23 Best Things to do on Mother’s Day

23 Best Things to do on Mother’s Day

Not sure what to do on Mother’s Day? Check out these 23 fun ideas and find the perfect way to spend quality time with Mom on her special day.

23 Best Things to do on Mother's Day with pink background, gold frame and flowers

Best Things to do on Mother’s Day

1. Mother’s Day Brunch

If Mom loves gourmet pancakes, nice coffee, or mimosas, think about taking her to a nice brunch. Restaurants often have special menus for the occasion and some hotels even do big buffets.

2. Go for a Bike Ride

Grab the whole family and head out for a bike ride. Find some nearby biking trails where she’ll enjoy the scenery. She’ll appreciate a little exercise and quality time with loved ones.

3. Take Mom Shopping

Head out for a shopping trip and treat her to something fun this Mother’s Day. Does she want a new handbag, dress, or shoes? What about a tennis racket or tool for her favorite crafting project?

4. Go Wine Tasting

If the celebrating crew is 21+, take Mom to a winery and tasting room. Dress up and go in style in a limo and get some good pictures along the way.

5. Head out for a Nature Walk

Do you live near some nice walking paths or parks? Grab Mom and head outside to take in the fresh air. Enjoy the blooming flowers and keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife.

to do on Mother's Day - brunch items, pink bike with flowers in basket, shopping bags, wine, family of three walking

6. See a Movie on Mother’s Day

Grab the family and take Mom to see a movie. Make sure she picks the movie and treat her to her favorite theater snacks and beverages. Consider splurging for the reclining seats or the cinema with in-theater dining.

7. Visit a Museum

Is your mother fascinated by science or does she love history? Does she love art or learning about different cultures? Then take Mom to a museum for Mother’s Day.

8. Go to a Plant Nursery

Take mom to a nursery to pick out some plants or flowers for the yard. Take pictures of your garden space or patio ahead of time to visualize where to put the plants. Set Mom up at home with a nice beverage so she can put her feet up while you and the family plant what she picked out.

9. Head out for a Picnic

Have the family pack up a picnic for mom, making sure to include her favorite snacks and drinks. Go to a nearby park with picnic tables or bring a nice blanket and enjoy sitting on the soft green grass.

to do on Mother's Day - movie tickets and popcorn, bright artwork, plant nursery, picnic blanket and items on grass

10. Go on a Hike

Grab your hiking shoes and take Mom out for a trek along some beautiful local trails. Consider a view that Mom would enjoy along a river, up on a mountain, or even an elevated city view if that’s her style.

11. Volunteer to Help Those in Need

Does Mom have a cause close to her heart? Does she love to serve and have a gift of helping others? Grab the family and volunteer to help others this Mother’s Day.

12. Head to the Lake, River, or Ocean

Who doesn’t love the water? Take Mom out to the lake, river or ocean and enjoy the scenery. Wade in the water and bring along that picnic we talked about with her favorite snacks.

13. Rent a Boat or Enjoy a Commercial Boat Ride/Cruise

Speaking of water, take mom on a dinner, cocktail, or sunset cruise. An option for those adventurous moms out there is renting a kayak, canoe, or paddle boat.

14. Go out for a Nice Mother’s Day Dinner

Does Mom have a favorite restaurant or one she’s always wanted to try? Take a look at the Mother’s Day menus at restaurants in the area and book a reservation. Don’t wait until the last minute as a lot of people eat out on Mother’s Day! Plan ahead to make sure you get the time and place you prefer.

to do on Mother's Day - family of three walking, person volunteering, dock on lake, boat on water, dinner plates with food

15. Do a Community Fun Run, Walk or Charity 5k

Does Mom like to run or be active? Sign her up for a run on Mother’s Day weekend. If it’s family friendly, have the whole family participate. If not, cheer her on, make signs, and congratulate her at the finish line.

16. Head to the Zoo or Aquarium

If Mom loves furry critters and sea creatures, take her to a zoo or aquarium. Check for special shows or animal encounters to make the day extra memorable.

17. Take Her on a Quick Getaway

Whisk her away on an adventure. Perhaps a little cabin in the woods is up her alley or maybe she’d love to stay in the city and go to a jazz club for dinner. A night or two away can be a relaxing way to spend Mother’s Day.

18. Go Miniature Golfing

Mini golf is always fun and a great way to spend quality time with the family. It’s perfect for families with young children or adults that like a little friendly competition.

to do on Mother's Day - legs running with bright shoes, fish swimming, cabin on lake, putter and golf balls

19. Treat her to Dessert

Does Mom love chocolate cake, have an affinity for key lime pie or drool over a warm apple crisp ala mode? Take her out to enjoy her favorite indulgence this Mother’s Day.

20. Take Her to a Sporting Event

This one’s not just for Dad as I know a lot of sports-loving Moms! Treat her to a game or match to cheer on her favorite team.

