Giangi's Kitchen

Mother’s Day is only a few days away, and with everything that is happening, celebrations will most likely be different this year. With social distancing still in place, staying at home from a loved one can feel difficult to manage, especially on a day dedicated to celebrating the amazing moms in our lives.

However, despite it all, we must and need honor all the moms and moms-to-be this day as special as it can be. And to make your day easier in the kitchen, look no further as  I have gathered a few recipes for the big day that are delicious and very easy to prepare.

Drop off a basket to your mom if distance permits or schedule a FaceTime cooking date together.

We all could use something wonderful to celebrate!

CAULIFLOWER WITH OLIVES AND

Roasting the cauliflower,  which brings out all the natural juices, combines with the tomatoes and the light lemon vinaigrette, you could live just with that. Add some bacon for a fun spin. Seared scallops or oven-baked salmon, or chicken, and there you have a great meal.  Or add some asparagus or green beans. The possibilities are endless as this will soon become your favorite salad.

COQ AU VIN BLANC

One of the most classic French comfort food, Coq Au Vin, with a spin. Instead of using red wine, I used white wine and in the pressure cooker. The best decision ever made. Not only saving yourself two-thirds of the time, the flavors out of this world. A must and a crowd-pleaser.

SEARED SEA SCALLOPS WITH GARLIC, SUN DRIED TOMATOES AND OLIVE COMPOTE

Kalamata olives, garlic, lots of it, sun-dried tomatoes, basil, parsley, and balsamic vinegar are the perfect pairing for this dish. All complement each other and each keeps his flavor. A delight for your palate.

In addition, another great use for the compote is over toasted bread for a quick bruschetta.  Drizzled with some olive oil at the last minute all over it too

COQUILLES ST. JACQUES

Coquilles St Jacques is the French word for scallops. With this recipe, you will found tender scallops nestled in a bed of mushrooms, cream, and wine topped with bubbly cheese under the broiler. The individual gratin dish makes for a dramatic table presentation. You can serve it as an appetizer, however, just serve two scallops instead.

MARINATED AND STUFFED FILET MIGNONS WITH MERLOT HABANERO SAUCE

I must say,  speechless with the first bite. The filet mignons were as tender as they can be. The cheese and pine nuts quite addictive. The sauce over the filets, which is the marinate simply reduced,  was out of this world. A note of caution: Habanero is heat packed thus use gloves when handling them or wash your hands immediately thereafter.

CARAMELIZED SHALLOTS WITH N.Y. STEAK

A wow moment when you make this dish for mom. I do love shallots to start with, but the balsamic vinegar with the sugar creates such a hearty caramel rich in flavor that all of you are in for a real treat.

ROCK COD IN GINGER SOY SAUCE MARINATE

Fish is always such a fun and easy dish to prepare. This Rock Cod in ginger soy marinade is the perfect blend of ginger, honey, rice vinegar, and soy sauce.  Roasted tomatoes are the perfect side dish combination.

PAPPARDELLE WITH SPANISH SPICED SHRIMPS

The softness and the great flavor of the two paprikas, the sweetness of the Spanish blended with the smoked paprika, with the cream sherry and lots of pepper on the shrimps, the lemon squeezed over it all, makes for an unforgettable dish. Ready in less than 20 minutes. A go-to dish over and over.

BANANA UPSIDE-DOWN CAKE

We all are bakers at heart and this banana upside-down cake is a great way to show off our talents and brining a great cake to the table. A few handy ingredients a delicious dessert is served and a smile on everyone’s face.