Do you want to prepare something great for your mother? Follow this menu and you will create a meal that expresses your gratitude for all your mother has done.

Many years ago we gave up going out for lunch or dinner on Mother's Day. Crowded restaurants, over worked serving staff, harried kitchens, cold food did not add to the holiday. We opted for simple menus at home, and food cooked with love. The great thing about this menu is that most of the items can be made ahead of time and then reheated or assembled at the last moment. The focus is on family sharing memories around a meal.

Antipasto
Goat Cheese with Basil and Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe
This spread is even better when made the day before. It's light and won't interfere with the flavors of your other dishes. Spread some of the cheese mixture onto celery sticks, crackers, and pair with baby carrots.

Salad
Caesar Salad
The dressing can be made ahead and refrigerated. Wash and tear the lettuce, lay it on paper towels and roll up in jellyroll fashion. Place the lettuce in a plastic bag. It will be ready when you need it. Don't prepare the lettuce more than a day or two ahead of time.

Pasta
Baked Ziti
This pasta tastes wonderful, but can easily be made ahead of time. The pieces of crushed tomato and cheese complement each other, the salad, and the main course. It's tasty, but not fru-fru, the meat and potatoes people will love it.

Meat
Arrosto di Maiale -- Pork Loin Roast
This pork loin is tasty cooked in the oven or on the grill. Once it starts to cook it is almost worry and work free.

Bread
Garlic Bread
This bread is easy to make. You can have it ready and pop it in the oven when you pull the pork loin out.

Wine
Two Good Italian Wines
Whether you like red or white, these wines are dependable. Both the Trebbiano and Montepulciano go with this meal.

Dessert
Fragole e Kiwi Flambè -- Strawberry and Kiwi Flambè
The fruit can be cleaned and sliced ahead of time. The other items can be gathered and ready to assemble. This makes an awesome presentation!