21. Head Over to the Botanical Garden

Do you have any botanical gardens in your area? While they offer something special in every season, spring is the best time to see a lot of beautiful blooms.

22. Go See a Play or Other Show on Stage

If she loves a musical or theatrical performance, this is the way to go. Grab dinner and a glass of wine at her favorite restaurant ahead of time.

23. Set Up a Virtual Adventure with Mom

Perhaps you don’t live in the same state as Mom or maybe she’s in a nursing home and it’s hard for her to get out much. Facetime Mom from a fun place and show her around. Have her favorite meal delivered and eat virtually with her.

to do on Mother's Day - dessert items, person with tennis ball and racket, theater, person at computer meeting virtually

What to do on Mother’s Day to Make Mom Feel Extra Special

Quality time with loved ones is important, and for many it’s a necessity for feeling loved and cared about. Here’s a couple things you can do to show mom you care this Mother’s Day:

Put Your Phone Away

Have you ever tried to have a conversation with someone who is staring at their phone? They’re only half engaged and not really listening. Make an effort to keep your phone on silent and in your pocket to show mom you care.

Take an Interest in the Mother’s Day Activity or Outing

If mom chose a movie you’re not into or you don’t like shopping, take an interest in it anyway. Ask her if she liked the movie and what her favorite part was or patiently wait while she tries on dresses or shoes. It’ll mean a lot to her.

Participate in Active Listening

Engage in conversation with your mom. Really listen to her when she’s speaking and show her you’re listening by facing her, nodding and looking at her when she speaks. Positive body language goes a long way in showing you care.

 

 

I hope you found this helpful! Which is your favorite and what will you do with your Mom this Mother’s Day? Let me know in the comments below!

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Tuna Melt with Warm Blueberry, Lemon and Goat Cheese

Tuna Melt with Warm Blueberry, Lemon and Goat Cheese

  • This delightful gluten free tuna melt is bursting with springtime flavors of blueberry and lemon paired with goat cheese and walnuts that take this sandwich to the next level. 
Tuna Melt with Warm Blueberry, Lemon & Goat Cheese on a white plate

Growing up in the soggy Willamette Valley of Oregon, I craved sunny weather by the time Spring rolled around. Much to my dismay, I wouldn’t see much of that beautiful sunshine and blue sky until summertime.

Since I couldn’t control the weather, I’d surround myself with everything spring, warm and happy to cheer up a bit. This included Youtube videos of sunshiny places, a “happy lamp,” which mimics sun rays, and bright springtime recipes.

This tuna melt is perfect this time of year. If it’s still chilly where you live and you too are ready for a fresh new season, what’s better than a warm, toasty blueberry tuna sandwich? Let’s take a closer look at why it’s great and how to make it.

Why You’ll Love it

  • It’s a quick and simple recipe.
  • You’ll love how the warm blueberry and lemon zing brighten up the creamy tuna salad filling.
  • The walnuts add a perfect subtle crunch.
  • Warm goat cheese elevates the sandwich and pairs well with the lemon, blueberries and walnuts.
  • It’s perfect for your springtime luncheon or ladies get together.

What’s in this Tuna Melt?

  • Gluten Free Bread – I recommend your favorite gluten free white bread.

 

  • Butter – To assist the bread in grilling up nicely.

 

    • Change it up: Your favorite non-dairy buttery spread is another option.

 

  • Tuna Fish – I use canned tuna and break it apart before adding the other ingredients.

 

  • Mayonnaise – A must have with any tuna sandwich for added creaminess.

 

  • Lemon Zest – The zest of one medium lemon adds the perfect amount of zing to the sandwich.

 

  • Goat Cheese – Use crumbled goat cheese. This pairs well with the lemon, blueberry, and walnuts.

 

    • Change it up: Sliced sharp white cheddar is another great option that pairs well with the other ingredients.

 

  • Walnuts – Chop the walnuts finely. This adds nice texture to the sandwich filling.

 

    • Change it up: Pecans are another option if that’s what you have on hand.

 

  • Blueberries – Use fresh blueberries if possible. Make sure to dry them well after rinsing before adding them to the tuna mixture.

 

  • Salt & Pepper – Add salt and pepper to taste. You don’t need much.

How to Make the Sandwich

1. Preheat panini press or countertop grill. *** Although these appliances are best for the job, a skillet can be used in a pinch.

2. In a medium to large bowl, add tuna fish and break apart the meat.

    3. Add mayonnaise, lemon zest, walnuts, goat cheese and blueberry and gently stir together until ingredients are well combined. *** Mixing it together gently avoids smashing the blueberries.

    4. Butter one side of each slice of bread.

    5. Stack bread slices in twos with buttered sides facing each other.

    6. Distribute tuna mixture evenly on the top (non-buttered side) of each stack of bread.

    7. Place the top slice of bread with the tuna mixture on the grill (or in a skillet) and add the second slice to the top of the sandwich, with buttered sides facing the grill.

