What was the best advice your mother gave you?
I’m pretty fortunate because I have a mom not only told me words that would make me a better person, but modeled it for me. Here’s some of the best advice my mother gave to me:
Never say anything about someone you wouldn’t say with that person listening.
This has taught me time and time again not to gossip. We all know this rule is not easily done, but every time you quietly walk away as the conversation turns to a negative tone is always something to feel proud of. While I’m no where near perfect, this rule has made me think twice before speaking many times and inspired me to change the topic or find something positive to say, even if it wasn’t cool.
Give to others.
It doesn’t matter if your financial resources are plenty or scarce, give. I watched my mom discreetly pay for the woman next to her at the grocery store who she saw turning red as she looked for that $10 bill. I’ve seen her thrilled to support the neighbor raising money for a charity. No matter the state of economy, when there’s someone in need and a way to help, my mom is always willing to give.
Have an open mind.
After going 50+ years without eating bananas, whole grains and spinach, my mom made drastic changes to her diet and tried every “power food” under the sun to make the needed changes naturally. Whether it’s with politics, my need to stay out pasty curfew when I was 16, or another controversial topic, my mom is always willing to listen to all sides of a story before making a decision (whether or not I was successful in changing her mind when I was 16 is another story 
).
Happy Mother’s Day to every mother out there (especially to my mother and mother-in-law! 
)!
How will you be celebrating your mom today? Looking for some last minute ideas?
Maybe your mom would love a big homemade brunch. If so, then these Sweet Potato and Pecan Cinnamon Rolls are just for you.
Maybe your mom just likes a simple sandwich. Give her something truly gourmet, like a Caramelized Onion, Asiago and Arugula Sandwich on homemade bread.
Or maybe she loves a bit of heat and a touch of cheese in her meals, and is always up for trying something new. If so, then you have to try these Chili Relleno Bites!
Chili Relleno Bites
Adapted from Petite Kitchenesse
Keywords: bake appetizer side vegetarian quinoa cheese Southwest
Ingredients
- 2 poblano peppers
- 1 tbs. olive oil
- 1/2 cup quinoa
- 1/2 cooked cup polenta (I bought it already cooked from Trader Joe’s)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup tomato sauce
- 1 tbs. fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 scallion, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Cumin, to taste
- Paprika, to taste
- Chili Powder, to taste
- Breadcrumbs (optional, see note in step #2)
- Salsa, to serve (optional)
Instructions
1. Set oven to broil. Place poblano peppers on baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Broil until peppers blacken, about 5 minutes. Remove from oven and place in sealed container. Let sit about 15 minutes. When cool enough to handle, remove and peel off skin. Remove seeds and chop peppers. Set aside.
2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cook quinoa according to package directions. Place in medium bowl and mix with cooked polenta, roasted pepper and all remaining ingredients except breadcrumbs and salsa. (Of note: the original recipe recommends adding breadcrumbs, if texture appears wet, until texture is sticker and more-solid. I did not do this and they came out fine, but some were a bit more crumbly. Next time I may add some breadcrumbs to compare).
3. Spray baking sheet with cooking spray. Using an ice cream scooper, scoop mixture and form balls. Place on baking sheet and cook 20-30 minutes, until browned and crispy. Serve with salsa, if desired, and enjoy!
Using Random.org the winners of the NuNaturals Giveaway are: Renee, Janel, Kammie and Georgiana!
~What was the best advice your mother gave to you?
