Fit for a queen, aka Mom

SWEET CELEBRATIONS The Banana Cake from Stop and Smell the Rosemary is easy and perfect for Mother’s Day, or any time. (Photo courtesy of the Junior League of Houston)

Cooking Buzz is produced in partnership with the Junior League of Houston, a women’s charitable and education organization founded in 1925.

Lunch with your mother on Mother’s Day is always a good idea – and it is also the perfect opportunity to make some lighter recipes as weather warms up. There is no better way to celebrate Mom than with a beautiful tabletop and delicious meal.

The Best Ever Stuffed Eggs recipe from The Houston Junior League Cookbook really may be the best deviled eggs. The recipe makes eight eggs, ideal for a small family lunch. (“Stuffed” eggs is another name for deviled eggs and is particularly used in the South at church functions. You can imagine why!) Sprinkle paprika, green onions or bacon crumbles on the eggs to add a little color and taste. There is no wrong way to dress up deviled eggs, so use whatever strikes your fancy.

For lunch, I keep it simple with a green salad and salmon dish. Monica Pope’s recipe for Organic Herb Salad with Simple Lemon Vinaigrette from Peace Meals is so lovely and impressive, while not difficult to make. Monica notes that you can find the herbs at grocery stores, farmers’ markets or garden centers, which we are fortunate to have all over Houston.

Salmon with Horseradish Sauce from Peace Meals is another easy dish and a nice twist for salmon. The horseradish adds just enough kick to keep this dish far from boring. You can serve it with pearl couscous, rice or your favorite vegetable.

Finally, keep dessert simple with the Banana Cake from Stop and Smell the Rosemary. While not the prettiest dessert, it is delicious, easy and not too heavy for a midday meal. It is also a great way to use overripe bananas. You can skip the frosting if it is too sweet, as the cake tastes great on its own.

This meal deserves a charming table, so dazzle Mom with your best dishes, glassware and linens. Trader Joe’s has inexpensive, small potted plants that can serve double duty as seating cards and decoration. I also love to make a simple flower arrangement for the centerpiece; add fresh basil stems to flower arrangements for a heavenly scent (you should have some left over from the Organic Herb Salad). This is also the perfect time for sentimentality, so use a vase or bowl that may have significance for your family.

Mom will love it … and you.