It’s really hard to believe it is already May…and Mother’s Day is fast approaching. This Sunday, May 14, to be exact. It’s a day set aside to honor the mother of an individual or a family–as well as motherhood, in general. And it’s not just for traditional Moms…today’s Mother’s Day pays homage to all Moms, mother figures, and maternal nature in general. It also extends to grandmothers, aunts, sisters, mother-in-law’s, best friends and so on and so on.

Did you know that it’s also the third most lucrative holidays. Although it is a holiday that is celebrated worldwide, it is primarily thought of as an American holiday and it’s estimated that Americans plan to spend nearly $40 billion on gifts and related activities. Most people, nearly 90%, plan to celebrate Mother’s Day in some way, and it’s the third most lucrative for flowers and cards–only behind Valentine’s Day and Christmas.

Here’s a few facts about this holiday giving Moms the credit they deserve:

Mother’s Day isn’t celebrated on the same date during the year, but it is celebrated on the same day–the second Sunday in May.
More telephone calls are made on Mother’s Day than any other day of the year…nearly 122 million. That’s a lot of gabbing going on!
The earliest mention of a Mother’s Day-esque holiday was in Ancient Greece when a springtime vigil celebrating Rhea–the goddess of fertility and motherhood.
The first Mother’s Day in the United States was connected to the Civil War. Acting as a peacemaker, Ann Jarvis organized a day for all mothers–from both sides of the war–to come together in peace for one day for Mother’s Friendship Day. This was in 1868. Oddly enough, nearly 40 years later, Ann Jarvis’ daughter, Anna, organized a holiday ot honor her mother and the first official Mother’s Day was celebrated in 1908.
Apparently, the idea caught on and President Woodrow Wilson signed a law that Mother’s Day would be officially observed on the second Sunday in May. This was 1914.
It’s one of the busiest days for restaurants, and according to the National Retail Federation, an average of $245 is spent on mothers!

And speaking of gifts, about 40% of all mothers will receive some sort of jewelry while flowers are the most given gift. Some mothers love receiving a bauble and a bouquet of lovely spring blooms, I know I do, but I also like to open something a little different from time to time–something outside the box (but really inside one!) In the Curious Kitchen might just be able to help you put a curious spin on a Mother’s Day gift.

In the Curious Kitchen is inspired by the strong women in my life. My mother, Pat, and both of my grandmothers provided me with unconditional love and support throughout my life. My grandmothers passed away a while ago, and I lost my Mom more than a decade ago but they continue to guide me, inspire me, and the memories of watching them feed their families and entertain with impeccable hostess skills are my driving force. My recipes are from their kitchens, but I’ve added my own curious twist–and I know they are proud of the business I am building for myself and my family.

My grandmother, Mammy, from North Carolina taught me how to make pimento cheese. I’ve told the story so many times about watching her make it while standing on a stool by her side. My mother’s mother, who lived in Frankfort when I was growing up, loved her bourbon and was a mixologist before they were the “in” thing. She taught me so much about entertaining. So did my Mother. She would add a little special touch to this or to that and make a party for 5 or 25 look effortless. She hosted wedding showers, baby showers, birthday parties, and so many more events with grace, charm, and ease. She even made a Tuesday night family dinner into something special most of the time–or so that’s how I remember it. But my favorite memories of my mother were her dinner parties and her pot-lucks.

When I was very young, my parents entertained quite a bit and it was so much fun watching all of the little details come together for a successful cocktail or dinner party. Later, when my mom worked for our Kentucky legislators, I remember her in the kitchen preparing for one of the office’s many, many potluck luncheons. One of her go-to recipes was for a wonderful and delicious casserole. It was the 80s and casseroles were “the thing!” She would always make one for the office and one for home–and did I love that concept! I don’t think it ever had an official name. We just called it “The Casserole.” And it is my Mother’s Day gift to you…from my mother and me!

Cheers!

MK

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