D'acqua Ristorante Serves Up Tips For Pampering Mom This Mother's Day

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there are 82.8 million women in the country that will be celebrating Mother's Day on May 10. They also report that the most frequent gift moms receive each year is perfume. This year, give mom what she really wants - something that will make her feel pampered and special.

"Moms look forward to receiving a day of pampering, each year on this holiday," explains Enzo Febbraro, the co-owner and executive chef of D'Acqua Ristorante, located in Washington, D.C. "No matter what your budget is, there is a way to make her feel special, this Mother's Day."

If you are looking for some great ways to pamper mom this year, you are in luck. You don't have to spend a lot in order to show mom how special she is. Consider these ideas:
� Get the kids involved. Running into the store and buying a quick bottle of perfume may be convenient, but it doesn't get the kids involved. Any children beyond the baby stage can and should participate in making the day special. They can do this by helping to make breakfast, making a gift and card, or helping to select a gift at the store.
� Take Mom out. While many men are cooking these days, research shows that women are still the primary cooks of the house. Sweep her off her feet by taking her out to a fine restaurant, where she will be waited on, cooked for and treated to a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
� Make coupons. Many women love coupons, and they will love them even more when they are for things special to her. Dad and the kids can surprise her with hand-made coupons offering such things as a foot massage, time to take a relaxing bubble bath, breakfast in bed, and other things she'd like for relaxing.
� Make a list. People often take things for granted, or forget to tell a mother how much her contributions are appreciated. Get the kids together and make a list of things that Mom does every week that the family appreciates. Then, sit her down and read the list to her. Alternatively, you can videotape the list, with everyone talking about what they appreciate, and then play it for her. Both will make a great keepsake.
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� Give her the spa. Surprise Mom with a day at the spa. She'll be able to unwind, de-stress and re-charge her internal batteries by getting a massage and being pampered.
� Get unique. Each mom has different interests and would appreciate any of a variety of kind deeds and gestures. Think about what she would like and go from there. Some moms may appreciate the garden being de-weeded, while another will find breakfast in bed or being taken out for the afternoon to be special.

For those that would like to prepare Mom a special meal at home, give this recipe a try:
CRESPELLE STUFFED WITH RICOTTA AND SPINACH
Ingredients
CREPES
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup heavy cream
3 large eggs
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
1/2 tablespoon salt
1/3 cup minced fresh basil leaves
FILLING
2 cups baby spinach
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 each garlic clove, minced
1 pound part-skim ricotta cheese
1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan
1/4 cup minced parsley
Preparation
1. CREPE BATTER: Blend the flour, cream, eggs, butter, and salt until a smooth consistency. Transfer the batter to a bowl, stir in the herbs.
2. MAKE THE CREPES: Heat a crepe pan or non-stick skillet measuring 6 to 7 inches across the bottom over moderate heat until it is hot. Brush the pan lightly with the butter. Stir the batter, half fill a 1/4-cup measure with it, and pour the batter into the pan. Tilt and rotate the pan quickly to cover the bottom with a layer of batter and return any excess batter to bowl. Return the p