    8. Place the lid to the panini press or grill down on the sandwich and cook until bread is golden brown (usually about 3 – 5 minutes).  *** If using a skillet, cook both sides until golden brown, regularly pressing on the sandwiches with a spatula. This ensures the sandwich ingredients are heated through.

    • Slice in half, serve and enjoy!

    What to serve with the Tuna Melt

    • Salad – A fresh green salad is a great option to serve on the side. I recommend a lightweight citrus dressing or a champagne vinegarette.
    • Potato Chips – Another option is a simple, salted potato chip *** Avoid flavored chips so the sandwich remains the star of the show.
    • Sparkling Water – Add a squeeze of lemon to sparkling water for a refreshing beverage alongside the tuna melt.
    • Wine – A nice white wine like a sauvignon blanc also pairs well with this sandwich.

    Making Ahead & Storing Leftovers

    The tuna salad filling can be made ahead of time. Only cook sandwiches that will be consumed immediately as the whole grilled sandwich does not reheat well. Whether you make it ahead of time or have some leftover, the prepared tuna mixture should be consumed within 24 hours.

    Hope you enjoyed making this fun and unique springtime sandwich with me!

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    tuna melt sandwich on white plate garnished with blueberries and lemon zest

    Tuna Melt with Warm Blueberry, Lemon and Goat Cheese

    This delightful gluten free tuna melt is bursting with springtime flavors of blueberry and lemon paired with goat cheese and walnuts that take this sandwich to the next level.
    Prep Time 15 minutes
    Cook Time 15 minutes
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine American
    Servings 6
    Calories 465 kcal

    Equipment

    • Panini Maker or Indoor Countertop Grill with Lid *** A Skillet can be used in a pinch. See notes below.

    Ingredients
      

    • 12 Slices Gluten Free White Bread
    • 6 Tbsp Butter
    • 10 oz Canned Tuna Fish
    • Cup Mayonnaise
    • 1 Cup Fresh Blueberries
    • 1 Tbsp Lemon Zest *** Equal to zest of 1 medium lemon
    • 4 oz Crumbled Goat Cheese
    • ¼ Cup Walnuts, Chopped Finely *** Optional

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat panini press or countertop grill.
    • In a medium to large bowl, add tuna fish and break apart the meat.
    • Add mayonnaise, lemon zest, walnuts, goat cheese and blueberry and gently stir together until ingredients are well combined.
    • Butter one side of each slice of bread.
    • Stack bread slices in twos with buttered sides facing each other.
    • Distribute tuna mixture evenly on the top (non-buttered side) of each stack of bread.
    • Place the top slice of bread with the tuna mixture on the grill (or in a skillet) and add the second slice to the top of the sandwich, with buttered sides facing the grill.
    • Place the lid to the panini press or grill down on the sandwich and cook until bread is golden brown (usually about 3 - 5 minutes).  
    • Slice in half diagonally, serve and enjoy!

    Notes

    ***If using a skillet, cook both sides until golden brown, regularly pressing on the sandwiches with a spatula. This ensures the sandwich ingredients are heated through.
    Keyword Blueberry Lemon, Brunch, Lunch, sandwich, Spring, Tuna Melt

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    15 Ways to Ease Post-Vacation Blues after Spring Break Travel

    15 Ways to Ease Post-Vacation Blues after Spring Break Travel

    Post-vacation blues will fade away with these tips and tricks that’ll keep your memories alive and help you transition back to everyday life.

    Several years ago, my husband earned a trip to Hawaii through work, and we were fortunate enough to fly to paradise that spring mostly on the company’s dime.  It was my first time there and upon our return home to a cold, wet and gloomy Oregon, I came down with the post-vacation blues.

    When we got home, my every-day reality felt depressing. I just wanted to go back, or LIVE there!  I started looking at real estate and dreaming about how we could make the move, but soon came back to reality and instead started thinking about how I could bring a little Hawaii to our humble Oregon abode.

    A few days later, in an effort to climb out of the funk I was in, I decided to make a tropical dinner that reminded me of Hawaii.  My hubby and I turned on some Hawaiian music and found a live webcam close to where we stayed looking right at the ocean.

    Just as we were finishing dinner the doorbell rang.  I kid you not, it was a delivery of chocolate covered macadamia nuts, just in time for dessert.  My husband’s boss sent them to thank my husband for his hard work the previous year and they just happened to arrive at the PERFECT time!

    Later that night, we got back on the webcam to watch the sunset.  It made for a great date night. It cheered me up and was a fun way to transport ourselves back to Hawaii and ease those post-vacation woes.

    Over time, embracing the memories and letting the vacation live on at home sent the blues packing.

    What are Post-Vacation Blues?

    Did your vacation give you a chance to get away from the everyday stresses of life? Maybe you experienced a new place or an epic adventure, or perhaps you had well needed quality time with family, friends or loved ones.

