On the day devoted to mothers, a homemade brunch is a special way to show the mom in your life how much she means to you. While the thought and love will make the gesture unforgettable, you want the food to be as well! Whether you plan to host an elegant sit-down affair or a more leisurely buffet-style gathering, you can add unique touches to traditional dishes and create a meal that is specially crafted with your mom in mind.

- Eat, drink and be "mary": Bloody marys are a brunch staple, so why not create a fully stocked bloody mary bar? Guests can create their own variations on the classic drink based on their specific tastes. Make sure to have all of mom's favorite garnishes on hand, such as lemons, limes, bacon, pickles and olives and an array of spices to give the drink some zest, such as smoked paprika or a smoked salt. If bloody marys aren't your mom's thing, add mimosas or screwdrivers to the menu, complete with freshly squeezed orange juice and fruit garnishes, such as orange slices, strawberries or raspberries.

- Put all your eggs in one basket: There's a reason eggs are a go-to breakfast food. Not only are they easy to prepare, but there are also a variety of egg-based dishes you can create for a hearty and tasty brunch. To change up the kind of dish you're creating, simply adjust the ingredients, such as meats, veggies, cheeses and spices. Depending on mom's preference, you can create a simple omelet with her favorite add-ins, or show off your culinary skills with a quiche, strata or frittata.

- Have a crepe day: If your mom's preferred brunch option is a stack of flapjacks, she'll also love crepes. This French favorite is made from batter to create what many think of as a very thin pancake. The best part is that they can be made either sweet or savory. For a sweet crepe, add vanilla extract to the batter and fill it with mom's favorite fruit, whipped cream, chocolate and/or sprinkle with powdered sugar. If you want to create a savory crepe, use fillings such as meats, eggs, cheeses and vegetables.

- Finishing touches: Small details do matter, and the little additions to your brunch will show mom how much effort you put into creating a special meal just for her. You can do this by creating your own homemade versions of certain items instead of purchasing them at the grocery store. If your mom loves to add a little flavor to her coffee, create a homemade syrup with sugar, water and almond or vanilla extract. If you're planning to create a parfait with breakfast, make a special blend of granola using her favorite flavors such as cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, cardamom or ginger. Or try your hand at creating your own vinaigrette by mixing white balsamic vinegar and olive oil with spices such as pepper, sea salt, smoked paprika, mustard and Italian herb seasoning. You can drizzle it over a light side salad and pair with a quiche or frittata for a delicious meal.

SAUSAGE BREAKFAST STRATA

Ingredients:

1 loaf (1 pound) Italian bread

2 tablespoons canola oil

4 links (3 ounces each) Italian sausage

2 cups broccoli florets

1 cup diced red bell pepper

2 cups milk

11/2 cups half and half

9 eggs

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon Italian herb seasoning

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon black pepper, medium grind

2 cups (8 ounces) Italian blend shredded cheese or mozzarella cheese, divided

2 cups fresh spinach

1/4 cup shaved Parmesan cheese (optional)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Tear Italian loaf into 1-inch pieces. Place on baking sheet. Bake bread for 8 to 10 minutes to dry out. Remove from oven; set aside to cool completely.

3. Heat oil in large skillet over medium heat. Add sausage and broccoli and cook 5 minutes. Stir in bell peppers and continue to cook 3 to 5 minutes or until peppers are crisp tender. Remove from heat.

4. Whisk milk, cream, eggs, salt and spices in a very large mixing bowl until thoroughly combined. Stir in vegetable mixture. Fold in Italian cheese blend and the spinach. Pour mixture into 13-by-9-inch baking dish that has been sprayed with cooking spray.

5. Bake 40 to 45 minutes or until puffed and firm in the center. Remove from oven and let sit 10 minutes before serving. Top with shaved Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Recipe Note: Strata can be prepared the night before, covered and refrigerated. Allow strata to come to room temperature before baking, by removing the baking dish from the refrigerator 30 minutes prior to placing it in oven.

(Source: Spice Islands Trading Company)

About Spice Islands Trading Company

Spice Islands Trading Company has been stocking store shelves with high quality spices since 1941. The Company began by producing and packaging herbs, spices and wine vinegars. Today, the Spice Islands brand includes more than 100 different products, including dried herbs, seasonings, spices, spice blends and extracts. The products are distributed to an international audience in North America, South America and Europe. For more information, visit www.spiceislands.com or find us at Facebook.com/SpiceIslands

���

� 2013, McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.

• Read more articles by DIANE MCELROY, SPICE ISLANDS� TEST KITCHENS

Order Reprint