I’m really looking forward to this Sunday because I’ve become a mother just in the nick of time for Mothers Day. Naturally I’m expecting to be showered with gifts but most likely the only thing I will receive from my new little girl is little deposits of poo on the carpet and maybe if I’m lucky a squirt of wee on my jeans. But I know that I will get lots of licks on my face and warm cuddles so that will certainly make up for any unintentional misdemeanours.

If you haven’t guessed it already, I have a new puppy! Her name is Ella and she is currently sleeping on my lap as I write this, snoring blissfully away. Even though I’m only a few days in motherhood is proving hard work. I can’t leave Ella alone without her crying mournfully and god forbid I stop paying her attention for a few minutes to make a cup of tea. It’s given me a deep sense of appreciation for how demanding it must be to actually have a real child. But I think I’m a good few years away from having to worry about that…

In the meantime I will be celebrating this Sunday with my mum who has given me everything in my life and I am so grateful for it. Even though I may sometimes whine about her dry bolognese the reality is that my mum has provided me and my family with the best home-cooked food anyone could want and has taught me, amongst many other things, to love food and how to cook it. So thanks mum.

Although Mothers Day is a very commercial enterprise, it’s good enough reason to show mum how much you care and you don’t have to break the bank to do so. Mum’s always seem to love something that is homemade so what better way then to cook her something special. To help you on your way I’ve prepared a Croque Madame recipe, the ultimate ham and cheese toasted sandwich not for the faint hearted (or those watching there waist line!) and simple but delicious Caramelised Banana Pancakes. If it’s not Mothers Day in your part of the World this weekend, well you will just have to indulge yourself then. Enjoy x

PS: Changing pace a little, Mothers Day is also a good day to remind your mother, aunty, daughter or any friend with ovaries that they should know the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer, as there is no detection for ovarian cancer. Please visit the Ovarian Cancer Australia website for more very important information.

For Dani's delicious Croque Madame or Caramelised Banana Pancakes go to her website.