In The Kitchen: Make a special start to mom's special day

A brunch is a perfect way to surprise Mom on Mother’s Day. Whether your mother will be "sleeping in" on her special day, or starting her day off early, a brunch is a wonderful way to show her how special she is.

Start your Mother’s Day brunch with a quiche that is simple to make and can be prepared ahead of time. Add your favorite muffin, a slice of bacon and fresh fruit, and you have a special Mother’s Day brunch. The muffins pictured are Apple Walnut muffins, my favorite, and from a mix. To add a little extra, make a easy, fruity dessert and an Orange Pineapple Refresher.

Mom will get a good start to her day, and you will have shown her how special she is to you!

Spinach Quiche

1 Tablespoon butter
1 small onion, chopped
1 pkg.(10 oz.) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained well
1 9-inch pie shell
1 tsp. flour
1/2 cup grated Monterey Jack cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
4 eggs
1/2 cup low-fat cottage cheese
1/4 tsp. pepper

Melt butter in pan over medium-high heat. Add onion and sauté for about 7-8 minutes. Add spinach and stir until spinach is dry (about 3 minutes). Allow to cool slightly.

Preheat oven to 375. Sprinkle both cheeses on bottom of crust. Add spinach mixture.

Beat eggs, cottage cheese, pepper and flour in a large bowl. Pour over spinach and bake until filling is set, about 45 to 50 minutes. Cool slightly then cut into wedges and serve.

For an easy dessert, purchase ready-made pie cups, fill them with sliced, fresh strawberries, drizzle prepared strawberry glaze over each one and serve with a dollop of whipped topping.

For a special drink:

Orange Pineapple
Refresher

4 cups orange juice (not from concentrate)
1 1/2 cups pineapple juice
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
Splenda or sugar to taste

Mix all ingredients then sweeten to taste, using sugar or Splenda. Blend and pour over ice.