    Whatever it was that captured your soul on your recent vacation, if you’re back home facing reality, and feeling downright depressed, post-vacation blues may be the culprit. Are you experiencing any of the following?

    • Not wanting to leave your vacation destination and dreading going home
    • Re-thinking your every-day life or feeling like you want to move to the destination where you spent your vacation
    • Feeling extra tired or fatigued
    • Experiencing a loss of interest in regular activities
    • Feeling sad or moody
    • Changes in appetite

    Sure, most aren’t excited for their vacation to end, but for some it goes deeper than that. So, if you’re feeling blue, come with me and we’ll explore some ideas to help you embrace you travel memories, transition back to real life and experience a little joy along the way.

    How to Ease Post-Vacation Blues

    1. Tell Someone About Your Vacation

    Give a friend or family member a call and tell them about your vacation. Perhaps you know someone who’s been to the same location and you can exchange stories and experiences.  Tell them about what you hope to do on a future trip.

    Also, reminisce about the vacation with your friends or family that you traveled with. Exchange pictures and ask them what their favorite part of the trip was. Although the excursion is over, the memories stay with you and can help turn the sadness to joy.

    2. Research the History and Culture of the Destination

    Did you visit any museums or historical sites or attend any cultural events at your vacation destination? Further research the history and find out more about the people, culture and what makes them who they are today.

    3. Print Photos from Your Trip

    Find some of your favorite pictures from the trip. Print them up and put them in a fun frame. Display them on a wall or shelf at home or put one on your desk at work.

    4. Create a Picture Album, Slideshow or Video

    Put time aside to organize your pictures in a fun way so you can look back on the memories often. Creating a digital picture album can be a lot of fun.

    You can also turn your photos and videos into a slide show. Put an evening aside and enjoy watching it with friends and family.

    5. Use a Favorite Photo as Wallpaper on Your Phone and Computer

    Choose some photos to display on your phone, laptop or desktop. I prefer using a different photo for each and like to switch them out often to enjoy as many memories as possible.

    6. Create a Social Media Post

    Sharing your experience on social media is a great way to reflect on your trip and engage with others. You may learn others have spent time in the same location. Some social media platforms show memories on the anniversary of when you post, which are always fun to look back on.

    7. Watch Movies, TV Shows or Videos Filmed in the Area You Visited

    Look up movies or TV Shows filmed in the location you visited. Search YouTube to find creators that visit or even live in the area.

    When we got home from my first Hawaiian vacation, I found a YouTuber that lived on Maui. She walked around and filmed life out and about and it was fun to see what it was like to live there. I often found myself watching one of her videos while eating breakfast and sipping on coffee before work. It felt like a mini vacation before heading out to my car in the rain!

    8. Make a Meal and/or Beverage that Reminds You of Your Vacation Destination

    Did you have a favorite meal or a tasty beverage while you were traveling? Look up some recipes and ease post-vacation blues by recreating them at home. It’s fun to learn new recipes and you never know, they may become new staples in your home.

    9. Find a Live Webcam in the Area You Vacationed

    Look around online for a live webcam located in your travel destination. As mentioned earlier, we found one at a Hawaiian resort close to where we stayed when we arrived home.

    10. Listen to Music that Reminds You of Your Travel Location

    Did you enjoy any music that represents the culture of your travel destination, or did you have music playing while you were there that reminds you of the vacation? Make a playlist you can listen to while having dinner or exercising.

    11. Find a Scent that Represents the Location You Visited

    Did you know the sense of smell is closely tied to memory? Find a scent that reminds you of where you visited and you’ll be transported back to your happy place. Ideas include  a candle, lotion, room spray, perfume, or even a fruit or spice.

    12. Start Planning a Return Trip

    Even if you’re unable to go back for a long time, start planning now. It’s never too early to start saving. You can start a travel savings account or piggy bank. Do some research now and make itineraries. Half of the fun is in the planning and anticipation!

    13. Plan a Small Local Getaway or Fun Activity

    Try planning a night or two away within driving distance or find something fun to do locally. Sporting events, concerts, or going to a movie you’ve been looking forward to can cheer you up. Perhaps there’s even a restaurant locally that serves the cuisine from the location you traveled to.

    14. Write Down What You are Thankful For

    Try writing down 10 things you are thankful for, with half being vacation related and half being what you’re grateful for in everyday life. Although it’s fun to reflect on your vacation and even plan the next one, it’s good to be present and content right where you’re at.

    15. Talk with Someone About How Your Post-Vacation Blues

    For some, post-vacation blues may not be so easily cured. If you find yourself having a hard time transitioning back to everyday life and feel a longer-term depression setting in, please speak to your doctor or a professional counselor and be assured that better days are ahead for you!

    Let Me Know What You think!

      • Which one will you try first?

      AND

      • What other ideas do you have to relieve post-vacation blues?

