Mom

My brother in law, who happens to be a professional photographer, just sent us this picture. It is a picture of my mother celebrating Christmas as a child with my grandfather in Hawaii. Isn't it great? I just can't get enough of it; partially because I can perfectly see my sister's face in my mother's, and partially because it's a reminder of how dear these people are to me.

For reasons undisclosed, my mother saved my sanity earlier this week. And it goes without saying that this weekend's menu would not be possible without her tender, lovin' care. In tribute and in constant gratitude to her existence, some highlights from this weekend's brunch menu...

The Honeymoon
Scrambled Eggs with Ricotta, Proscuitto, and Fig Jam on toasted cibatta
Topped with basil chiffonade

Pain Au Poire Bread Pudding
Chocolate-Pear Croissant Bread Pudding

Asparagus-Pancetta Bread Pudding

Ice Cream
Baklava
Toasted Walnut-Cinnamon Ice Cream with chucks of homemade baklava, topped with pistachio
Dulce de Leche
Made with real La Salamandra Dulce de Leche
Mexican Coffee
Rich Coffee Ice Cream with hints of chocolate, orange, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper
Bittersweet Mint Chip
Fresh Mint Ice Cream with flecks of bittersweet chocolate
Sparkling Apple-Ginger Cider Sorbet
For Alice, my sometimes-vegan-ginger lovin'-Goobies

From the bottom of my heart, thanks, Mom. You really do make the world go round.