This year in the United States, honoring our mothers will be different. Traditionally, the second Sunday in May is a day to spend time with mom, if you’re lucky enough to live nearby, and honor her with cards and gifts (then entertain her with untold stories of your childhood). And if your mother is in your heart, it’s a day to remember her in a special way.
Unless you live with your mother, most of us won’t be able to gather for obvious reasons. Creativity, then, is the key to this year’s homage and I’m sure your caring touch, no matter what it is, will be appreciated. But how about this simple, easy-to-execute plan? Consider taking your mother on a virtual visit to Spain by gifting her a Spanish inspired brunch with delicious food and wine.
Having visited Spain a few times, the array of foods at breakfast and brunch were some of my favorites. Each day I savored a Spanish Omelette, Pan Con Tomate, slices of Jamón Ibérico with breads and jam, bites of Manchego cheese and pastries or sweets… with generous sides of coffee and cava! Your mother will love to begin her day like this, too.
The following menu includes those dishes that are a snap to prepare ahead of time and can be chilled until it’s delivered. (Click the highlighted name for the recipes.) I hope you’re ready to assume the role of her favorite child!
Cheers to Mom with Cava and Appetizers
Once Mom pops the cork from Vilarnau Brut Reserva (NV) ($14.99), a blend of 50% Macabeo, 35% Parellada and 15% Xarel.lo, she’ll love the vibrant aromas of golden apples, stone fruit, ripe pear, and a wisp of sea breeze. On the palate, dry and crisp notes of orchard fruit and minerality were delightfully refreshing and the dancing bubbles may encourage her to test her Flamenco steps.
Then again, Vilarnau Brut Reserva Rosé (NV) ($15.99) is an absolute delight, too. With 85% Trepat and 15% Pinot Noir in the blend, I noted a bright pink color in the glass and aromas of fresh violets and roses. Lively, refreshing flavors of raspberries and strawberries were those to savor again and again with each sip.
Mom may be interested to know that the backstory about the design of the bottles from Vilarnau, an artisanal, handcrafted Cava house. “TrencadÍs” is a type of mosaic created from miniscule fragments of broken ceramic tiles, roof tiles, or crockery. Also known as “pique assiette” in French, the style was used during the modern artistic movement in Catalonia. Architects GaudÍ and Josep MarÍa Pujol used “trencadÍs” in a plethora of designs including the famous Parc Güell in Barcelona. Vilarnau is located just outside of cosmopolitan Barcelona so it’s natural that this design pays homage to its Catalan roots.
Taste Spain with Three Wines and a Luscious Entrée
Once Mom opens the bottle of Virgen del Galir 2018 ($21), 100% Godello from Valdeorras (“Valley of Gold”) located in Galicia in northwest Spain, she’ll be mesmerized. Aromas of lemon, bright florals, stone fruit and snappy minerality burst from the glass and she’ll discover brisk acidity and rich flavors of tropical fruit, ripe peaches, juicy apple and stones on the palate. The lingering finish was incredibly satisfying.
Mom Shouts ¡Olé! with Coffee or Cava and a Classic Dessert
Mom may wish to make her own coffee (or pour another glass of Villarnau Brut Reserva (NV) or Vilarnau Brut Reserva Rose (NV)) to pair with this mouthwatering dessert, traditional cupcakes known as Magdalenas. With just the right amount of sweetness, soft lemon flavor and a airy texture, the Magdalenas will be a perfect finale to a memorable Spanish brunch that you lovingly prepared.
Happy Mother’s Day!
Cheers! ~ Cindy
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