       

      Leave a comment below.

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      Gluten Free Carrot Cake Crepes for Your Easter Brunch

      Gluten Free Carrot Cake Crepes for Your Easter Brunch

      These delicious Carrot Cake Crepes are full of flavor with their warm spices and sweet lemony cream cheese filling. They’re gluten free, but so good, you’ll never know it!  

      three Easter Brunch Carrot Cake Crepes with orange drizzle and carrot greens sitting on white plate

      Holidays are a special time to come together with family and friends and break bread together and Easter is no exception. Like Thanksgiving and Christmas, my Easter memories always include a feast as the vehicle for quality time with loved ones. Although our family feels small, I don’t take these special times for granted and feel grateful for such blessings.

      As I look ahead to Easter, I’m excited to serve these crepes to the whole family for the first time. Like Santa wants his cookies at Christmas, the Easter Bunny wants his carrots and these “carrots” are so much better than the real thing! So, let’s elevate the carrot and make it into some delicious crepes that the whole family will enjoy. Come with me and I’ll show you how it’s done.  

      Why You’ll Love these Festive Crepes

      • They’re a scrumptious springtime twist on the traditional crepe.
      • The fun carrot shape is perfect for Easter breakfast or brunch.
      • The lemony cream cheese filling is delectable!
      • You’ll love the spiced cake flavor paired with the creamy citrus filling and warm drizzle.

      What’s in these Carrot Cake Crepes?

      Crepe Batter

      Carrots – You’ll want these finely shredded to best incorporate into the batter.

       

      Eggs – Make sure to add these to the batter last so they don’t begin to cook due to the warm carrots!

       

      Milk – I like to use Fairlife lactose free milk whose fat free version is surprisingly creamy!

       

        • Change it up: For dairy free, try the recipe with coconut milk.

       

      Butter – To sauté the carrots and for added richness. You’ll need a little extra to butter you pan or skillet if you are not using a non-stick surface.

       

        • Change it up: For dairy free, use a non-dairy buttery spread.

       

      Vanilla – For flavor enhancement.

       

      Flour – Use a gluten free 1 to 1 flour. I recommend Bob’s Redmill brand.

       

      Sugar – You’ll need both brown and granulated white sugar for a touch of sweetness.

       

      Spices – Cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and cloves warm these crepes right up.

       

      Salt – Just a pinch to bring out the sweetness.

      Filling and Drizzle

      Cream Cheese – This is the base for the rich and creamy filling and drizzle. You’ll want it softened.

       

        • Change it up: Use a non-dairy cream cheese spread if you prefer dairy free.

       

      Frozen Whipped Topping – This lightens up the filling a bit.

       

        • Change it up: For dairy free, I prefer So Delicious brand’s Cocowhip. It’s fantastic!

       

      Powdered Sugar – This adds the right amount of sweetness.

       

      Vanilla – For subtle added flavor.

       

      Lemon Juice – The lemon pairs so well with the spice cake flavor of the crepes.

       

        • Change it up: If you feel like mixing it up, try an orange filling instead and use a little orange juice.

       

      Lemon Zest – For even more lemon flavor and for a garnish.

       

        • Change it up: If you decide to try the orange filling, use orange zest instead.

       

      Walnuts – This is optional, but pairs well with the lemony filling and adds nice texture. Chop finely.

       

        • Change it up: Pecans are another great option if that’s what you have on hand.

       

      Food Coloring – Red and yellow food coloring will turn the drizzle a carrot orange color.

       

      Milk – You’ll thin out the remaining filling to make it into a drizzle to top the crepes with before serving.

       

        • Change it up: For dairy free, try the recipe with coconut milk.

      Garnish

      Carrot Greens – This will be your carrot topper. You’ll want to cut each stem so you have about a ½ inch of stem to tuck into the top of the carrot-shaped crepes.

       

        • Change it up: If you’re unable to find carrots with greens still attached, mint is another option.

      How to make the Carrot Cake Crepes

      Make the Batter

      • Saute carrots in ¼ cup melted butter on medium heat for 3 – 4 minutes until they start to soften.

       

      • Remove from heat and set aside to let cool.

       

      • In a medium bowl, add gf 1 to 1 flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and a pinch of salt and whisk together until well combined.

       

      • In a large bowl whisk together milk, vanilla, and the buttery carrots.

       

      • Slowly mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients.

       

      • In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and then stir into the batter. *** Make sure you add eggs last to the batter. Mixing the rest of the ingredients together first cools down the carrots and prevents the eggs from cooking.

       

      • Refrigerate the batter for at least 30 minutes, but up to overnight.

       

      • When you are ready to make the crepes, pull the batter from the fridge and set aside.

      Make the Filling

      • Mix softened cream cheese, frozen whipped topping, powdered sugar, vanilla, lemon juice and lemon zest on low to medium-low, using a stand or handheld mixer.

