8 Things You Should Make (for Yourself!) This Mother’s Day

We’re certainly not suggesting that you tell the kids to put the brakes on hand-delivered breakfast in bed this year. But when was the last time you made exactly what you wanted, and just plain had fun whipping it up? We thought so. Treat yourself to one of these friendly, tasty dishes this Mother’s Day — it’s up to you whether you share it with the family or not (aw, we know you will!).

Banana and Pecan Pancakes with Maple Butter (above)

This batch is just a little bit more enticing than the faded, dateless box of pancake mix hiding in your pantry, don’t you think?

FNK AVOCADO BLT TOAST Food Network Kitchen Food Network Avocados, Scallions, Lemon Juice, Red Pepper Flakes, Bacon, Unsalted Butter, Sourdough Bread, Mixed Greens, Tomatoes, Eggs

FNK AVOCADO BLT TOAST Food Network Kitchen Food Network Avocados, Scallions, Lemon Juice, Red Pepper Flakes, Bacon, Unsalted Butter, Sourdough Bread, Mixed Greens, Tomatoes, Eggs

Photo by: Matt Armendariz ©2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Matt Armendariz, 2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

FNK AVOCADO BLT TOAST Food Network Kitchen Food Network Avocados, Scallions, Lemon Juice, Red Pepper Flakes, Bacon, Unsalted Butter, Sourdough Bread, Mixed Greens, Tomatoes, Eggs

Avocado BLT Toasts

Avocado’s hold on our hearts doesn’t seem to be weakening any time soon. And paired with bacon and a fried egg? This is no ordinary open-faced sandwich.

Food Network Kitchen Food Network Ginger, Sugar, Dried Hibiscus Flowers, Dark Rum, Oranges

Food Network Kitchen Food Network Ginger, Sugar, Dried Hibiscus Flowers, Dark Rum, Oranges

Photo by: Matt Armendariz ©2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Matt Armendariz, 2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Food Network Kitchen Food Network Ginger, Sugar, Dried Hibiscus Flowers, Dark Rum, Oranges

Hibiscus Rum Cocktails

Dried flowers (which you can find in a specialty store or online) surprisingly add a cranberry-like flavor to this elegant drink.

FNK ONEPOT PENNE ALLA VODKA, Food Network Kitchen, Food Network, Olive Oil, Onion, Tomato Paste, Red Pepper Flakes, Diced Tomatoes, Penne, Vodka, Heavy Cream, Parmesan, Basil

FNK ONEPOT PENNE ALLA VODKA, Food Network Kitchen, Food Network, Olive Oil, Onion, Tomato Paste, Red Pepper Flakes, Diced Tomatoes, Penne, Vodka, Heavy Cream, Parmesan, Basil

Photo by: Matt Armendariz ©Copyright 2015

Matt Armendariz, Copyright 2015

FNK ONEPOT PENNE ALLA VODKA, Food Network Kitchen, Food Network, Olive Oil, Onion, Tomato Paste, Red Pepper Flakes, Diced Tomatoes, Penne, Vodka, Heavy Cream, Parmesan, Basil

One-Pot Penne alla Vodka

Because you deserve a restaurant-style meal on Mother’s Day — but also as few dishes as possible.

Baked Shrimp Scampi

This fan favorite (seriously, check out all those positive reviews) looks fancy, but thanks to Ina Garten’s thoughtful recipe, you can have this satisfyingly crunchy dish on the table in less than an hour.

Food Network Kitchen's Cherry Cheesecake Dessert Dip, as seen on Food Network.

Food Network Kitchen's Cherry Cheesecake Dessert Dip, as seen on Food Network.

Photo by: Stephen Johnson ©2015, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Stephen Johnson, 2015, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Food Network Kitchen's Cherry Cheesecake Dessert Dip, as seen on Food Network.

Cherry Cheesecake Dip

It’s all the flavor of your favorite dessert (devilishly delivered in just the scoop of a graham cracker) sans the springform pan, precarious water bath and lengthy cook time.

Food Network Kitchen’s 4Ingredient Cookies and Cream Pie as seen on Food Network.

Food Network Kitchen’s 4Ingredient Cookies and Cream Pie as seen on Food Network.

Photo by: Matt Armendariz ©Copyright 2015

Matt Armendariz, Copyright 2015

Food Network Kitchen’s 4Ingredient Cookies and Cream Pie as seen on Food Network.

4-Ingredient Cookies and Cream Pie

This easy, summery pie doesn’t require much more effort than just ripping open a package of the classic cookie.

Photo by: Matt Armendariz ©2015

Matt Armendariz, 2015

No-Churn Ice Cream

Homemade ice cream isn’t a tricky undertaking with these approachable recipes (we’ve got one each for vanilla, chocolate and strawberry — plus mix-ins!). Just whip together a few ingredients in the afternoon, freeze everything in a loaf pan, and have dessert by the evening.

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