Moms are a true reference in the kitchen. How often have you called your mother to ask for a given recipe or to get her advice? So, when your significant other says your spaghetti sauce is even better than their mother’s (i.e. the sauce they’ve enjoyed all throughout their childhood), they are giving you the ultimate compliment! Want to keep the culinary family traditions alive? Here are some classic (or slightly revamped) recipes that will keep the praise coming. But first, learn why it’s so important to highlight your loved ones’ successes.
Serve up compliments and spread some joy
Did you know that compliments like “you’re a better cook than mom” not only make the person feel appreciated, they also give them more confidence in the long run? This is especially true among those with lower self-esteem; getting compliments helps make them aware of their qualities and abilities.
Plus, those who willingly compliment family members, friends, and colleagues also benefit from their own positive reinforcement. After all, knowing that you brought someone joy fills you with joy as well.
Tip: Be truthful—don’t lay it on too thick. Be observant: find inspiration by analyzing your loved ones’ actions and words.
The fine line between compliment and flattery
Compliments are sincere and well-meaning. Flattery, on the other hand, is rather insidious. Oftentimes, the calculated compliments known as flattery are exaggerated, and their purpose goes beyond merely making someone happy—usually, there’s an ulterior motive. If you tell your significant other that she’s a better cook than your mother, it’s because you truly mean it and want to make her happy—not because you’re hoping to be taken off dishwashing duty after dinner.
Pasta, pasta, pasta…
There are sauce dishes . . . and just sauce! As a kid, when someone asked you what your favourite meal was, the odds are spaghetti Bolognese was high on your list.
Try this super simple version by Stefano Faita, with nutmeg adding complexity to the aromas. A variation of the same dish, spaghetti with meatballs (don’t expect any leftovers!): make this express version with “shortcut” ingredients, or turn it into a Saturday-night feast with an extra sprinkle of love.
Another favourite dish that is sure to make you feel nostalgic? Chinese macaroni. Have you ever tried making it with fondue beef instead of ground beef? Ready in minutes, this recipe requires just a few ingredients and is a comfort dish par excellence (some might even call it therapeutic).
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A good ol’ roast
Pork roast with herbs, blade roast, roast beef with gravy, French roast with onion gravy: back in the day, large pieces of meat would sit proudly at the centre of the table, with a bowl of mashed potatoes and root vegetables. Take pleasure in recreating this scene now, sometimes adding a unique touch, like this Cajun pork roast cooked on a spit—slightly sweetened, with a kick!
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Soup for every mood
Sometimes served as an appetizer and other times as a main course, soup has a calming effect, and it satisfies even the pickiest eaters. In a clear or heartier broth, the different ingredients—carrots, celery, spinach, cabbage, corn, onion, garlic, herbs, beans, meats, etc.—are infused and come together. Plus, you can use pretty much anything and everything found in your veggie crisper.
Try making a turkey minestrone, an Italian-style garden vegetable soup, a split pea soup (with orange zest for a refreshing touch), or a cream of asparagus with a tzatziki swirl. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at how yummy asparagus tastes with the Greek cucumber dip!
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Traditional, oh-so-delicious desserts
Classic desserts are comforting, and they bring back happy memories (even if your little brother or older sister was making faces at you when your parents weren’t looking). First, think pouding chômeur (classic or maple flavoured), apple crisp, and sugar pie, for which you can make your dough from scratch or skip this step entirely thanks to the Compliments pie shells.
All kids love chocolate—your mother probably had recipe cards on hand for chocolate cake, chocolate fondue, brownies, chocolate chip cookies, and fudge. Let those yummy fragrances fill your home!
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