Mother’s Day is a time to celebrate the moms who have shaped our lives, though one day hardly feels like enough. From sports, to school, to even jobs, I’ve had many moms in my life who watched over me as if I were their own. A common thread among them is how they show love through food, often cooking by feel rather than following a recipe. These are a few of their favorite dishes; meals made with care, tradition and plenty of heart.

Lori Brown- My Mom

Baked Mac and Cheese

I’ve been trying to master this recipe for years and nothing ever compares to my mom’s. There’s no exact recipe for this one; just a method that’s been repeated over time.

Ingredients:

• Elbow macaroni (or pasta of choice)

• Cheeses of choice (sharp, mild or a blend such as cheddar or Colby Jack)

• Evaporated milk

• Butter

• Milk

• Ground mustard (optional)

• Salt

• Pepper

• Paprika

• Heavy cream (optional)

Preparation:
The dish starts with pasta cooked just under al dente. A cheese sauce is made by melting cheese with evaporated milk and butter, adding milk as needed for a smooth consistency. The pasta is then combined with the sauce, seasoned to taste and baked until everything comes together into a rich, creamy dish.

Sharon Adams- My best friend’s Mom.

Fattoush (Arabic Salad)

This is one recipe that has stayed consistent over time ; a fresh, bright salad that’s always requested at gatherings.

Ingredients:

• Romaine lettuce

• Scallions

• Cucumber

• Bell pepper

• Tomatoes

• Radishes

Seasoning:

• Garlic powder (to taste)

• Salt (to taste)

• Sumac (light sprinkle)

Dressing:

• Olive oil

• Lemon juice

Preparation:
All vegetables are chopped and combined in a large bowl, then seasoned with garlic powder, salt and sumac. Olive oil and lemon juice are added and tossed until evenly coated. The salad is finished with fried or baked pita chips just before serving.

Erika Melton- My Sister

Seafood Paella

A layered, shareable dish built on bold Mediterranean flavors and made to feed a crowd.

Ingredients:

• Rice

• Homemade chicken broth

• Chicken

• Sausage

• Mussels (cleaned, discard any that do not open or close when tapped)

• Squid rings

• Fish

• Stewed tomatoes

• Mixed vegetables

• Sunflower or avocado oil

Seasoning:

• Mediterranean spices (including cumin and paprika)

• Salt

• Pepper

Preparation:
Rice is started in chicken broth while chicken and sausage are sautéed with vegetables and spices. Everything is then combined in a large roasting pan with stewed tomatoes and additional broth to bring it together. Seafood is added last and the dish is baked until fully cooked, with the mussels opening as it finishes. It’s a meal built in layers, adjusted along the way and served best with bread for sharing.

Jean “Jeano” Yasso- My Girlfriend’s Mom

Chicken Pot Pie

A classic comfort dish made with flexibility; this version is built more on preference than a fixed recipe.

Ingredients:

• Chicken

• Mixed vegetables (such as celery, carrots and potatoes)

• Creamy base (half-and-half, sour cream and shredded cheese)

• Pie crust (top and bottom)

• Seasonings to taste

Preparation:
This version uses both a top and bottom crust, filled with a creamy mixture of chicken and vegetables. The sauce comes together with half-and-half, shredded cheese and sour cream, creating a rich filling that can be adjusted depending on who’s at the table. Ingredients may change based on preference, but the result is always a warm, comforting dish.

These dishes may not all have precise measurements or written instructions, but they carry something more important; tradition, familiarity and the kind of care that only comes from cooking for the people you love. On Mother’s Day, those are the flavors that matter most.