Being a mom has never been an easy task. From gestating and birthing babies to the many years of teaching and nurturing, correcting and worrying that follow, motherhood can be a tough gig. Even in the best of times, let alone these past two-plus years, under a worldwide pandemic cloud. Still, moms go all out to juggle and fix and sacrifice to make life a better place for their families and create a more palatable world overall. It’s what they do. And aren’t we ever so glad?
In honor of mothers, motherhood, and maternal bonds in general, our nation sets aside the second Sunday in May to celebrate Mother’s Day, the third-largest card-sending holiday in the U. S., with 113 million cards exchanged. Often those cards are accompanied by flowers, chocolates, a homecooked brunch, or dinner at a fine restaurant. Bring on the gifts!
Folks curious about the origins of this American holiday can check out this deep dive into the how, where, when, and why this celebration centered around moms began. Share the history of her special day with Mom if you think she’d be interested. Then take a personal mosey down memory lane and share some history that she’ll be sure to treasure. Remember the good times, the challenging times. The inspiring, touching moments. The hilarious or most embarrassing experiences that neither of you will ever forget.
When the belly laughs subside, and the laugher-tears have dried, reminisce over a lesson learned, maybe two or three. Perhaps it was the importance of sharing when Mom insisted that your six-year-old-self let your sometimes best friend enjoy the shiny, new sandbox toys you got for your birthday. Or the bad-decision consequences that still sting from that dreadful year of being thirteen –when Mom refused to save you from yourself.
A special day such as this deserves a special treat. Even if your culinary skills leave a bit to be desired, this super simple cheesecake recipe will be a winner.
Fit-for-a Queen Cheesecake
If you’re feeling ambitious, make a graham cracker crust (recipe below). Otherwise, a ready-made 9 in. graham cracker crust will do just fine. Keep things simple by using a pie pan rather than the more complicated springform pan. Mom won’t mind at all.
Crust Instructions:
Mix and press into a 9 in. pie pan.
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs – crush the crackers yourself or purchase crumbs
- 1/3 cup butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 t. salt
Bake EITHER crust @ 350°F for 8-10 minutes (6-9 minutes for ready-made) until lightly golden. Set aside to COOL while you make the cheesecake filling.
Cheesecake filling instructions:
- 2 (8-ounce) packages of Cream Cheese, room temperature
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 2eggs
- Mix cream cheese and sugar on medium speed until smooth, scraping the sides of the bowl as necessary.
- On low speed, mix in sour cream and vanilla, scraping the sides of the bowl. Mix well.
- Add the eggs, 1 at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition until mixed.
- Pour the filling over the COOLED crust and spread evenly.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until the center is almost set. The center will still jiggle while the edges will be set.
- Cool and then refrigerate until time to serve. Serve plain, with fresh fruit, canned pie filling, chocolate, or caramel sauce. Let Mom choose!