mother's day brunch

I have the best mom! and she doesn't even read this blog, so it's not like I'm sucking up :) for mother's day this year...or rather the day before mother's day...I made her a fabulous brunch. I had to slightly alter my menu because my local market stopped carrying puff pastry for the ham and cheese pockets, but they turned out delish anyway.

**ham and cheese pastries**

ham
swiss cheese
dijon mustard
packed croissants

1. preheat oven according to package directions.
2. unroll 4 croissants on a baking sheet.
3. spread mustard on bottom.
4. add desired amount of ham and cheese.
5. top with another croissant.
6. bake until done.

ohmygosh ya'll. these were so tasty. and so easy.

**yogurt and granola parfait**

vanilla yogurt
granola [or "just bunches" from honey bunches of oats works too if you don't want melody to call you "granola"]
frozen mixed berries
sugar
water
mint for decoration

1. heat frozen berries over medium low heat.
2. add a sprinkle of sugar and a dash of water.
3. boil for 5 minutes.
4. turn off and let cool.
5. once berries are cool, layer with yogurt and granola in pretty glasses.
6. garnish with a sprig of mint.

super duper easy, and also tasty. come on guys, you can totally pull this off!

**spinach and orange salad**

baby spinach
orange segments
cucumber, peeled and chopped
pine nuts, toasted
parmesan cheese
dressing:
1/2 cup light oil
1/4 cup orange juice
2 tbsp cider vinegar
1 tbsp sugar
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper

1. mix dressing together.
2. assemble remaining ingredients and mix.

mmm...this was so refreshing on the plate next to the ham and cheese pastries.

**"mimosa"**

orange juice
sparkling water

1. mix and enjoy.

usually I would add sparkling wine to this, but my mom doesn't drink. but feel free to "kick it up".

cook's notes: after eating this meal, my mom declared that she wanted to open a bed and breakfast. and my dad pointed out that she'd have to pay me for my services. I think the idea was immediately less appealing.

this really came together as a meal. maybe I will open a B and B some day.