Have you heard? It’s Mother’s Day. If you somehow missed the memo, may I direct your attention to the various commercials running incessantly right now? If you’re like me, the sappy music and moving montages have you welling up. And just as you’re about to let a tear spill over, you’ll realize that it’s a commercial for Zales. And it’s reminding you to buy your mother a diamond pendant (starting at $99!). And it totally kills your Mother’s Day spirit. Terrible commercials aside, there are a few ladies that I’m celebrating today.

First, my mom. Really, you’d love her. How do I know, seeing as though I probably don’t know you or anything about you? Just, trust me. Everyone loves her. She’s engaging and generous and warm. She has a knack for finding the most uncomfortable person at a party—maybe someone’s new boyfriend or a last minute add-on or someone slightly out of favor—and befriending them. I’m so happy that there are so many things about her that have woven their way into the fabric of my personality: delighting in throwing parties; making lists about everything under the sun; tearing up at things like “special episodes” of sitcoms (or, um, Zales commercials). And I love to cook with her. I can’t wait to have her here next weekend so we can do just that.

(Click “more” for the rest of the story, more photos & the recipe.)

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