Thinking of Moms

We don't have kids, so I'm not a Mom.  (I also don't have the plumbing, but stay with me on this.)  I know a lot of Moms, however, and several of them I love dearly.  So today's blog honors those who dedicate themselves so devotedly, sacrifice themselves so greatly, and cherish us so lovingly as to earn the title "Mom."

Throughout the world and throughout history, humankind has honored the image of motherhood.  Fertility rituals, the linking of motherhood and crops, Gaia, Mother Nature, the irony of the Virgin Mary and even Bambi's Mom, all speak to the importance mothers have on our psyche. Some of humanity's earliest known artworks are of full-figured women (for example, Venus of Willendorf) amply able to provide, and provide for, the next generation.  Even the word "mother" has a certain universality of comfort: the phoneme "M" begins the word representing mom or mother in more languages than any other sound.  This "M" sound is one of the earliest conscious sounds a child can make and when long and drawn into a rhythm and tune, can relax and reassure a fussing baby.

Catriona Black, being a mum, art historian and a insightful writer sums up the evolution of the image of "mother," with its joys and sorrows, pain and vanity, far better than I ever could.

So how to show our appreciation for these paragons of love and affection?  In America, we have given Mothers an entire day of their own.  I know.  A little underwhelming, to be sure.  So lets dress it up a bit.  I'm not saying you need to recreate a glued macaroni picture of Raphael's Madonna with Child nor do you need to make her a mix tape (Freud and Cameron Crowe would have something to say about that).  Simple things like flowers are nice, and a good start to say "I'm thinking of you."  I have been told that pajamas are often appreciated as a gift from the man in her life.  And children presenting breakfast in bed is a staple tradition handed down from time immemorial.  Make an extra effort to offer a little pampering.  Clean the kitchen; vacuum the house and dust the knick-knacks.  Give her hugs and kisses and tell her, really tell her, how much you love her.

As for me, I'm writing this blog, thinking of the appreciation I can give to one Mom in particular. 

Happy Mother's Day.

Today for breakfast, one of my Mom's favorites:

Eggs Benedict (per person)
1 Egg
1 large piece of Back Bacon or small piece of Ham
1 English Muffin

For Hollandaise Sauce
1 stick Butter
4 Egg Yolks
1 tablespoon Lemon Juice
pinch Cayenne Pepper
pinch Salt
Everything needs to come together at the same time to be impressive. We cannot curdle the sauce and not overcook the egg, yet everything needs to be served warm.  This one can be a challenge, but well worth it!

In a large electric skillet, heat the water to a low simmer.  Add a tablespoon of white vinegar to the water.

On the stove, heat a small pan of water or water in a double boiler.

In a skillet, heat and brown the bacon or ham.  Slice open, toast and butter the English Muffin halves.  Set muffin halves, cut side up, on a serving platter and lay a slice of ham or back bacon on each slice.  Place the tray inside of a warm oven (100 - 110 degrees).

Gently crack the eggs open into the simmering water in the electric skillet.  The vinegar helps the eggs hold their shape.  Also, the fresher the egg is, the firmer the whites will be and the better the overall look will end up.  Cook the eggs at a low simmer for about 3-4 minutes.  The whites should be springy but not rubbery.  Using a slotted spoon, remove the eggs from the water and place one on each muffin half.

In a small stainless steel or glass bowl, whisk the egg yolks and the lemon juice together.  Place the bowl over the gently simmering water.  (Don't let the bottom of the bowl touch the water or the water boil too hard, or you will have scrambled eggs, instead.)  Whisking quickly, slowly pour the butter into the egg yolk mixture.  Continue to whisk until the sauce has increased in volume.  Remove from the heat and whisk in Cayenne pepper and salt.  If the sauce has thickened too much, whisk in boiling water, 1 teaspoon at a time.  While hot, ladle the sauce over the English Muffins, bacon and eggs.  Garnish with parsley.

For a festive update, add shredded crab and sliced avocado.