Being a mom—bearing and raising a child—is definitely the hardest job in the world, but it can also be the most rewarding, especially during occasions like Mother’s Day, when moms get special pampering from their partners and kids.

If you’re a mom yourself, you probably appreciate more than ever how much love and hard work your own mom put into rearing you. That makes Mother’s Day twice as special, because you know how much she deserves to have a day dedicated entirely to her. So how can you spice up this day for your dear old mum? Take charge of the kitchen and cook for her instead of heading out to a sure-to-be-crowded restaurant. Here are different recipes you can prepare, according to your cooking skills.

EASY RECIPES FOR THE COOKING NOVICE

Maybe you’re not much of a cook on any other day of the year, but you want to give cooking a try just for this occasion.

Appetizer

One of the easiest options for appetizers, if you want to prepare something easy yet out of the ordinary, is a serving of Cinnamon-Coated Nuts. While nuts are standard fare coating them in cinnamon makes them just that bit more unique. Besides, cinnamon is not just about flavor and aroma, it has healthy benefits, too.

Entrée

For an entrée, you can’t go wrong with a simple yet healthy Tuna Teriyaki, especially if your mom is trying to trim her tummy. All you need to do is marinate the tuna and sauté it in canola oil–it’s as easy as that!

Dessert

An occasional sweet indulgence occasionally won’t hurt your mom’s weight, either, so go with a Mango Fool for desert. Besides the fact that mango is in season now, a treat like this tells your mom that she’s--aaawww--the sweetest mom on earth.  

(Cinnamon-Coated Nuts photo by Dakila Angeles, styling by Elaine P. Lim; Tuna Teriyaki photo by David Hanson; Mango Fool photo by Ocs Alvarez, styling by Pixie Sevilla-Santos)

MEDIUM-EFFORT TREATS FOR THE OCCASIONAL COOK

If you’re not new to cooking and think of yourself as an occasional or functional (but not necessarily adventurous) cook, then a little more creativity in the kitchen is in order.

Appetizer

Again, for the health-and-weight-conscious mom, a Summer Fruit Salad with Mango Vinaigrette is a healthy appetizer with its seasonal fruit selections.

Entrée

After indulging in the richness of this summer fruit salad, a Grilled Seafood Platter is a great match if your mom is seafood-lover as well.

Dessert

To completely cool down despite the summer heat, serve your mom some refreshing Fried Ice Cream.

(Summer Fruit Salad photo by Ocs Alvarez, styling by Jun Jun de Guzman; Grilled Seafood Platter photo by Ocs Alvarez, styling by Angelo Comsti and Sharlene Tan; Fried Ice Cream photo by Ocs Alvarez, styling by Pixie Sevilla-Santos)

DIFFICULT DISHES FOR THE ULTIMATE CHEF

So you have a penchant for cooking, and you're the ultimate chef in the family? Then get ready to prepare some elaborate and delectable dishes for your mom on Mother’s Day!

Appetizer

Crunchy Cucumber Canapés are surely delightful pica-pica that has a little bit of everything: veggie, fruit, and meat.

Entrée

Follow up your starter with another dish that has all the food groups--Orechiette with Italian Sausage and Broccoli.

Dessert

For the piece de resistance, bring the house down with a Crepe Cake that will remind your mom that she’s a wonderful woman who has raised a similarly wonderful child all these years.

(Cucumber Canapes photo by Ocs Alvarez, styling by Angelo Comsti and Sharlene Tan; Orechiette with Italian Sausage and Broccoli photo by David Hanson, styling by Sharlene Tan; Crepe Cake photo by Ocs Alvarez, styling by Pixie Sevilla-Santos)

You don't have to wait until Mother's Dayto show your love and appreciation for mom--and remember, cooking is only one way to express how much you care. Perhaps you still remember how your mom—or your dad, for that matter—used to be able to take away all the worries of a long day with a simple kiss and embrace. Make sure you always show your affection with a touch, a smile, a hug, or a kiss, especially when raising your own kids.