       

      • Remove ½ Cup of filling and set aside. This will be for the drizzle.

      Make the Carrot Cake Crepes

      • Preheat the oven to 200 degrees and place a large cookie sheet on the middle rack.

       

      • Warm a crepe pan, stove top griddle or large skillet on medium heat.

       

      • Remove pan from heat, butter the pan and add 1/3 cup of batter, immediately and quickly spreading the batter around using the back of a crepe spreader or the back of a spoon so the crepe is as thin as possible. *** These crepes may be slightly thicker than traditional crepes due to the thickness of the carrots.

       

      • Place pan back on heat and warm crepe for 2-3 minutes until it just starts to lightly brown.

       

      • Flip crepe and cook for an additional 30 seconds to 1 minute.

       

      • Place crepe in oven to keep warm and repeat steps 4-7 until all batter is used.

       

      • Pull a crepe from the oven, cut in half and spread 1 Tbsp of filling in middle of crepe half, leaving 1 inch around the edges.

       

      • Sprinkle 1 tsp of finely chopped walnuts on the filling if desired.

       

      • Fold the top of the rounded edges in, holding them in place with the filling.

       

      • Roll the crepe up as pictured to create your carrot shaped crepe.

       

      • Repeat steps 1-4 with each crepe half, placing them back in the oven to keep them warm.

      *** Only assemble crepes you will eat immediately. Storing leftover crepes separately from filling, allows for optimal texture when rewarming.

      Make the Drizzle

      • Heat remaining half cup of filling on low, stirring regularly.

       

      • Stir in 3 drops of red and 6 drops of yellow food coloring to turn the drizzle orange.

       

      • Stir in 2 tsp of milk to thin it out.

       

      • While it’s still warm and thinned out, drizzle the carrots with the remaining filling using a quick back and forth motion.

      Add the Garnish

      • Rince the carrot greens or mint leaves and cut about 12 stems (enough for each “carrot”), each containing a few leaves and leaving at least a half inch of stem.

       

      • Add the carrot greens or mint to the top of each carrot crepe by tucking in the stem and allowing the leaves to stick out of the top.

       

      • Garnish a little lemon zest.

      What to Serve with your Carrot Cake Crepes

      I recommend serving some classic breakfast basics with your Carrot Cake Crepes. They pair well and allow the crepes to be the star of the show.

      • Bacon – Crispy, salty bacon on the side of these crepes makes for the perfect breakfast.
      • Sausage – Link or patty sausage is another option, just avoid maple or other sweet sausages as savory works best with the sweetness of the crepes.
      • Eggs – I recommend simple scrambled eggs made with olive oil and garnished with salt and pepper.
      • Coffee – Unsweetened coffee or English breakfast goes well with these sweet crepes.
      • Orange Juice – This goes well as long as you’re serving savory bacon and/or eggs with the crepes.

      Making Ahead, Storing and Reheating Left Over Crepes

      Making Ahead

      The best way to enjoy these crepes is to make the batter ahead of time. You’ll want to refrigerate the batter for at least 30 minutes, but I prefer to make it the night before and chill it overnight. Although you can make the crepes ahead of time, they are best served fresh.

      Storing Leftover Carrot Cake Crepes

      • Fridge – Store the crepes and filling separately. Both can be stored in the fridge for up to three days. Stack the crepes and store in a large plastic bag sealed tightly to keep them from drying out. The filling is best stored in a plastic bag or glass container.

       

      • Freezer – Crepes and filling should also be stored separately. The best way to store leftover crepes in the freezer is to first portion them out so when fetching them from the freezer, you only need to thaw what you will eat at the time. Wrap each stacked portion of crepes in plastic wrap. Then place them in a large plastic storage bag and freeze. Double wrapping them will prevent freezer burn. Filling may be stored in a sealed plastic bag. Store both items in the freezer for up to 3 months.

      Reheating Leftover Crepes

      While these are best fresh, they are still tasty leftover. Thaw frozen leftovers in the fridge and use within 24 hours. Slightly warm filling in the microwave. Crepes are best rewarmed on the stove in your crepe pan, griddle or skillet for about a minute per side, but they’re still tasty rewarmed in the microwave.

      I hope you enjoyed making these Easter Carrot Cake Crepes!

