“La mamma è sempre la mamma”—‘Mum is always Mum.’

This beautiful Italian saying perfectly sets the tone for our Mother’s Day celebration.

Mothers have held a revered place in society since the dawn of time. As far back as the Palaeolithic era, Mother Goddesses symbolised nature and fertility. The timeless connection between women, motherhood, and the extraordinary gift of giving life has been celebrated in countless ways across history and cultures.

A Brief History of Mother’s Day

Did you know we owe modern Mother’s Day to the tireless efforts of Anna Jarvis? Anna, the daughter of American peace activist Anna M. Jarvis, wanted to create a heartfelt tribute to mothers everywhere after losing her own. Her vision of honouring mothers spread across the globe, intertwining with existing traditions in different countries.

In the UK, Mother’s Day falls on the fourth Sunday of Lent, also known as Mothering Sunday. This religious tradition dates back to the 16th century, when families would return to their “Mother Church” for a special Laetare Sunday service. For many, this was one of the rare occasions for family reunions, as servants were often granted leave to visit home. Over time, these religious and secular celebrations converged into the Mother’s Day we know and love today—a special day to shower mums with love, gratitude, and, of course, chocolate!

 Celebrate Mum with an Italian Feast

Mothers are everyday superheroes, juggling family and life with unwavering dedication, all year round. This Mother’s Day, why not give your “Mamma” the pampering she deserves with a delicious Italian-inspired meal?

Gather the family—team up with Dad or siblings—and cook up an easy, yet elegant, Italian lunch or dinner to show her how much she means to you. After all, nothing says “Ti amo, Mamma!” quite like a lovingly prepared feast shared with the people she treasures most.

Mother’s Day Menu

Antipasto: Piadina Flat Bread with Goat’s Cheese and Black Olive Patè

Let’s begin with a savoury starter made of special Italian flat bread coming from the Emilia Romagna Region: the Piadina. You can buy this bread ready-made or alternatively you can use wraps! Choose an organic Piadina for the best taste and quality. All you have to do is top two or three piadine with some fresh Caprino Cheese (or any goat’s cheese) and drizzle some Black olive and porcini patè over them to give that extra, mouth-watering flavour. Decorate your plate with the Pate’ too to give it a classy, gourmet finish!

Primo: Pasta with Asparagus and Sun-dried Tomatoes

A pasta dish is mandatory in an Italian style dinner. Make sure to cook your pasta “al dente” rather than soft. This is not only the Italian way to do it but it is the best way to make it easier to digest and to keep all its nutritional intake intact. For four people you will need:

•     350g of pasta (Fusilli would be perfect)
•     150g of fresh asparagus
•     Sun dried tomatoes
•     1 onion
•     Extra virgin olive oil
•     Salt & Pepper

Method

While your pasta is cooking, lightly brown the chopped onion in some olive oil in a large pan. Add the cut-up asparagus you will have prepared beforehand and a pinch of salt and cook for about 15 minutes.

Drain the pasta; pour it in the pan and sauté for a couple of minutes.

Add the tomatoes at the very last second in order to warm them up in the pan but without softening them.

Top your pasta plates with a dash of fresh ground pepper and a couple of dried tomatoes at the side.

Dolce: Italian Classic Tiramisù

Make this delicious Tiramisù to end your Italian dinner in style! For four people you will need:

• 500g Mascarpone
• 80g sugar
• 4 eggs
• 250g of Savoiardi biscuits (sponge fingers)
• 1 cup of espresso coffee
• Cocoa Powder
• Belgian Chocolate Chips

Method

Blend the sugar with the four egg yolks while keeping aside the whites. When the mixture is rich and foamy, add the mascarpone cheese and mix all with folding movements.

Beat your whites to soft peaks and add to the mixture. Add the chocolate chips now and set aside.

Put your coffee in a medium sized bowl. Dip your biscuits in the lukewarm coffee for just a few seconds and lay them side by side in a large serving dish.

Spread a thick layer of the chocolate chip cream over them then repeat alternating the layer of coffee-dipped biscuits and cream. Finish with a touch of cocoa powder or chocolate flakes to decorate.

Now make “Mamma” sit down and enjoy Mother’s Day to the very last bite!

 

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