The price of gas is hovering around $4 a gallon, and food (and restaurant) prices are climbing. Show mom you love her by making her life a little easier and a little more delicious. This year, practical gifts might be more in line with the economy and the mood of families all across Town and Country and Manchester. Of course, this doesn't mean you should skimp on mom. In fact, it's just the opposite.

Instead of fresh cut flowers that will only last a week, give mom a gift that will last all summer. Plant a vegetable, herb or flower garden for mom. For the rest of the season she can enjoy fresh herbs like basil, oregano, chives or cilantro and other goodies like sweet home-grown tomatoes, zucchini and lettuce. Every time she steps outside mom will be reminded of the effort and love put into making her feel special. Tomato and herb starter plants at Walmart in Manchester are $2.79 to $3.33 and packets of flower or vegetable seeds start at $1. This way the whole family, especially mom, can enjoy pesto sauce or a fresh tomato salad with basil and oregano, right from her garden.

Treat mom to a special pedicure at VIP Nails and Spa or Pure Nails in Manchester or AJ Nails in Town and Country, and get mom ready for flip-flop season. While she is being pampered, get the whole family to finish that honey-do list. Freshen up the whole house--clean the gutters, shampoo the carpet, put a fresh coat of paint in the kitchen, anything that would make mom's life happier and easier.

Mothers keep the family business running, but do so ever so quietly. The lunches are on the counter, notes and homework assignments are signed, kids arrive at sporting events on time and clothes magically make their way to your drawer. Often, moms put their own needs aside to make sure the rest of the family is taken care of. Keep this in mind and appreciate the silent gifts mom brings to your life every day. Next time, make sure you put her first, because she is apt not to.

Celebrate everything mom does by making her a special brunch. Invite the whole family, set the table with beautiful linens and make her something simple and elegant. Enjoy the (hopefully) beautiful weather and time spent together as a family, which is free, but priceless. Whether you like Colombian or French Roast coffees, Whole Foods Market, Straub's and Starbucks, all have a great selection. Served with great coffee, this delicate and delicious meal is sure to be a hit.

Quiche  *  Tomato Salad  *  Strawberry Shortcake *  French Roast Coffee

Quiche

Crust Ingredients:

1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 to 1/2 cup ice water
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for work surface
1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into 1-inch pieces

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Place salt, flour and butter in the bowl of a food processor*. Pulse briefly until mixture is crumbly. Add water slowly, just until dough starts to come together and doesn't crumble. Do not overmix.
3. On a lightly floured work surface, evenly divide in  two. Flatten each piece of dough into a disk to make it easier to roll out. Wrap each disk with plastic wrap and chill at least 30 minutes.
4. Roll out both discs and place in two 9 inch tart or quiche pans. Chill for 10 minutes.
5. Place a sheet of foil over dough in pans and weigh down with raw rice. Bake for about 8 minutes, then remove foil and rice.
6. Bake for 8 minutes longer until light golden brown.
7. Brush the inside with egg wash and return to oven for about 5 minutes longer until egg wash is crusted and lightly browned.

*This can also be done by hand, by cutting the butter into the flour with fingers, fork or pastry blender. Continue adding water, slowly working mixture until it starts to come together and doesn't crumble.
**Store-bought dough can also be purchased to shorten cooking time.

Filling Ingredients:

1 cup artichoke hearts, frozen or canned, quartered and drained well
1 cup roasted red peppers, drained well
6 eggs
2 cups heavy cream
1 1/2 cups crumbled goat cheese
1 tablespoon grated onion
salt and pepper

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Place artichokes, red peppers, and goat cheese evenly in baked shells.
3. Whisk eggs, cream and onion thoroughly in a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Ladle into shells almost to the top (leaving about 1/4 of space from rim)
5. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Gently tap or shake the pan; if the filling jiggles slightly in the middle but not on the sides, the quiche is set.
6. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving. Quiche can be served at room temperature.

Tomato Salad

Ingredients:

6 cups of any mix of sweet, colorful tomatoes--cherry tomatoes, yellow pear tomatoes, grape tomatoes, campari tomatoes
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
Kosher salt and pepper
1/2 cup of basil leaves, cut in ribbons

Method:

1. Mix different varieties of tomatoes in serving bowl.
2. Whisk oil and vinegar in small bowl to blend and pour over tomatoes.
3. Toss gently to coat.
4. Season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with basil ribbons just before serving.

A spoonful of pesto sauce can be used instead of oil and vinegar. An amazing variety of tomatoes can be found at Whole Foods in Town and Country, as well as fresh basil.

Pesto Sauce
Ingredients:
4 cups basil leaves, well packed
4 cloves garlic, peeled
1 cup pine nuts, lightly toasted and cooled
1 1/2 cups grated Parmigiano Reggiano or Pecorino cheese. preferably freshly grated
1 1/2 cups extra-virgin olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste

Method:

1. Process basil leaves, garlic and nuts in food processor or blender until finely chopped.
2. Add cheese and process until combined.
3. Add olive oil in a slow, steady stream to working processor until incorporated.
4. Season with salt and pepper.

Pesto sauce can be used as a marinade for chicken or fish. Most commonly it is used as a sauce for pasta. Fresh tomatoes can be added for balance, as they impart acid as well as sweetness. The sauce alone may be stored in an airtight container with a thin coating of olive oil on top to keep the sauce from turning dark. Pesto will keep well in the refrigerator for about a week and can also be frozen.