Whether served in bed or at the table, making breakfast on Mother's Day is a simple way to show mothers that they are special.

Spoiling mum with breakfast in bed or a cooked breakfast at a beautifully laid table is a lovely way to begin Mother’s Day. The whole family can get involved in helping put together a menu that will not only taste great but look fantastic too.

Breakfast in Bed Ideas

The most important thing to remember when preparing a breakfast tray for mum to enjoy in bed is to keep things as simple as possible. The menu should be limited to food that is easy to eat to avoid spilling and mess.

Set a tray for mum, ensuring that all the necessary items (napkins, cutlery, jams and spreads) are in place. A single flower picked from the garden for decoration adds a lovely touch.

Placing a cloth (a clean tea towel will suffice) on the tray will stop plates from sliding around.

Some menu ideas include:

• Croissants with jam
• Toast and muffins with jams and spreads
• French toast
• Fresh fruit salad

French Toast Recipe

• 1 egg
• 2 tbsp milk
• 2 slices bread

Whisk ingredients together in a shallow bowl. Dip bread slices into mix to evenly coat.

Place in a pan over a medium heat. Cook for 2 minutes on each side or until golden.

Serves one.

Sweet variation: add 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla essence to the mix and serve with fresh berries dusted with icing sugar.

Savoury variation: add ½ teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce to the mix. Top cooked toast with sliced ham and swiss cheese and place under a hot grill until cheese is melted.

Setting a Breakfast Table

If a busy day is planned visiting family, breakfast or brunch around the table is an excellent way to start the day with some special time just for mum. Younger children in particular can help with creating a beautifully laid table. Picking flowers from the garden, making home-made place cards, placing cutlery and folding napkins are all suitable jobs for little hands.

Ensure that sauces, seasonings etc are all on hand so that once the family is seated, the meal can progress in a relaxed fashion.

Cooked Breakfast Ideas

• Bacon and eggs
• Hash browns and baked beans
• Eggs Benedict or Florentine
• Corn fritters
• Pancakes

Easy Pancake Recipe

Pancakes are very popular at breakfast time, and can be bought ready-made to be heated in the microwave, or as a mix requiring the addition of water. If no mix is at hand, pancake batter can be made as follows:

• 1 cup flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 egg
• 1 cup milk
• 1 tablespoon oil or melted butter

Once cooked, place batches of pancakes in a slow oven to warm so that the family can all sit down together to enjoy them.

To complete the indulgence for mum, allow her to relax with a hot cup of tea or coffee while the rest of the family takes care of cleaning up the kitchen.

Preparing breakfast on Mother’s Day can be as basic as serving toast on a tray, but it is guaranteed to put a smile on every mum’s face.