This Mother’s Day, set for Sunday 30th March 2025, mums across the UK are hoping to swap cards and flowers for a more personal gesture: a home-cooked meal. A recent study by premium appliance brand AEG found that over a quarter (27%) of mums would love their families to show appreciation through food, with nearly one in five (18%) specifically dreaming of breakfast in bed. Yet, with one in five (21%) dads admitting they lack confidence in the kitchen, many mums might miss out unless families step up their culinary game.

The survey highlights a shift in priorities, with acts of service trumping material gifts this year. Supporting this trend, TikTok creator search insights reveal a 160% surge in searches for “mothers day brunch ideas,” a 220% increase for “how to cook steak tutorial,” and a staggering 1000% rise for “simple roast dinner ideas.” As families scramble to brush up on skills before the big day, AEG has enlisted professional chefs Rizwan Asad and Sanjay Aggarwal to offer fool-proof recipes and tips to make even novice cooks shine.

Chef Rizwan Asad, known for his approachable yet impressive dishes, has crafted three recipes tailored for beginners or those cooking with kids. For breakfast, he suggests a no-fuss yet elegant option. “A fancy but low-effort option is croissants with smoked salmon,” he says. “Get two good-quality croissants, slice them open, and warm them slightly in the oven at 160°C (320°F) for about 5 minutes, just enough to bring out that buttery flakiness. Spread 2 tablespoons of crème fraîche inside, layer on 100g of smoked salmon, and finish with a squeeze of lemon and some fresh dill. If you want to add an egg, soft scramble it on the hob at a low heat, constantly stirring, and a touch of butter (about 10g) will keep it silky.”

For dinner, Rizwan tackles steak, a dish only one in five dads feel confident preparing despite its popularity. “Take a 250g ribeye or sirloin steak out of the fridge 30 minutes before cooking,” he advises. “Heat a pan on high until it’s almost smoking, then add a drizzle of olive oil. Season the steak generously with salt and pepper, then sear for about 2 minutes on each side without touching it too much. Lower the heat, add 20g butter, a crushed garlic clove, and a sprig of rosemary or thyme. Tilt the pan and spoon the melted butter over the steak for about 30 seconds. Let it rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing so the juices stay in.” Pair it with microwaved mashed potatoes and steamed carrots or broccoli for an easy win.

Dessert, Rizwan says, can be both simple and show-stopping. “Melt 100g dark chocolate (70% cocoa is best) and let it cool slightly,” he explains. “In a separate bowl, whip 250ml heavy cream with 1 tablespoon of sugar and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Gently fold in the melted chocolate, making sure not to deflate the mixture. Chill for at least 2 hours before serving.”

For those daunted by cooking, Sanjay Aggarwal offers practical advice to elevate any meal. His top tips include:

• Presentation. Even the simplest meal feels special when served on a nice plate with a garnish (fresh herbs, seasoning, a drizzle of olive oil, or even a sprinkle of spice).
• Don’t overcomplicate it. Stick to one main dish and keep sides simple. A platter-style meal (such as roast chicken, salad, and bread) makes serving easy.
• Prep. Chopping veg or mixing spices the night before takes the stress out of cooking on the day.
• Drinks. A homemade hot chocolate or fresh fruit mocktail adds an extra thoughtful touch.
• Enjoy. Cooking for someone is about love, not perfection. If something goes slightly wrong, laugh it off and enjoy the moment.