Here Come The Moms

Mother's Day again. I stand in a store staring at the standard gift options and am suddenly overcome with a unique mix of panic and irritation. Choosing a gift or card that summarizes the powerful and often complicated relationships we have with our mothers seems nearly impossible. You could concoct a memorable meal in less time than it would take to choose between scented candles or find a greeting card that expressed your own feelings about motherhood.

Mothers are like snowflakes, similar as they whirl past you on the street, vastly different upon closer inspection. Some insist on walking you to school long into the ninth grade. Others cart you off to an Ashram in India during budding adolescence. I know poet moms and chef moms, moms who are men, artist moms who live on communes and moms in law school. Motherhood is an important part of their lives but not the summation. The only similarity I know they all share is the need to eat, to break bread at the table with children, family and friends.

There are moms that require a pork country rib roast with salsa verde. If mom is feeling a little fancy these days you could opt for the organic game hen stuffed with savory sork sausage and Star Route's chard. Some moms love a picnic in the sun with plenty of Terrine de Volaille, Saucisson Sec and a nicely chilled rosé. Perhaps you have many moms, multiple generations, remarriages and other maternal figures to which you must pay homage. Better fire up the grill because here come your moms.

See you at the market!

Saturday, May 10