Here is a simple, budget-friendly, and delicious meal plan for Mother's Day. This meal plan is based on a family of four, but feel free to adjust to fit your family. The recipes are designed to be easy to prepare and are sure to impress mom on her special day.

Breakfast: Banana Pancakes

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe bananas

• 2 eggs

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1 cup milk

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• Butter or cooking spray (for the pan)

• Maple syrup or honey (optional, for serving)

Instructions:

• In a large bowl, mash the bananas with a fork until smooth.

• Whisk in the eggs, then add the flour, milk, baking powder, and vanilla extract. Mix well to form a smooth batter.

• Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and coat with butter or cooking spray.

• Pour 1/4 cup of batter for each pancake onto the pan. Cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes, or until golden brown.

Serve the pancakes warm with a drizzle of maple syrup or honey, if desired.

Lunch: Caprese Salad Sandwiches

Ingredients:

• 8 slices of whole-grain bread

• 8 ounces fresh mozzarella, sliced

• 2 large tomatoes, sliced

• 1 cup fresh basil leaves

• Balsamic glaze or balsamic vinegar (for drizzling)

• Olive oil (for drizzling)

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Lay out 4 slices of bread and top each with slices of mozzarella, tomato, and a few basil leaves.

• Drizzle with balsamic glaze or vinegar and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.

• Place the remaining slices of bread on top to complete the sandwiches.

Cut each sandwich in half and serve.

SNACK: Fruit Skewers with Yogurt Dip

Ingredients:

• 2 cups mixed fruit (e.g., strawberries, pineapple, grapes, melon), cut into bite-sized pieces

• 8 wooden skewers

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt

• 2 tablespoons honey

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

• Thread the fruit onto the wooden skewers, alternating the fruit types.

• In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, honey, and vanilla

Serve the skewers on a platter with yogurt in dipping bowls.

Dinner: Lemon Herb Baked Chicken with Rice and Steamed Vegetables

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• Juice and zest of 1 lemon

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon dried basil

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)

• 4 cups mixed vegetables (e.g., broccoli, carrots, green beans), steamed

Instructions:

• Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

• In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.

• Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish and pour the marinade over them. Make sure each breast is well coated.

• Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C).

Serve the chicken alongside cooked rice and steamed vegetables.

Whether you eat out or in, treat Mom to something special this Mother’s Day!

If you have a suggestion for next month’s meal plan, let us know.