Brownie Points

In the period following the Civil War, Mother's Day was conceived by  Julia Ward Howe, an abolitionist and social activist, as a way of  honoring what she called the inherent pacifism of mothers. Howe  initially intended for the day to be named Mother's Day for Peace.  Here in the 21st Century, the holiday no longer carries anti-war  connotations, but it remains a time of celebration. A chance to  recognize the person who has been with us since the beginning, whose  presence in our lives will never diminish.

Mom.

The second Sunday in May is all about celebrating motherhood and  showing our mothers the appreciation they so richly deserve. For  millions of American children, young and old, that means a frantic  search for the perfect gift. Roses and carnations have gone hand in  hand with Mother's Day for generations, but what about getting Mom a  present that’s a little more... what’s the word... delectable!? We  should appreciate our mothers 24-7-365, but on this day, it’s okay to  go a little overboard.

They say that chocolate has been linked to the release of serotonin  in the brain, which results in a feeling of happiness. Don’t you want  to make Mom happy on this special day? Even if she typically avoids such snacks, you can tell her that recent studies are proving the  inherent health benefits of moderate chocolate intake. Plus, it’s a  lot different getting chocolate as a Mothers Day gift than buying it  yourself. She’ll love it. Let’s look at a couple of options perfect  for Moms everywhere...

• Truffles. Here’s a treat worthy of a special occasion. Not exactly  something you pick up in the supermarket checkout aisle! Truffles  blend fruit purees with fresh cream and dark chocolate for a truly  decadent experience. The only downside of Mothers Day gifts such as this is that you’ll set a precedent and she’ll want them every year  thereafter!
• Imported Chocolates. Even if Mom is a chocoholic, she’s probably  not familiar with some of the top exports from across the Atlantic.  The Swiss are renowned for their offerings, but they don’t have a  monopoly on this goodness! Try ordering some rich, flavorful French or Italian chocolates as a new twist. Chances are Mom will be okay  with the experiment.
• Gift baskets. If you want to dabble in a little bit of everything,  there are special gift options that combine confections from across  the U.S. If your mom is more casual about her candy, there are chocolate-coated sunflower seeds, nuts and jellybeans as well as traditional milk chocolates. If she’s the type who would love offerings from premiere Artisan chocolatiers, you can go that route as well. A little bit of  everything never fails!

That’s just scratching the surface. While the options abound and  everyone has their preferred tastes, the great thing about Mothers  Day is that you can’t miss. It’s the thought that counts, and pretty  much any chocolate gift you purchase will be warmly received... and  devoured. Happy hunting... and don’t forget to comb your hair and  tuck your shirt in!

Next Article:  Bruléed Apple Cinnamon Pots de Crème

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