Celebrate Mom with a French Toast Family Brunch

When it comes to finding Mother's Day ideas, a breakfast in bed is often a go-to for kids and dads trying to pamper mom. This year, give this gift a slight twist and get Mom out of bed before you serve her – but plan a later start to the day and invite close family over for a brunch!

Kids, with Dad’s help, and Mom’s if she wants to take part, can create easy, fun, and unexpected variations on classic French toast recipes.

While the kids set the table, dads of young children can mix up a sparkling drink full of Mom’s favorite fruit flavors to serve alongside her toast. Mom will appreciate the special wake up meal as well as the quality family time!

How to Plan a Special Brunch for Mom

Tip 1: Lay out your various toasts alongside as many toppings as you can think of. There’s no limit to the number of toppings, as long as you have enough french toast to try them all! You may want to include:

Syrup

Brown Sugar

Nutella

Peanut Butter

Fruit

Salmon

Ham

Cheese

Though these toppings may seem really far out, we bet you'll be surprised at how much fun you can have creating combinations with them for one tasty brunch.

Tip 2: Just like your toppings, get more creative than sliced white bread for your French toast. There are too many beautiful and delicious types of bread not to experiment! Try:

Challah

Baguette

Cinnamon Raisin

Seven Grain

The different flavors each type of bread brings to the table will prompt even more ideas for toppings.

Tip 3: Don't just serve your French toast solo. Think over-the-top, incorporate mom's favorite foods and you'll be surprised at just how far you can take your French toast.

Tip 4: Everyone loves maple syrup, but on a day that’s all about mom, play around with something even sweeter. I've topped baguette French toast with lemon curd and whipped cream, chocolate sauce, fresh fruit and sliced almonds. It’s sweet, but balanced, which means Mom can satisfy her sweet tooth without feeling like she’s got a cavity.

Tip 5: Go big, or go home! Sandwiches are great in general, but when made with two slices of French toast and stuffed with breakfast flavors they’re amazing! I call these “stackables” since each is built with layers.

The buffet and topping bar concept comes into play big time when creating these sandwiches. Family can fill their French toast sandwiches with whatever they’d like! Some creations can include:

Bananas with Nutella and a light dusting of sugar or fresh berries, whipped cream and confectioners' sugar.

Peanut butter, honey and banana.

Strawberry jam, peanut butter and chocolate chips.

Tip 6: It's not just toast and water. While the little kids will be content with a juice selection, the big kids will love to indulge in a special brunch cocktail. Fill their glasses with something more exciting.

Simple flutes rimmed in colored sugar, filled 3/4 of the way with champagne and topped with a light juice or even a scoop of sherbet will make for a delicious sip.

Mother's Day Punch Recipes to Try:

Strawberry Kiwi Champagne Punch

Sparkling Peach and Raspberry Punch

Tip 7: Don’t just stop with the food and drinks. Spruce up the table for Mom – just like she does for holidays and special celebrations for the entire family. Break out the nice china, take some time to fold the napkins properly and create an easy centerpiece.

Mom’s sure to appreciate the food, drinks and time with the people she loves most.