Happy Mother's Day!
Celebrating motherhood the best way I know how--with my son and Pistachio Basque Cheesecake.
It’s a week of celebrations! My baby boy turned 9 years old. We spent the weekend doing everything he loves—playing outside, playing video games, eating delicious food, watching movies, laser tagging with his friends. When I gave birth to him, so much of my life was different. I was new to the U.S., relatively new to marriage, my husband was completing his PhD. The past 9 years have flown by, but as I approach this Mother’s day with a second baby in my belly, I have so much to consider.
Motherhood is a huge responsibility. With pregnancy, the enormous and weighty responsibility starts immediately. Every moment is dedicated to growing a new life and feeding them in every sense. It’s awe inspiring and terrifying and so, so hard. But it also holds a new world of hope—for the life to come, for every chance and opportunity they’ll have, for the world that will be different just by nature of them being in it.
Seeing my son grow older day by day shows me what it means to have a piece of my heart outside of myself. He approaches every new challenge with determination and intelligence and care. It’s a sacred gift to watch this soul develop and I could not be more proud of him. He’s already an unbelievable big brother and his sibling is the luckiest to have him!
My life is full of women who have shaped me. My incredible mother who raised 4 daughters, my sisters who give me companionship and guidance, my mother-in-law who not only gave me the greatest gift in my husband but continues to give our family support. Even in my darkest moments, their love shows me the way. Happy Mother’s Day to all of the mothers out there. You deserve the world.
While we all know cooking is my true passion, but when it comes to Mother’s Day, I don’t really want to be reminded of work! So here are some of my treasured items—each a splurge of self-love or a show of affection from my husband (and then some things I just think the mothers in your life will love).
Turkuaz Kitchen Cookbook: A gift that keeps on giving! I can personally guarantee anyone in your life will love this book. Currently 40% off at Target and Amazon, with an Amazon Buy One Get One 50% sale.
American Duchess Paris Boots: I wore these on book tour and got so many compliments! Here’s where you can find them.
Kindle: Give the gift of detaching from your phone and entering a new world!
Cuisinart Ice Cream Churner: Okay this one may be work related for me, but can you ever really call ice cream work? You know I love vintage tools, but if you’re looking for easy, perfectly churned ice cream every time—this is the way to go.
Valentino Born in Roma Donna: I love a beautiful perfume and this one hits the mark perfectly. This is my go-to for special occasions.
Valentino Born In Roma Green: Slightly more affordable, I use this gorgeous scent a little more regularly.
Nars Blush Palette: I have very sensitive skin so I’m picky about my makeup and this is one of my favorites. This blush palette holds the perfect shades for highlighting your natural beauty!
Anastasia Mini Norvina Pro Eyeshadow Palette: Vivid pigments and staying power make this my perfect eyeshadow choice.
What’s a celebration without a standout dessert? I’ve got a new favorite cheesecake for you all! If you haven’t tried Basque Burnt Cheesecake yet—this is the moment. Rich and nutty pistachio flavor enhance this luscious dessert and bring it over the top in deliciousness. A perfect treat for a celebratory weekend!
I can picture it perfectly—a family activity, everyone gathered around the kitchen table (maybe while Mom enjoys a moment on the couch), mixing together this incredible muffins. Lime zest, raspberry, and chunks of white chocolate make this muffin recipe something greater than the sum of its parts!
Happy Mother’s Day, you’ve been truly blessed with your son and now a baby on the way. I’m an at home grandma who have my boys 5 days a week, my life has been blessed with a daughter who’s 40 and 2 grandsons ages 8 and 5. It seems like yesterday that I was playing with my daughter when she was a baby. It goes so fast. I’m so happy for your family to be adding another child. I try to take time everyday to think of the funniest or sweetest thing that the boys did during the day. Sometimes it a simple kiss or an I love you, and sometimes it so funny I laugh out loud. But I take that thought to sleep each night. I am truly blessed.
Happy Mother’s Day 🪷 Thank you for sharing these recipes with us !