THE annual celebration of Mother’s Day makes me reflect on how lucky I am to be a mother of two wonderful children, and equally fortunate in that I am still able to spend quality time with my mother who, as my cooking mentor, taught me the essentials of being a good home cook - and not being afraid of hard work!

My daughters have reached an age when they can appreciate what it takes to be a working mum - running around, washing, cleaning, cooking and making food pack ups - as well as trying to dispense life-wisdom and sharing in the laughter and tears that inevitably accompany growing up. It’s very gratifying that they express their appreciation and also that they roll their own sleeves up when they are home for visits and take on some of the tasks for me!

Traditional Mothering Sunday comes around on the fourth Sunday in Lent, but I think that a lot of the spiritual and family significance has been swallowed up in the commercialisation of Mother’s Day - and rather than a day of well-earned rest provided by your loved ones, it’s become more about dining out, flowers, spa days and gifts.

I still think that many mothers really do appreciate being told to put their feet up and take it easy while the family comes together to take care of the catering and cleaning up afterwards - after all, it’s nice to see your loved ones pulling together with a common aim. I still think that many mums will also still appreciate a sip of something sparkly, so don’t let me put you off doing some extra ‘spoiling’.

This year Mothering Sunday is still under the ‘see one person outdoors rule’ and whilst I was going to think of some nice menu items to suggest, this is probably a bit pointless under current rules, and I do think we should stick to the Covid timetable carefully so that we are all liberated the sooner.

I’m hoping for some sunny, early spring weather so we can pack a picnic, take a blanket, cushions, a few flowers, and a wee tipple! And if the weather is bad, just remember the most valuable thing to any mother is time with their loved ones. Hopefully everyone can stick to the rules but still also manage to enjoy some of that precious time. And remember that it won’t be long at all before families can get back together properly and then we’ll really celebrate.

I don’t know about you, but my children always bring a tear of joy each day and I am proud to be a called a mother. I hope you enjoy your imperfectly perfect Mothering Sunday.

So, there’s nothing more I will be devouring on Mother’s Day than my kind of breakfast. I try to have porridge four to five times a week. It sets my day with an energetic spring in my step, especially when my motherly duties were in demand, and now more so with ingredient knowledge I have learned of some its powerful benefits.

This porridge is absolutely yummy. May sound a little medicinal with my added homemade chai spice, but it’s another level of deliciousness.

Ginger and Lemon Chai Spiced Porridge. Serves two. Prep and cook: 10 minutes.

Ingredients:

1 small cup of oats

2-3 teaspoons honey or sugar to make it vegan

3 teaspoon juice of lemon

1 tablespoon grated ginger

1 teaspoon chai spice

1 cup milk. I used unsweetened almond milk

1 cup water

Method: Simmer water with 2 teaspoons of ginger, lemon and chai spices

* Strain the water, add to the pan with the milk and oats.

* Stir in 2 teaspoons of the honey until the porridge to a preferred consistency

* Caramelise remaining ginger with the last of the honey

* Serve and top with caramelised ginger

* See more of Chandra’s recipes on Instagram @leedshomecook