Mother's Day is one of those holidays that just about everyone celebrates. After all, it's nice to show that woman in your life (be it your mom, sister, wife, or godmother) that they mean a lot to you. There’s no better a time to show that special woman your appreciation with a little breakfast-in-bed. Breakfast in bed is a time-honored tradition on Mom’s designated day of rest and relaxation. What could be better than sleeping in a little late and having breakfast served to you by your favorite people? Kids love to prepare something special for Mom, and moms love the thoughtful gesture.

Whether Mom prefers a traditional breakfast of eggs or pancakes, a light breakfast of fruit and yogurt, or a variation of her favorite bagels, there are plenty of options that children can prepare with little to no supervision in the kitchen. The little ones will feel super grown-up when making these delicious breakfasts for mom!

One easy method for children who are too young to use the stove by themselves is microwave mug cooking. So many things can be made in a mug with just a bit of time in the microwave. There are dozens of mug cake recipes out there, if a sweet breakfast is her thing. If not, consider guiding those little hands in the direction of scrambled eggs. A little whisk of a fork and you've got fluffy scrambled eggs in minutes. For a sweet and salty mix with a spicy kick, try this mug French Toast topped with a bit of mascarpone cheese and Bellisari’s Blistered Jalapeno and Fig Spread https://bit.ly/2GZIIyn. If you want to make a fancier version that isn’t microwaved or made in a mug, check out our recipe here: https://bit.ly/2T9RZNh.

5-MINUTE MICROWAVE FRENCH TOAST MUG

These fast and easy 5-Minute French Toast Mugs are a great single serving breakfast treat that are easy for children to prepare.

Ingredients

1 tsp butter

3 Tbsp whole milk

1 tsp maple syrup

1/4 tsp cinnamon

1/4 tsp vanilla extract

Pinch ground nutmeg

1 large egg

1 cup bread pieces

OPTIONAL TOPPINGS OR ADD-INS

Berries

Sliced bananas

Nuts

Powdered sugar

Peanut butter

Chocolate chips

Bellisari's Blistered Jalapeno & Fig Spread and Mascarpone.

Instructions

Place the butter in a large mug and microwave for 15-20 seconds, or until it is melted. Add the milk, maple syrup, cinnamon, vanilla, nutmeg, and the egg to the mug and whisk until everything is well mixed.

Add the bread pieces to the mug and gently stir until all the pieces are saturated with the egg and milk mixture. Be careful not to stir too roughly or the bread pieces may fall apart. Let the bread sit and absorb the liquid for about 1 minute.

Microwave the mug for 60-90 seconds, or until the mixture is solid. I have a 1250-watt microwave and find that 70-80 seconds is about perfect. You may need to experiment to find just the right cooking time for your microwave and mug size.

Serve immediately or deck it out with your favorite toppings.

Fresh fruit and parfaits are also tasty and easy for the kids to make. The night before, just grab any berries that may need slicing and do the dirty work for them. They can still toss all the ingredients together and make a breakfast of champions. Let them revel in their independence. They’ll love the fact that they were able to do something so special for mom, and practically all on their own!

Giving little ones free reign in the kitchen may seem like a crazy idea, but there are lots of wonderful breakfast ideas that are simple enough for even a preschooler to make. With a minimal amount of prep, you can set them up for success and set yourself up for a lovely breakfast! Independence in the kitchen bolsters self-esteem in children, and they’ll feel proud to contribute to your special day.

One last tip for Dad and the kiddos -- be sure to clean up the kitchen when you’re through! Nothing spoils Mom’s fun like a mess she must clean up from something that was supposed to be a treat for her.

Happy Mother’s Day from all of us at Bellisari’s!