Lord Jim of Dilling - Diplomat Magazine

DELIGHTS|ENTERTAININGFêting MomMother’s Day in Canada, the dayset aside to honour individualmothers for the efforts, sacrificesand love they have so generouslydisplayed all year, is always the secondSunday in May.In North America, two church serviceson May 10, 1908, (one in Grafton, WestVirginia and another in Philadelphia,Pennsylvania) were the first observancesof Mother’s Day. The services were organizedin recognition of Anna Reese Jarvis,a community activist, who 50 years earlierinitiated “Mothers’ Works Days” in WestVirginia. Mrs. Jarvis organized motherswith an initial focus on improving sanitaryconditions; however, the scope of theirmandate quickly broadened to includecaring for the wounded on both sidesduring the Civil War and facilitating reconciliationefforts. Indeed, as the 19th and20th centuries evolved so did the conceptthat motherhood represented an on-goingbattle for social and economic justice forwomen, children and the poor. On May 9,1914, President Woodrow Wilson declaredthe first national Mother’s Day in the U.S.,to honour mothers who had lost sons inwar.Although the commercialization ofMother’s Day quickly followed, few of usresist the pressures of fêting mother on herspecial day. Flowers are not only popularand appropriate, they are also the perfectsolution for those who find gift ideas achallenge. Taking Mom out for brunch ordinner is another popular gift, one wheremore than just mother can enjoy the “collective”benefit of a happy meal together.But not everyone can afford that specialdining experience which mother deserves.And besides, what could please Mommore than the personal effort that goesinto preparing a wonderful meal just forher?I suggest spoiling mother with breakfast.For a fail-proof meal, try my “Fruit-Filled Lace Crêpes.” Imagine a large crêpeglazed with strawberry jam, then layeredwith a combination of fruits, enhancedwith touches of cream, syrup and nuts.Topped gently with one of my intriguing“lace crêpes” and dusted with icing sugar,the final product is irresistible.This is one of those unique recipeswhere the entire family can get involvedMargaretDickensonin a meaningful way– even the youngest ofchildren. (Or, of course,one person can do iton his/her own.) Tasksshould be playfully assignedand proceduresreviewed before the actionbegins. Makingthe batter, crêpes andslicing the fruit should be left to more maturehands; however, the actual assemblyprocess can be classified as child’s play.Don’t worry about the sticky spoons anddishes or the extra icing sugar dust thatmay clutter the kitchen counter top at theend of this team exercise. Leave the cleanupbehind for later. Instead, turn on themusic, sit down to an attractively set tableand enjoy your breakfast treat with Mom.If you’re more inclined to cook dinnerfor Mom, keep it simple so that the entireday is not spent in the kitchen. Whichmother would not delight in a smokedsalmon starter of some kind? Move on toa main course of your choice or perhaps apetit fillet mignon on mushroom wild riceand topped with nutmeg-scented butteredfiddleheads. (Note: Fiddleheads shouldbe making their debut on local markets atthat time.) For dessert, modify the Fruit-Filled Lace Crêpes recipe to about half itssize. Take a moment to salute Mom andFruit-filled lace crêpesthen savour her enthusiastic response toyour creative culinary efforts, all in celebrationof her well-deserved day.Happy Mother’s Day and bon appetit.Margaret Dickenson is author of theinternational award-winning cookbookMargaret’s Table – Easy Cooking & InspiringEntertaining. See www.margaretstable.cafor more.Fruit-filled lace crêpesMakes 4 servings2 cups (250 mL) crêpe batter (recipe follows),divided2 cups (500 mL) fresh strawberries (stemsremoved and sliced) or other berries ordiced mango3 cups (750 mL) banana, sliced1 tbsp (15 mL) orange-flavoured liqueur,optional3 tbsp (45 mL) strawberry jam1/4 cup (60 mL) double ginger sour creamsauce* or crème fraîche or yogurt3 tbsp (45 mL) creamy butterscotch dessertsauce or maple syrup2 tbsp (30 mL) toasted slivered almonds orchopped pecans, optional1 tbsp (15 mL) chopped chocolate, optionalGarnish (optional)As desired whole fresh strawberries and/Larry Dickenson32SPRING 09 | APR–JUN