Food inspiration for Mother’s Day

Rudo Kandiero

AS Mother’s Day approaches, many of us are searching for the perfect way to show appreciation for the special women in our lives.

One way to express gratitude is through food.

Mother’s Day is a time to celebrate the love, care and nourishment that mothers provide. What better way to honour this special day than with a culinary celebration?

Food has a way of bringing people together and on this special day, it is the perfect way to show mum just how much you care.

As we prepare to celebrate Mother’s Day, let us not forget the most important ingredient: love.

And what better way to show love than through a thoughtful homemade meal?

Let us explore some delicious ideas to make this day unforgettable:

Pancakes or waffles: Fluffy, golden pancakes or crispy waffles served with fresh fruit, syrup or whipped cream.

Eggs benedict: Toasted English muffins or rolls topped with poached eggs, ham and hollandaise sauce.

Quiche: A savoury tart filled with eggs, cheese and vegetables.

Strawberry shortcake: Fresh strawberries layered with whipped cream and sweet biscuits.

Chocolate cake: A moist, rich chocolate cake with creamy frosting.

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Cheesy garlic herb spaghetti squash with meat sauce

Ingredients

For roasting the squash

Squash (two butternuts or any type of squash);

Six cloves garlic;

One tablespoon oil;

Salt and pepper;

 Meat sauce

One kilogramme mincemeat;

One diced onion;

Salt and pepper;

One teaspoon oregano;

Half teaspoon cumin, ground;

500g tomatoes (or tinned);

Two tablespoons tomato paste;

Three cloves garlic (chopped);

Oil

For topping

One-and-a-half cups mozzarella cheese and chopped fresh basil.

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 220°C (428°F).
2. Cut each squash in half lengthwise and scoop out seeds. Place one whole garlic clove into each half.
3. Drizzle the squash with oil; brush to coat evenly and season with salt and pepper. Place the squash halves, cut side down, on a baking sheet.
4. Roast for 45 minutes or until squash is tender.
5. Meanwhile, heat large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef. As it browns, add onion, oregano and cumin. Cook until onion is soft. Rest of sauce ingredients.
6. When squash is done, mash the roasted garlic and use fork to scrape flesh into spaghetti-like stands.
7. Spoon meat sauce into each squash and top with grated mozzarella cheese and bake until cheese browns. Garnish with basil.

Classic tartlet

For the pastry

One-and-a-half all-purpose flour; quarter cup granulated sugar; half-cup butter or baking margarine; one egg yolk; two to three tablespoons cold water.

For the filling

Custard or whipped cream and fresh fruits

Method

1. Combine flour, sugar and butter until crumbly. Add egg yolk and water to form a dough. Chill for 30 minutes.
2. Roll out dough and cut into small circles. Fit into tartlet pans and prick the bases. Bake at 175°C (350°F) for 12 to 15 minutes until golden. Cool completely.
3. Fill tartlets with custard cream or whipped cream. Top with fresh fruits or other garnishes.
4. Chill briefly before serving

Rudo Kandiero is a qualified chef with a diploma in food preparation and culinary arts, patisserie and food safety. She can be contacted on 0772748509.