We’re full of fantastic suggestions like strawberry picking, making our delicious lemon squares, a charming afternoon tea, and even a curated list of thoughtful gift recommendations to make Mother’s Day Weekend easier! Mother’s Day is a time to honor the incredible women in our lives, and we have 3 fantastic recommendations to make it memorable. We’ve got some easy ideas to help celebrate mom’s! First, we suggest kicking off the weekend by taking mom strawberry picking, then embrace the elegance of a traditional tea party, complete with homemade treats, finally we’re helping you plan ahead with our curated collection of gifts for all those special moms. 🍓 Embrace the Tradition of Strawberry Picking A wonderful springtime tradition is going strawberry picking. It’s a wonderful way to spend quality time together and gather fresh berries for homemade shortcake. If you’re in the Charlotte, NC area, here are some local farms to consider: Lineberger’s Maple Springs Farm (Dallas, NC) Family-run operation offering seasonal pick-your-own produce and tractor rides, plus a market and a playground. Wise Acres Organic Farm (Indian Trail, NC): A family-owned organic farm offering U-pick strawberries and a delightful farm experience. Carrigan Farms (Mooresville, NC): Known for their authentic U-pick strawberry experience, this fifth-generation farm is a local favorite. Patterson Farm (Mount Ulla, NC): Offering a variety of produce and a fun farm atmosphere, perfect for family outings. For those outside the Charlotte area, many regions have local farms that offer strawberry picking during the season. A quick online search or visit to a local farmers’ market can point you in the right direction. 🍋 Sweet Treats for a Memorable Tea A great way to pamper your mom is with a relaxing cup of tea. Why not plan a simple afternoon tea. Plan to brew her favorite tea and serve a few sweet treats. We think a memorable tea isn’t complete without an array of delectable sweets – either homemade or store bought are absolutely fine . Here are some of our favorites: Lemon Squares: These tangy delights are a staple in our kitchen. The buttery crust paired with a zesty lemon filling creates a perfect balance of flavors. (recipe below) Mini Strawberry Shortcakes with Homemade Whipped Cream: Made with freshly picked strawberries, these shortcakes are a seasonal favorite. The juicy berries and fluffy cream atop a tender biscuit or angel food cake make for an irresistible treat. Chocolate Delights: Whether it’s rich brownies, truffles, homemade twix bites or chocolate covered date caramels – a touch of chocolate adds indulgence to any spread. 🎁 Thoughtful Mother’s Day Gift Ideas Complement your afternoon tea with a thoughtful gift complete with a custom Mother’s Day gift tag . Here are some curated ideas to inspire you: Spa Gift Basket Blooming Plant or Bouquet of Flowers Gift Card for a Favorite Restaurant or Local Activity For more inspiration, explore our comprehensive Mother’s Day Gift Guide This Mother’s Day, let’s celebrate with elegance, warmth, and a touch of tradition. An afternoon tea filled with yummy treats, the joy of strawberry picking, and a thoughtful gift can create memories that last a lifetime. Here’s to making every great mom feel cherished and loved.
Cooking
The Only Sugar Cookie Recipe You’ll Ever Need…
Some recipes are just timeless—like a well-loved KitchenAid mixer, they become a staple in your kitchen, year after year, holiday after holiday. Our ShookHill Sugar Cookies fall squarely into that category. This isn’t just any sugar cookie recipe; it’s one that has been passed down from the owner of a charming patisserie, and we’ve been baking it for over 20 years. Through birthdays, Christmas celebrations, Easter gatherings, Graduations, showers, countless event gifts and even simple afternoon tea, this dough has proven to be the most reliable, versatile, and delicious foundation for beautifully decorated cookies. It’s easy to make, holds its shape when baked, and is the perfect blank canvas for decorating with colored royal icing. Best of all? The dough can be made ahead of time, the cookies bake beautifully in advance, and they pack well in cellophane bags and travel like a dream—making them ideal for both gifting and entertaining. Why This Sugar Cookie Recipe is a Must-Have There are plenty of sugar cookie recipes out there, but this one stands apart for a few key reasons: A Dream to Work With: The dough rolls out smoothly, doesn’t stick, and holds intricate shapes well. Make-Ahead Friendly: Mix up the dough a few days in advance, wrap and chill for later use. Bakes Beautifully: No spreading, puffing, or losing those crisp edges. Endlessly Adaptable: Use it for classic cut-out cookies, sandwich cookies, or even as a base for fruit tarts. Decorating and Using Your Sugar Cookies Over the years, we’ve used this recipe for everything from intricately iced Christmas cookies to simple, rustic Easter egg shapes. When we are packing these as gifts in cellophane bags with our favorite gift labels, we always use royal icing and allow to dry completely before packaging (1-2 days depending on your humidity level). When preparing to serve, here are a few of our favorite ways to enjoy them: Classic Royal Icing: Smooth, glossy, and perfect for detailed designs and packing. Buttercream Frosting: Soft, creamy, and a hit when decorating with a group. Sugared Simplicity: A light sprinkle of sanding sugar before baking adds an elegant sparkle. Dipped in Chocolate: Half-dip in chocolate (white, milk or dark) and top with chopped fruit and nuts (pistachios and cranberries at Christmas) for a sophisticated treat. Or partially dipped in chocolate and then sprinkles (our Thanksgiving turkeys are a good example of this). Tips for Perfect Sugar Cookies Every Time ✔ Chill the dough for a minimum of 30 minutes: This keeps the cookies from spreading and helps maintain crisp edges.✔ Use quality extracts: Pure Nielsen-Massey vanilla bean paste makes all the difference.✔ Rotate the baking sheets: Halfway through baking for even coloring.✔ Store properly: Keep baked cookies in an airtight container for up to a week, or freeze for longer storage. This recipe has been a workhorse in our kitchen for decades, and we can’t wait to see how you use it for your own celebrations. Whether you’re baking for a festive holiday, a special gathering, or just a cozy afternoon at home, we know this sugar cookie recipe is the only one you need and sure to become a favorite in your household, too. We’d love to see what you create! Tag us @ShookhillSecret and share your cookie photos with us.