Really, the best gift you can give Mom on Mother's Day is to take over the kitchen duties. Whether you make one dish or an entire day's worth of menus, your mother will really appreciate a day off from planning, cooking, serving, and cleaning up. The trick is to pick recipes that require not much effort for a big payoff. With high quality prepared and convenience foods, creating a meal or two doesn't have to be difficult or time consuming. Enjoy these easy recipes and make this Mother's Day the best ever!
1. Easiest Chicken Salad
Linda Larsen
Open a few packages and jars, plop the food into a bowl, stir with a spoon, and you have a flavorful and colorful chicken salad that Mom will love.
2. Fresh Fruit with Dip
Linda Larsen
A smooth and rich dip flavored with strawberry is the perfect complement to juicy and sweet fruits. You can prepare the fruits yourself, or take a look in the produce department of your local grocery store. You'll be surprised to see all the prepared fruits and vegetables that make cooking easier.
3. Mini Pecan Tartlets
Linda Larsen
Serve these to Mom with some hot tea on a pretty serving tray, and she'll feel like a queen! A five ingredient filling is just spooned into mini filo shells, then baked until golden. Sprinkle with powdered sugar through a sieve for the perfect finishing touch.
4. Chicken and Bacon in Puff Pastry
Linda Larsen
Just six ingredients combine to make this elegant entree. Serve with some roasted asparagus and rice made from a boxed mix for a special dinner Mom will just love.
5. Chicken Pesto Croissant Sandwich
Linda Larsen
This super simple recipe is basically made by shopping. Pick up the best ingredients you can find and afford, then just assemble these easy sandwiches. Serve with carrot sticks and some grapes, and Mom will be delighted.
6. Salmon Coleslaw Salad
Linda Larsen
And this is a three ingredient recipe! You can make your own coleslaw, using cabbage you shred yourself or the packaged shredded cabbage you find in the produce aisle, or buy deli coleslaw to make it easy on yourself. You can use well drained canned salmon in place of the salmon fillets too. Serve on some frilly lettuce on pretty plates for a nice presentation.
7. Creamy Italian Chicken
Linda Larsen
Crockpot recipes are a wonderful way for more inexperienced cooks to cook a meal successfully. Just add the food, cover the crockpot, turn it on, and go about your day (or shop for a present!). When you are ready to eat, dinner is ready to serve.
8. Special Kay Bars
Linda Larsen
If Mom loves chocolate and peanut butter, there's no better (or easier!) recipe than this one. Just be careful with the hot sugar mixture; it can burn if you're not careful. Take your time and follow the directions carefully for some of the best bar cookies ever.
9. Classic Pancakes
Linda Larsen
Pancakes are one of the first things beginning cooks make. They are easy and fun to make, and you can make them fancy depending on the toppings you offer. I myself like pancakes spread with butter, then topped with powdered sugar that melts to form a thin frosting. But you can offer everything from maple syrup to jam to fresh fruit compote.
10. Mock Dobos Torte
Linda Larsen
And finally, this easy and rich dessert is the perfect finish to any meal you serve to your mom. Just three ingredients make an excellent 'torte' with no baking. Serve it on a pretty plate surrounded by fresh berries and enjoy.
