Hi to all the moms out there! Mother’s Day is coming up, and I hope that you all get pampered in a much deserved fashion. This post isn’t for you though. It’s for the sons and daughters, spouses, and grandchildren who should be spoiling you. 

To those who desperately want to be moms but aren’t yet. Biggest hugs to you, and I wish you had a day for yourself, whether you are waiting to meet the one you want to start a family with or whether you are the woman who cries with disappointment every time her period starts. (Been there. Done that. It’s the worst.) Take care of yourself this Sunday. Whether you ever have a child to call your own or not, you are worthy exactly as you are. Take care of yourself, whether that means skipping an awkward Mother’s Day church service or getting together with friends who are in a similar situation and celebrating each other.

To the stepmoms out there. I see you. I am you. It’s a strange day, full of mixed emotions. Is it your day? Is it not? Personally, I focus heavily on celebrating my mom who deserves celebration so I don’t have to think about how this holiday makes me feel personally. Take care of yourself, unsung heroine. It’s one thing to care for a child because you have to do so. It’s another to choose to do so, with little or no glory.

To those who have no desire to become a mom, in spite of what random friends, family, and members of society think is best for you. I see and respect you. Being a mother is holy work. So is not overpopulating the earth. Stand firm. It is your decision and yours alone.

To those who have lost a mom, I don’t know what you are going through; I won’t pretend. Take care of yourself on this very emotional day. Your mom would want you to have a good day, so feel no guilt in enjoying the little things.

To those left reading: hiiiiii!!!! You have prepared for Mother’s Day festivities, right? I’ll give you a checklist, whether you are shopping for your mom or your spouse.

To do:

• A card where you write a heartfelt message. She needs acknowledgement as moms do so much unrecognized work.
• A little luxury that she would want but probably wouldn’t pay for herself. This could be a spa treatment, or that hydrangea she’s always wanted for the front yard, or that cardigan she’s been eyeing at Ann Taylor. Don’t know what she’d want? Ask her sister or best friend.
• Food she loves with no clean up required from her. (If she loves brunch, try my quiche recipe!) Live far away? Give the gift of DoorDash (with cooperation from your dad or siblings who may have competing plans).
• Do one thing that makes things easier for her. It can be simple. Early riser mom? Start brewing coffee 10 minutes before her normal wake up time, so she goes downstairs to the promise of already brewed coffee. It can be bigger. Does mom hate taking her car in for an oil change? Take care of it for her this weekend.
• The gift of your time, whether it is in person, over the phone, or on Zoom.

Don’t:

• Give her Peloton (or any other fitness item) unless she specifically asked for one. Yes, there are some moms that want a Peloton more than anything. It’s a status symbol and health aid, all in one. If your mom or spouse has (positively) mentioned a Peloton in casual conversation three or more times, she is that mom. But if you decided that your postnatal spouse should be over the moon to receive an expensive piece of gym equipment to get rid of that lingering baby fat, NO. It is not for her. It is for you. She doesn’t have the time for it, sir. It will mock her everyday BECAUSE SHE DOESN’T HAVE TIME FOR IT. Pay for housekeeping services. That would actually give her the time to exercise. Or address her mental health. She’ll need to know which one needs to be addressed first.
• As for any household or kitchen appliances, the same rules that apply to the Peloton apply here. Some moms would be delighted to receive an air fryer. Others will have to quiet the urge to toss it at your head. Know which mom is your mom and respect that.
• Anything that creates work for her. 
• ANYTHING THAT CREATES WORK FOR HER.

I believe this was supposed to be about quiche. So off topic! So sorry!

Brunch is a great choice for Mother’s Day, as it feels more extravagant than it is. Admittedly, this quiche is not what I’m making for my own mom, as my mom isn’t a brunching mom, so I’m doing something geared towards her tastes and preferences, but I think this would go over well with many women.

I’d recommend rounding out your menu with a side (salad or fruit), coffee, a cocktail or mocktail (mimosas are always a good idea), and a sweet (strawberry shortcakes, perhaps?).

Asparagus and Leek Quiche

Asparagus and Leek Quiche

To make or buy your pie crust, that is the question. If you have any questions about your skill in pie crust making (or the time you’ll have to do so), please buy a premade crust. I promise it’s not cheating. The end goal is a delicious quiche, regardless of time or effort. If you know you have the time and effort to make your own crust there is a recipe for you below this one. 

Recipe modified from Kristine’s Kichen.
Ingredients
Pie crust, homemade (recipe below) or premade
2 teaspoons olive oil
1 leek, washed well and chopped
1 pound asparagus, chopped
5 eggs
3/4 cup milk
½ cup shredded cheese (I use a swiss/gruyere blend)
Salt and pepper
2 ounces goat cheese, crumbled
Directions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Press the pie crust into the pie dish and make it pretty.
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium low heat. Add the leek and cook, stirring frequently, for about five to eight minutes. Increase the heat to medium, add the asparagus and cook for 2-3 minutes more. Remove the pan from the heat.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, shredded cheese, salt and pepper.
In the pie dish, begin with adding the leek and asparagus as a bottom layer, and then add a layer of goat cheese crumbles. Finally, pour the egg mixture over it all.
Bake the quiche for 35-45 minutes, checking on the quiche starting at 25 minutes. If the crust has browned too much at the 25 minute point, add some foil to the top to prevent burning. The quiche is done when the eggs are set.
Serve warm or at room temperature.

Butter Pie Crust

Butter Pie Crust


This recipe is for a single crust pie.

Ingredients
¾ cup whole-wheat pastry flour
½ cup all-purpose flour 
½ teaspoon salt 
8 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch cubes 
3 to 4 tablespoons ice water
Directions
Mix pastry flour, all-purpose flour and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a large bowl. Mix the butter into the flour mixture, using either your hands or a food processor until your butter cubes are butter flakes. Add water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dough is evenly moist (but not wet) and is just starting to clump together. Do not overmix. Pat the dough into a 5-inch disk. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for 1 hour.

Roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface into a 12-inch circle. Transfer to a 9-inch pie pan. Tuck the overhang under and crimp the edge with a fork or flute it between your thumb and index finger. Pour the filling into the crust.