By Karen Armstrong RD
Thank goodness my Mom is a foodie and that her “foodiness” rubbed off on me. Mom taught me how make shortbread and fudge, the difference between wet and dry measures, how to read a recipe, and most importantly, how to survive the inevitable culinary disasters. Trying new recipes (we call it experimental cooking) was common when I was growing up and the results were thoroughly discussed at the dinner table, much to the chagrin of my father and brother who just wanted to eat. Without that early kitchen experience, I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t be as comfortable in the kitchen, nor would my job involve food.
Experimental cooking is still a big part of meals but now I’m doing the cooking instead of Mom. The tradition of discussing recipes over dinner continues and my family is not shy about offering feedback. Good thing, since they’re the chief taste testers when I’m working on new chicken recipes.
So thanks Mom for sharing your kitchen knowledge with me and my family. And thanks to all the other mothers who’ve shared treasured family recipes and kitchen traditions with their kids.
If you’d like to treat your Mom to a special meal this Mother’s Day, here are a few ideas.
 Orange Pomegranate Chicken Spend less time in the kitchen! This one pan meal starts with a spatchcocked chicken (our video shows you how) and adds lots of veggies and a delicious sauce. |
 Chicken Pecan and Pear Salad with Stilton Dressing This easy-to-make salad combines tender chicken, crunchy pecans, sweet pears and a tangy dressing. A lovely light meal. |
 Chicken Asparagus Gratin Perfect for a Mother’s Day brunch. Baked in the oven, this gratin has a layer of multigrain bread topped with cooked chicken and asparagus and finished with a creamy sauce. |
Karen Armstrong is a registered dietitian with Manitoba Chicken Producers