      Angela Post Signature

       

       

      carrot cake crepes garnished with drizzle, carrot greens and lemon zest

      Carrot Cake Crepes for Your Easter Brunch

      These delicious Carrot Cake Crepes are full of flavor with their warm spices and sweet lemony cream cheese filling. They’re gluten free, but so good, you’ll never know it!  
      Prep Time 40 minutes
      Cook Time 1 hour
      Course Breakfast
      Cuisine American
      Servings 6
      Calories 485 kcal

      Ingredients
        

      Crepes

      • 1 Cup Finely Shredded Carrots
      • 2 Eggs
      • 1 ¼ Cup Milk
      • ¼ Cup Butter (plus more for buttering crepe pan)
      • ½ tsp Vanilla
      • 1 Cup Gluten Free 1 to 1 Flour
      • 2 Tbsp Packed Brown Sugar
      • 2 Tbsp Granulated Sugar
      • ¾ tsp Cinnamon
      • ½ tsp Ginger
      • ¼ tsp Nutmeg
      • ¼ tsp Cloves
      • Pinch Salt

      Filling and Drizzle

      • 8 oz Cream Cheese
      • ½ Cup Frozen Whipped Topping
      • ¾ Cup Powdered Sugar
      • 1 tsp Vanilla
      • 2 Tbsp Lemon Juice
      • 2 tsp Lemon Zest
      • ¼ Cup Finely Chopped Walnuts
      • 2 tsp Milk
      • 6 Drops Yellow Food Coloring
      • 2 Drops Red Food Coloring

      Garnish

      • 12 Stems Carrot Greens or Mint 2 Inch Stems
      • 1 tsp Lemon Zest

      Instructions
       

      Make the Batter

      • Sauté carrots in ¼ cup melted butter on medium heat for 3 – 4 minutes until they start to soften.
      • Remove from heat and set aside to let cool.
      •  In a medium bowl, add gf 1 to 1 flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and a pinch of salt and whisk together until well combined.
      •  In a large bowl whisk together milk, vanilla, and the buttery carrots.
      • Slowly mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients.
      • In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and then stir into the batter.
      • Refrigerate the batter for at least 30 minutes, but up to overnight.
      • When you are ready to make the crepes, pull the batter from the fridge and set aside.

      Make the Filling

      • Mix softened cream cheese, frozen whipped topping, powdered sugar, vanilla, lemon juice and lemon zest on low to medium-low, using a stand or handheld mixer.
      •  Remove ½ Cup of filling and set aside. This will be for the drizzle.

      Make the Crepes

      •  Preheat the oven to 200 degrees and place a large cookie sheet on the middle rack.
      • Warm a crepe pan, stove top griddle or large skillet on medium heat.
      • Remove pan from heat, butter the pan and add 1/3 cup of batter, immediately and quickly spreading the batter around using a crepe spreader or the back of a spoon so the crepe is as thin as possible.
      • Place pan back on heat and warm crepe for 2-3 minutes until it just starts to lightly brown.
      • Flip crepe and cook for an additional 30 seconds to 1 minute.
      •  Place crepe in oven to keep warm and repeat steps 4-7 until all batter is used.
      • Pull a crepe from the oven, cut in half and spread 1 Tbsp of filling in middle of crepe half, leaving 1 inch around the edges.
      • Sprinkle 1 tsp of finely chopped walnuts on the filling if desired.
      • Fold the top of the rounded edges in, holding them in place with the filling.
      • Starting at one end, roll the crepe to create your carrot shape.
      • Repeat steps 1-4 with each crepe half, placing them back in the oven to keep them warm.

      Make the Drizzle

      • Heat remaining half cup of filling on low, stirring regularly.
      • Stirring 2 drops of red and 6 drops of yellow food coloring to turn the drizzle orange.
      • Stir in 2 tsp of milk to thin it out.
      • While it's still warm and thinned out, drizzle the carrots with the remaining filling using a quick back and forth motion.

      Garnish the Crepes

      • Rince the carrot greens or mint leaves and cut about 12 stems (enough for each “carrot”), each containing a few leaves and leaving at least a half inch of stem.
      • Add the carrot greens or mint to the top of each carrot crepe by tucking in the stem and allowing the leaves to stick out of the top.
      • Sprinkle Crepes with lemon zest

      Serve and Enjoy!

        Notes

        *** Make sure you add eggs last to the batter. Mixing the rest of the ingredients together first cools down the carrots and prevents the eggs from cooking.
        *** These crepes may be slightly thicker than traditional crepes due to the thickness of the carrots.
        *** For optimal texture when rewarming leftovers, store crepes separately from filling.
        Keyword Breakfast, Brunch, Carrot Cake, Crepes, Easter, Gluten Free, Recipe, Spring

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        How to Make an Easter Centerpiece

        How to Make an Easter Centerpiece

        This Easter Centerpiece is the perfect way to add spring holiday charm to your dining table. It’s fun, pretty, easy to do and sure to welcome whoever sits at your table. 

        How to Make and Easter Centerpiece with wooden tray, candles, greenery and Easter eggs

        I have fond childhood memories of joyous anticipation of the Easter holiday as it came our way each spring. My brother and I would decorate eggs and look forward to the friendly Easter Bunny stopping by.

        We’d wake up on what was normally a rainy spring morning excited to see what goodies the friendly bunny brought our way. Several sweet treats adorned our baskets, including chocolate bunnies, yellow sugared marshmallow chicks, crème filled chocolate eggs and jellybeans, all sitting atop shiny green Easter grass.  We were always delighted.

