Mother's Day
Whether it’s breakfast in bed, a laidback brunch, a family roast, or a box of chocolates, Mother’s Day usually involves some kind of delicious treat. Originally a day designated for going back to the church where you had been baptised, the celebration has evolved into a chance to treat the female figures in our lives to something truly indulgent. Step up your cooking game to spread the love with these tips and tricks for cooking this Sunday 30thMarch – have a look at the Mother’s Day selection on our website for some culinary inspiration.
Celebrated since the Middle Ages in the UK and some Commonwealth countries, Mothering Sunday was a chance to return to your “mother church” on the fourth Sunday of Lent. Back then, the day was associated with a well-earned break from fasting. The celebration also had associations with the story of the Feeding of the Five Thousand, though thankfully, you won’t need a miracle to impress your mum this year. Simnel cake, a light and nutty fruitcake with layers of almond paste and marzipan, was and still is eaten around this time. The cake traditionally has 11 marzipan balls as decoration to symbolise the apostles (minus Judas, for obvious reasons), and is still enjoyed as we celebrate a more modern and non-religious Mother’s Day. Originating in Bristol, Mothering buns which are decorated with aniseed or caraway are still eaten to this day and super easy to make!
Many mums will be looking forward to a luxurious breakfast in bed this Sunday, and anything more sophisticated than some burnt toast and a lukewarm cup of tea, is sure to impress. If you’re looking for a savoury masterpiece, this Bloody Mary Bacon Buttyticks all the boxes. Only taking 15 minutes to make, you will need mum’s favourite sourdough loaf, a vintage cheddar (such as our Barbers Vintage), a handful of rocket, butter mixed with Tabasco, tomato puree, and Worcestershire sauce, and some top quality bacon. We have a wide range of bacon available… Our Maple Streaky Bacon adds the perfect balance of sweetness and smokiness - trust us, it’s dangerously moreish.
Mother’s Day as we know it came into fashion in the 1850s, headed by an activist called Anna Jarvis. During the Civil War in America, she established Mother’s Day Work Clubs where women came together to help wounded soldiers. After the war, she organised ‘Mother’s Friendship Day’ to reunite divided families, bring together old foes, and celebrate with community picnics. Brits absolutely love a picnic, whether it’s at the local park, in your garden, or under a tree as you shelter from an unexpected downpour, a picnic is always a good idea—especially when it’s packed with delicious treats and for Mum. This recipe for easy sausage rolls are easy to make (especially if you have little-helpers in the kitchen), easy to transport, and easy to eat without making a mess! Choose our Chicken & Apple Sausages for a fun twist on the classic.
For many of us, nothing says ‘family celebration’ quite like a good old-fashioned Sunday Roast. The British have been enjoying a roast since, at least, the 15th century, with many families leaving meat to slow-cook whilst attending church, and returning to a hearty meal. Feasting has always been part of Mother’s Day rituals, and the Sunday roast’s associations with comfort and community, making it an obvious choice for the day – what better way to show your appreciation (and maybe even doing the washing up afterwards)? Our Leg of Lamb would be great, accompanied by roast potatoes, mint sauce, and buttered green beans. For something more personalised, try out Chicken Ballotine which can be stuffed with a sausage flavour of your choice – from Pork & Guinness to Wild Boar.
There’s plenty going on in London to celebrate Mother’s Day, especially at pubs and restaurants across the city. Look out for special menus and themed dining to celebrate Mum in style. Alternatively, walk off your lunch at one of London’s great foodie hubs such as Maltby Street Market or Marylebone Farmers’ Market – a great way to spend some quality time with the matriarchs in your life. Happy Mother’s Day!