The month of May energizes us to remember Mom. Certainly, colorful flowers are traditional and predictable; however, a thoughtfully planned meal will have her remember your kindness year after year. Timbales are small interesting mold shapes that can be filled with chilled tasteful cuisine. Ramekins are slightly larger interesting mold shapes that are oven-proof or can be used for chilled delicacies. Larger mold shapes include fish, bird, flower, etc. variation types. These tools enable one to create stunning presentations. To enhance Mom’s special table presentation, utilize culinary skill to create culinary style. Timbales can be lined with plastic wrap and then layered with chilled thin smoked salmon. Fill each timbale with a mixture of avocado and sour cream. When inverting the lovely designs, each can be topped with sprigs of dill. Ramekins can be filled with soufflés, bread pudding, mousse or turkey salad. When making a cold dish, be sure to line each ramekin with plastic wrap which helps to keep the shape formed when inverting onto the plates. When serving a hot ramekin (baked in the oven), be sure to spray each ramekin with non-stick cooking spray (not plastic wrap). Also, when serving from a hot ramekin, I like to wrap each in parchment paper to create a tall “collar.” This allows for the soufflé to rise or the bread pudding to be filled above the ramekin top. When Mom feels special the luncheon or dinner is a success! Happy Mother’s Day! © Kelly McBride Loft