        We’d also dress in our Sunday best and head to church to celebrate our faith and the peace found in God’s grace, a gift that we are so humbly grateful for.

        Over the years we’d also sit around the Easter table alongside family and friends and enjoy a meal together. I remember looking forward to buying a home and having a space to decorate and entertain for such holidays and that dream eventually came true.

        One of the first things I did to decorate our new space was add a centerpiece to our dining table. I wanted to put something together that was nice, but wouldn’t break the bank, something I could easily modify when the season changed, or a new holiday was on the way.

        Here you’ll find the Easter version of that centerpiece. So come with me and I’ll show you what you’ll need and how to put together this sweet little table decoration.

        Why you’ll love this Easter Centerpiece

        • It’s simple and enjoyable to put together.
        • The base pieces can be used all year long, making it easy to change just a few items for any season or holiday.
        • You can add your own creative touches to personalize it to your taste.
        • It adds pretty, fun and festive flair to your dining table.
        • You can choose a size and shape to match any table.

        What You Need for Your Centerpiece

        • Tray, Board or Shallow Bowl (a base for the centerpiece)

        How to choose the right base piece for my table

        There are many shapes you can use on your table. For my centerpiece, I’m using an oblong, rectangle tray to match my rectangle table, but it’s not the only option. Depending on the size and shape of your table, choosing a square, circle, oval or unique shaped base can work too.

        Take a peek at the graphic below. Find the shape of your table, represented in white, and look at some centerpiece shape options, represented in gray.

        Also consider the size as it relates to your table. A small centerpiece on a large table can get lost, while a large centerpiece on a small table can be too overwhelming. You want to make sure there is room to set the table and eat around it!

        • Candles

        How many candles should I use?

        When doing your centerpiece, choose an odd number of candles, but consider how big your table and base piece are to make sure they will fit properly.

              • Table Seats 2 People: 1 Candle
              • Table Seats 4 – 8 People: 3 Candles
              • Table Seats 10 – 12 People: 5 Candles

        What candles should I choose for my centerpiece?

        In my example I’ve chosen candles in a soft cream color, which contrasts nicely with the other pieces in the centerpiece. White candles are a great choice too. I recommend the neutral options because you can use them in every season, which we’ll discuss a little later.

         I’m using real candles in this case, but battery-operated candles are a great choice and a lot safer, so I’ll always recommend them over the real thing. I never leave my real candles unattended and only light them when we are sitting down eating a holiday meal. I also don’t burn them down very far because of the flammable greenery!

        Another thing to consider is if you’re using an oblong centerpiece on an oblong table, you can either choose candles that are all the same height, or taper in size, with the middle being the tallest. With round or square centerpieces, try using three different sizes of candles and grouping them together similar to the graphic below.

        • Greenery Stems

        What type of greenery should I use?

        I chose several stems with soft green leaves, some with white flowers and buds. Craft stores or online retailers with home goods and décor are great places to find greenery. Look for either soft or bright green to give it a spring touch. Palm leaves are another great option for Easter.

        Wherever you shop for your greenery, you’ll often have the option of small or large stems. Oftentimes you can save money by using a few larger stems as opposed to several smaller stems. Many times you can pull the leaves off of the stems for your centerpiece or at least cut it into smaller pieces using wire cutters and/or scissors.

        • Easter Eggs

        What eggs should I use?

        Faux pastel eggs look nice with the soft greenery and are the perfect way to add an Easter touch. Like the greenery, you’ll often find Easter eggs at craft stores and online retailers. Some are solid in color and others have patterns or graphics on them. You can even find some you can decorate yourself or with the kiddos.

        How to Put Together the Centerpiece

        So you have everything you need, now let’s take a look at how to put it together. It’s quite simple!

        Step 1: Add the candles to your base piece (tray, board or bowl).

        Step 2: Arrange the greenery on the base piece, around the candles, spreading it out evenly so you cannot see the bottom of the tray, board or bowl. Allow leaves to drape out over the edges here and there.

        Step 3: Place the eggs in the centerpiece so they are meandering throughout the greenery. If you opted for multiple different colors of eggs, make sure to spread them out.

        Step 4: Place it on your table and enjoy!

        Easily Change the Centerpiece to Match the Season!

        Spring: You can use this centerpiece all spring long by simply taking out the Easter eggs.

        Summer: Simply replacing the Easter eggs with faux lemons gives it a summery touch. If you chose palms for your Easter centerpiece, just removing the eggs gives it a summery look.

        Fall: Remove the greenery and replace with orange, red and/or golden fall leaves for a cozy autumn centerpiece.

        Winter: Snowy branches are a great choice in place of the greenery. You can even add little Christmas ornaments around the holidays.

         

        I hope you enjoyed making this festive centerpiece with me!

        Angela Post Signature

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        Button to Easter Brunch Carrot Cake Crepes Blog Post