For Mom

What better day than Mother’s Day to remind Mom how you feel? I remember a long time ago my mom telling me (probably in response to my complaining that “I never got anything”), that my grandma used to say that every day was Kid’s Day. And now, twenty-some years later, I’d have to say I agree. Even at 30, being the “kid” rocks. Grandma definitely spoke the truth…every day really is Kid’s Day, whether you’re 5, 35 or 55. So on one day out of 365, I’d like Mom to know that even if only one of them is called Mother’s Day, I truly think she deserves more.

I talked a little bit about my mom in my last post. I even told you her age, which I’m sure she was thrilled about. But my point was only that for her (advanced) age, she is a very cool mom. She is the mom that all my friends wished they had when we were growing up. She is the mom that really meant it when she said that if you told the truth things would be better. Because of that, we forged a very honest relationship very early on (minus a couple of my miserable teen years, which I’m sure we’d both like to forget). Our relationship has gotten stronger day after day, year after year.

A few random things about my mom:

She will outlast you in Vegas even if she did wake up at four in the morning to get ready to go to the airport. And she will always, ALWAYS, heckle you if you want to take a nap or go to bed.

She screams (or maybe shrieks is a better word) when playing games. Board games, card games, video games…doesn’t matter what the stakes or what the game; shrieking will ensue. And then, after claiming she can’t even see the screen, she will beat you at archery and bowling on the Wii.

She cares. Her heart is huge and she will cry if she hears about an animal in distress or a complete stranger going through tough times. She is sympathetic and empathetic.

She is supportive. Maybe she’s a bit biased, but she has always been my biggest cheerleader. She lifts me up, swears it’s going to get better, and does everything in her power to make sure it does.

In short, my mom is incredible, one of my best friends, and tons of fun. Today and every day, I hope she knows this.

Here is a sweet edible bouquet idea for your mom, made up of chocolate and peanut butter truffle pops and sure to be the best candy she gets all day.

Chocolate Chip Cookie and Peanut Butter Cream Cheese Truffle Pops

Makes 16 pops

4 large soft chocolate chip cookies, divided use

1/4 cup peanut butter cream cheese

1/4 cup creamy peanut butter

1/2 cup Wilton’s chocolate candy melts

1/2 cup Wilton’s peanut butter candy melts

1/4 cup roasted, salted peanuts

16 small lollipop sticks

In a food processor, grind 3 cookies into a fine crumb. Add the cream cheese and peanut butter and run until combined and formed into a ball.

Divide mixture into 16 small balls (about 1/2 ounce each) and insert a lollipop stick into  each. Refrigerate several hours until firm.

When ready to dip truffles, separately grind peanuts and remaining cookie in food processor into a fine crumb and place on separate plates. Melt candy melts in separate bowls according to directions.

Carefully dip truffles in one candy melt to coat and one topping of your choice, then refrigerate. (A small foam block easily holds the pops upright.) Truffle pops are ready to serve when coating is set.

(Note - A little confession: I used some Costco cookies that were a bit past their prime. Stale cookies are totally fine here.)

When biting into these truffles, you first crunch through the outer shell of either peanut butter or chocolate, giving you a hint of what’s to come. The peanut butter hits you, then a trace of cream cheese, followed by the decadent richness of the chocolate and it all combines into a creamy, dreamy bite. They are sweet, but not overly so, and the next thing you know you’re reaching for your sixth truffle pop. Just make sure you save a couple for Mom…

And don’t forget to show her some love today (and every other day for that matter).

Happy Mother’s Day!