Celebrating the Women in My Life

For me, Mother's Day is about honoring the women in my life — my mom, my sister, my stepmother, my two grandmothers, my aunts, my sisters-in-law, and my closest friends.

I love a handwritten note, and each year I enjoy sending a card letting them know I am thinking of them — and that I get it, that being a mom is hard work (and there are often not enough thank yous involved in the job!). I certainly cannot forget those women in my life who are not mothers, either by choice or by circumstance. I have compassion for them, knowing that Mother's Day can be challenging.

A Mother's Day Tradition: Brunch, Museums & Mimosas

On Mother's Day, I only want to spend time with my girls, Haly and Lily, and my husband, Steve. My favorite thing to do is go to brunch at one of my favorite restaurants — mimosas will, of course, be served. There is nothing better than spending the day together telling stories, reminiscing, and dreaming about our next trip or meal.

Our conversations always come back to food and where we can go on our next adventure. I recently returned from a trip to New York and added some wonderful new restaurants to my list. I know the girls and Steve will love them as much as I did.

When we are all together — which is never often enough — I want to pack in as much time with the girls as I possibly can. After brunch, we make our way to the museum to take in one of the extraordinary exhibits, and if the weather cooperates, we walk through the museum gardens. Taking time to pause and take in the beauty of art and Mother Nature is a gift.

The Heart Behind In the Curious Kitchen

The foundation of In the Curious Kitchen is a celebration of the women in my family. My grandmothers had a total of seven children, and my mother had four. All three were strong, independent women who adored their children and who were extraordinary examples of how to be a great mother.

I will always cherish the beautiful blankets my mom made for my girls before they were born, and how much joy it gave her to share in putting together their nurseries and to welcome them both into the world. She would be so proud of them today.

Mother's Day is bittersweet as I reminisce about all the memories of my mom and how much love she gave to me and my siblings. She is missed every day. It is in her honor — and in my grandmothers' honor — that I work so hard to share our Southern-inspired gourmet foods. From our Pimento Cheese to our Strawberry Jalapeño Jam, each product tells a story of these strong, confident mothers who shaped me and touched so many lives.

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Family Recipes Worth Passing Down

Many of the recipes I share through my blog and on the website come from the women who raised me. The recipes below are extra special — they honor my past and carry forward into my future.

• Easy Chicken Casserole — my mom always took this to her work potlucks!
• Summer Vegetable Salad — from a special handwritten recipe book my mom created for me in 1995
• Potato Salad — my mom's recipe; so simple, yet so memorable
• Sweet Tea Brined Turkey Breast — the use of sweet tea is in honor of my grandmother
• Caramel Pecan Cake — a recipe my grandmother used; I always loved baking with her in her kitchen in North Carolina