The breakfast was cold or messy, the flowers didn’t last and the mountain of dishes left behind were a chore.
This year, we asked some of our favorite moms who cook what they actually want. Spoiler: It’s not soggy toast. It's more like her favorite delicious homemade meal and a set of brand-new knives. When you're planning how to celebrate the mothers in your life, remember that flowers wilt, but our knives come with a lifetime warranty.
Julia Heffelfinger, Recipe Developer and Editor
“My ideal Mother's Day would involve sleeping in and enjoying a quiet morning to myself (if I'm being honest) and then venturing out for a beach day with my family and our dog—New England weather permitting. I'm not much of a breakfast person, but I have been dreaming about these Hoagies with Artichoke-Red Pepper Spread ever since the recipe crossed my desk. They'd be a great pack-ahead lunch with some Cape Cod potato chips (of course).”
Alex Van Buren, Senior Writer & Content Strategist
“Parental life is intense, and can be totally lacking in down time. Whatever Mom does to recharge—abscond to a nook with a book; go out for a cocktail with girlfriends; see a movie out, alone—figure out a way to get her that. It might mean booking a sitter. It might mean not spending time with her. And if you bring her breakfast in bed, for goodness' sake, do the dishes!”
Crystal Bahmaie, Creative Producer
“I asked my kid what moms really want for Mother's Day and she said, ‘To be left alone.’ She's right! I would absolutely hate breakfast in bed and luckily my husband knows this so that has never happened to me. What I like is when she and my husband make something that can be adapted to our vegetarian household (like this Skillet Polenta with Sausage, Kale, Roasted Tomatoes & Eggs) and then do all the cleanup.”
Melissa Gaman, Recipe Developer, Editor and Writer
“I'm not someone who likes over-the-top celebrations or unnecessary gifts just for the sake of giving, and that extends to Mother's Day. Instead of flowers or chocolates, on Mother's Day I just want to lean into relaxation and make as few decisions and meals as possible. Nothing would thrill me more than sitting down to a spread of cozy comfort foods and carbs prepared for me and not by me. Homemade bread like these Skillet Dinner Rolls and Big Batch Chicken Noodle Soup would fit the bill perfectly, especially because May weather in the Northeast can still be chilly. Both of these recipes are easy enough to prepare and have the added benefit of providing leftovers so I can continue to feel the love and appreciation days later.”
Marcela Valladolid, chef, cookbook author, TV host and founder of Casa Marcela
“What I’ve wanted for Mother’s Day has changed every year. Sometimes I want to host and prep the whole thing (because, hello, quality control!), but this year I would love for us to gather in our home, my sanctuary, set a gorgeous table, and have some easy takeout on disposable plates. That’s right. (Gourmet) pizza on cardboard plates loaded with salsa macha (mine probs). No prep. No stress. No cleanup and plenty of time to dress up and look nice and take some nice photos with my people.”
Leah Koenig, IACP Award-winning author of cookbooks and The Jewish Table newsletter
“I wake up with the kids almost every morning because my husband works late a lot as a musician, so he’s often gotten home at 12 or 1. So, I would love for them to go out and let me sleep and then go to the farmers’ market and bring me back a coffee and something that they didn’t mess up the kitchen making. But that they went out and let me luxuriate in the peace and quiet and brought me something back [feels like a gift].”
If you’ve been wondering how to treat the mom in your life, we’ve got you covered. And if cooking isn’t in the cards, remember, she might love a fresh apron for when she does get back in the kitchen.
*Quotes have been edited and condensed for clarity
