Breakfast in Bed: Beyond Burnt Toast and Runny Eggs

Breakfast in bed may be a Mother's Day tradition, but does Mom really enjoy it? We'd like to encourage families to rethink the menu with Mom in mind. Consider what she might like to eat and drink, how easily she can do so in bed, and how much cleanup will be involved. While burnt toast and runny eggs may be thoughtful, they aren't appetizing.

Keep reading for our recommendations for making Mother's Day breakfast in bed an occasion Mom will remember fondly.

Breakfast in Bed: General Guidelines

Eating in bed isn't easy, which is part of the reason why we usually eat at the table. Use a sturdy tray that fits on Mom's lap. Balancing a plate and glass and utensils and coffee cup is a lot of work for a lap and two hands. A sturdy tray will also make it much easier to transport breakfast from kitchen to bed.

Likewise, we suggest pouring the coffee or tea from the pot into the cup once the tray is securely settled. Don't risk spilling on the way upstairs, or worse, in Mom's lap. The coffee or tea will be hotter too. If Mom likes juice, or if she'd love a Mimosa or Bloody Mary, don't fill the glass to the rim. Instead, be available to get her a refill.

Finally, consider how neatly Mom can eat what's on the menu. Toast is notorious for crumbs, and frankly, it's kind of boring. Breakfast sandwiches -- or any other food that requires two hands to eat -- are best saved for the table. Serve dishes that can be eaten one-handed or with utensils. Remember to include a napkin on the tray too.

Breakfast in Bed: Mini Quiches

Whether you make them yourself or heat up a frozen variety, mini quiches are a fun, simple way to treat Mom. Eat them one-handed, or use a fork. The crust may crumble a bit, but quiche is generally tidy. You can even go with a crustless quiche recipe.

Mini Quiche Four Ways -- This recipe couldn't be easier, and you can mix and match Mom's favorite ingredients. You can change up the cheese, replace half the milk with cream, or try some new and different ingredients altogether.

Zucchini Green Chile Quiche -- It's been almost two years since we found this recipe, and it's still a favorite. Get a jump on summer with this one. Don't forget to double the recipe and freeze the extras.

Breakfast in Bed: Overnight Breakfasts

We featured an array of sweet and savory overnight breakfast recipes that are perfect for occasions like Mother's Day. Assemble after Mom goes to bed, then pop in the oven the next morning. Be sure to wash all the dishes the night before, so Mom doesn't have to face a dirty kitchen.

Overnight Mexican Breakfast Casserole -- Rather than trying to make huevos rancheros or breakfast burritos, whip up this casserole instead. Don't forget to roast the poblanos, and do make an effort to find chorizo. If Mom likes spicy heat, then make this recipe as written. Otherwise, follow Dorothy's instructions for lightening up this dish.

Sweet and Savory Overnight Breakfast Recipes -- Like the mini quiches, this option allows the rest of the family to eat the same delicious breakfast Mom's enjoying. Everybody gets a special breakfast, but Mom stays warm and cozy in bed.

Breakfast in Bed: Loaded Oatmeal

While toast may be boring, oatmeal certainly doesn't have to be. If Mom is determined to eat healthy even on her special day, oblige her by serving oatmeal on her breakfast tray. 

Four "Mix Up Your Morning" Oatmeal Recipes -- Each of these concoctions sounds wonderful to us: Peanut Butter and Banana, Carrot Cake, Coconut Raspberry, and Walnut Banana Bread. Better yet, none of them include a bunch of added sugar, unlike pre-packaged oatmeal packets. Choose the one that best suits Mom's tastes.

DIY Oatmeal Bar -- If you're not sure what Mom might want to add to her customary bowl of oatmeal, we suggest hitting up the bulk foods section at your grocery store. Buy a scoop or two of a dozen ingredients that look fun, and set up an oatmeal bar on Mom's tray. Let her decide what will make the cut for Mother's Day breakfast.

Breakfast in Bed: Yogurt Granola Parfaits

As Donkey said in Shrek, "Parfaits may be the most delicious thing on the whole damn planet." We agree with Donkey; we'd never turn down a parfait. Plus, we have to admit this recommendation may be the easiest to pull off.

Use a large glass such as a red wine glass or a pilsner glass, and fill it with alternating layers of thick Greek yogurt, fresh fruit, and granola. Make sure each layer is thin enough that Mom can scoop down to get yogurt, fruit, and granola in a single spoonful. Choose complementary flavor combinations, such as vanilla yogurt, fresh raspberries, and chocolate granola, or strawberry yogurt, sliced banana, and honey almond granola.