911±¬ÁϳԹÏ

(Kiki's Corner by Kiki Angelos - Photo Illustration - MetroCreativeConnection)

On Sunday, we will celebrate a day that is important to all of us. No matter where we are, regardless of what part of the world we are in, we have a common celebration to honor our mother, whether we are young or old and if our mother is here on Earth or if she has gone to heaven.

The first Mother’s Day began in West Virginia.

Anna Jarvis is the founder of Mother’s Day, and all that started at Andrew’s Methodist Episcopal Church in Grafton, on May 10, 1908. She was a very special lady whose love for her mother became a national holiday. Her mother’s favorite flower was the white carnation, and on the first Mother’s Day, Jarvis passed flowers out to her whole church congregation.

After Jarvis passed, she thought all that would disappear, but no, it’s still going strong after all these years, and we are very honored to remember her and a tradition that touched the world.

The true meaning of Mother’s Day is rooted in honoring the sacrifices and contributions of mothers.

A mother is the most loving and caring person in our lives. She sacrifices her life so she can give us happiness and support from childhood. Our mother teaches us values, kindness and respect. She understands our feelings even without words and always stands by us in difficult times. Her love is pure, unconditional and endless. A mother works hard to provide a better life for her children. She is our first teacher and our greatest guide. We can never fully repay her love and care; she is truly a blessing in every person’s life.

No one can replace our mother, so Sunday, regardless of how far your mother is from you, if she’s not in town, give her a call, take the time to listen, even if you have heard the same thing over and over. Don’t forget our turn is coming, so we will expect that from our children. Listening to them is more important than a gift. When they’re older, they don’t care about gifts. They care about a nice card, or going and visiting with them if they’re home, or if they’re in assisted living or a nursing home.

It’s sad to say, but I cannot do that tomorrow. I will take flowers to the cemetery and pray for her and talk to her, even if she doesn’t listen to me. But I can still close my eyes and see her loving face, always with a smile, always with encouraging words. I will never forget some of the things that she taught me when I was young. I will share a few things with you. Of course, all that I will write, she told me in Greek, but I will translate:

1. Believe in yourself and stay positive in every condition.

2. Even small efforts every day can bring big results in the future.

3. Every person faces challenges.

4. When you have positive habits and self-control, you can live a peaceful and successful life.

5. When you believe in your abilities, you can face challenges with courage and stay strong in difficult situations.

6. Trusting yourself is very important for success and confidence in life.

7. Continue to be kind and dedicated to your family, and that makes the home peaceful and strong.

8. Don’t forget a mother’s life is filled with love, care, patience and sacrifice, and she is happy when everything goes and runs smoothly in her family.

9. My love for you is priceless, and I want you to do the same thing to your kids.

So today and every year on Mother’s Day, I will pray for you in a quiet place and thank you for what you did for me. I truly appreciated it, and I tried to follow your steps, your love for my family, and be as good a person and mother as you! And I know you’re not here with us, but in my prayers, I will thank you for everything you have done for me.

Mother, you weren’t just there in the big moments but also the small ones, and you made me the person that I am today, and a good mother like you! How many times have I seen myself talking to you in front of your picture with tears in my eyes?

Everyone who knew you, they loved you. I will never forget the several years that you were here with us, and you would go outside and talk to the neighbours, and you could not speak English, and they couldn’t speak Greek, but somehow you would communicate with them.

Happy Mother’s Day, my dearest unforgettable Manoula (that’s what I used to call you, that was your nickname, it meant like my sweet mother)

SAGAPO POLI, or I love you very much!

Happy Mother’s Day to all of you mothers and grandmothers in the Mid-Ohio Valley. Don’t forget, enjoy your special day because you are SPECIAL!

Till next week.

***

Southern pecan pralines

Something sweet for your special mother!

3 cups of sugar divided

1 tsp salt

1 (5.33 oz) can evaporated milk, rinsed with a little water

Pinch baking soda

1/2 cup butter

1 tsp vanilla

1 quart pecans, toasted

Combine 2 cups sugar with salt, milk and soda. Caramelize 1 cup sugar in an iron skillet over low heat. Pour caramelized sugar into milk mixture and stir until dissolved. Cook to soft ball stage on candy thermometer. Remove from heat and add butter and vanilla. Beat with spoon until shine has gone and it has cooked enough to drop on wax paper. Add pecans and drop on wax paper.

If mixture gets too hard, place back on heat and add a little water.

***

Mousse a l’Orange

(Orange mousse in orange halves)

3 tablespoons Grand Marnier

Grated rind of 3 oranges

Grated rind of 1/2 lemon

1 3/4 cup fresh orange juice

1/2 cup plus 1 tbsp sugar, divided

6 eggs, separated

2 teaspoons cornstarch

Pinch salt

1/2 cup whipping cream, whipped

3 to 4 navel oranges, halved

Combine Grand Marnier, rinds and juice. Beat 1/ 2 cup sugar and egg yolks until pale yellow.

Beat in cornstarch and juice mixture. Stir over moderate heat or in the top of a double boiler over hot water until the mixture coats a spoon. Do not overcook. Remove from heat. Whip egg whites with salt and the remaining tablespoon of sugar until stiff; fold whites into the hot orange mixture. Scoop out orange halves and cut edges decoratively if desired. Fill with orange mousse. Chill. Decorate with more whipped cream, candied violets, mint leaves or grated orange rind. Make and serve the same day.

***

Coconut surprise

A very refreshing dessert for your Mother’s Day dinner!

1 cup flour

1/2 cup butter, melted

1/2 cup chopped nuts

1 cup powdered sugar

1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened

1 (13 1/2 oz) carton whipped topping, thawed, divided

1 (6 oz) package frozen grated coconut

2 (3 3/4 oz) packages French vanilla instant pudding

3 cups of milk

Mix flour, butter and nuts. Press into a 9 x 12″ baking dish. Bake at 350 for 20 minutes, cool. Cream, sugar and cream cheese; fold in 1 cup whipped topping. Spoon on the crust and sprinkle with half the coconut. Combine pudding and milk. Beat until thickened and spread over the cream cheese layer. Cover with the remaining whipped topping and coconut. Chill.

Variation – Substitute pistachio instant pudding for French vanilla and delete the coconut!