(Family Features) Mothers are incredible people. This year, make sure you properly thank her for all she has done for you by celebrating her with a day she'll cherish forever.

Here are a few ideas to make this Mother's Day her most memorable yet:

• Plant a Garden Together
  Before you shell out big bucks on chocolates and jewelry, consider a greener gift that mom can treasure from her window. Visit your local garden center or nursery and pick some vibrant beauties you know she'll swoon over. Supply the gloves, mom's favorite cocktails and snacks and make an event out of gardening with your favorite lady.
   
• Create Your Own Card
  No matter how old you are, nothing says it better than construction paper, glitter and a little creativity. If she's a grandmother, involve the kids and make it a family craft project. Take a trip to your local hobby store to make sure you have all the goods for this tried-and-true ticket to mom's heart.
   
• Plan a Beautiful Brunch
  Create a colorful, bountiful brunch for mom. Make a checklist of all the necessary ingredients, ensuring you serve all of her favorites! For a fresh twist on brunch, incorporate the sweet summertime goodness of watermelon and other fresh fruit. Impress her with Breakfast Six Layer Trifle, or make her smile with Watermelon Pancake Sandwiches. Design a homemade menu card, and throw in an arrangement of her favorite blooms for a finishing touch.

For additional recipes and brunch ideas, visit www.watermelon.org.

Watermelon's Many Benefits

Just like mom, watermelon is a sweet and wonderful thing. Mom always told you to finish your fruits and vegetables, but did you know that watermelon boasts immunity benefits? Here are some of the perks for eating this juicy treat:

Vitamin A - This vitamin is known to promote eye health, while boosting immunity through the enhancement of white blood cells.
Vitamin B6 - Boosts the immune system by maintaining normal nerve function and forming red blood cells.
Vitamin C - Protects immune system against infections, viruses and harmful free radicals that accelerate aging and other conditions.
Potassium - A two-cup serving of watermelon also contains potassium, an essential mineral that maintains water balance in every cell.

Mother's Day brunch wouldn't be complete without a fabulous serving of fresh fruit. These recipes include the summertime goodness of watermelon for a sweet addition sure to make mom smile.

Breakfast Six Layer Trifle

Serves: 8 to 12

• 3 cups organic fat free vanilla yogurt
• 2 cups low fat natural granola
• 4 cups watermelon, minced
• 3 cups organic fat free peach yogurt
• 2 cups organic crisp rice cereal
• 2 cups shredded coconut

1. Spread the vanilla yogurt over bottom of deep glass casserole or trifle dish. Layer remaining ingredients in order listed above in even layers over vanilla yogurt.

Chunky Watermelon Lemonade

Serves: 2 to 3

• 2 cups water
• 1/3 cup raw sugar (or to taste)
• 2 cups seedless watermelon puree
• 1 fresh lemon, sliced thinly
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups chopped seedless watermelon flesh

1. In half-gallon pitcher with lid, mix 1 cup of water with sugar until completely dissolved. Stir in rest of water, watermelon puree, sliced lemon, lemon juice and vanilla extract. Stir to mix well and chill thoroughly. Stir in 2 cups of chopped watermelon before serving.

Watermelon Pancake Sandwiches

Serves: 4

• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 8 silver dollar size (3 to 4-inch) natural blueberry pancakes homemade or prepared, warm
• 4 slices seedless watermelon, same size as pancakes

1. Spread syrup over one side of each pancake. Place slice of watermelon on the syrup brushed side of 4 of the pancakes. Top the watermelon with other 4 pancakes, syrup side down. Serve immediately.

Watermelon Waldorf Salad

Serves: 4 to 6

• 2 cups cubed watermelon (1/2-inch cubes)
• 1/2 cup celery, sliced
• 1/2 cup seedless red grape halves
• Dash of salt
• 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons sliced almonds, toasted

1. Stir together watermelon, celery, and grapes in bowl. Just before serving, stir salt into yogurt for dressing. (Add water to thin, if necessary.) Pour dressing over fruit; stir until coated. Sprinkle with almonds.

Source: National Watermelon Promotion Board

Try these authentic and traditional recipes to celebrate Hispanic heritage with flavor

(Family Features) From secret recipes handed down for years, to the everyday café con leche, milk has always been a part of traditional Latin American food. Hispanic Heritage Month, which lasts through mid-October, is a perfect opportunity for families to embrace and celebrate the culture, impact and contributions of generations of Hispanic Americans.

Food is deeply rooted in Hispanic culture, and real dairy milk is a key ingredient in many popular dishes. Milk brings flavor to traditional foods and provides a simple way to get families essential nutrients they need.

Try these six traditional recipes to enjoy during this festive time with the flavors of Hispanic culture with milk. Visit MilkLife.com for additional recipe inspiration and tips from experts.

Queso Fundido with Chorizo

An excellent appetizer or side dish, authentic Mexican Queso Fundido with Chorizo is a staple for your celebration as a delicious, crowd-pleasing snack. Serve with corn tortillas and it will be the star of your next fiesta!

Conchas

These traditional Mexican sweet breads get their name from their round shape and unique, striped “shell-like” topping. Topped with layers of vanilla and chocolate, these rolls have just the right amount of sweetness to enjoy during breakfast paired with an 8-ounce glass of milk or café con leche.

Arepas

Chef Lorena Garcia offers her take on this easy and versatile Venezuelan specialty. Made with nutrient-rich milk and shredded cheese, you can serve these alone, filled with your favorite veggies or topped with an egg for more protein at breakfast, lunch or dinner.

“Café con Leche” Rice Pudding

Inspired by one of the most popular desserts in Latin American culture, this rice pudding gets kicked up a notch, flavored with strong Cuban espresso and topped with a bitter chocolate cream. This comforting and simple dessert is guaranteed to satisfy any sweet tooth.

Milk-Braised Pork Loin with Sour Orange and Mashed Plantains

Spice up your family dinner with this recipe for flavorful pork cooked in milk. The delicious aromatics of white wine, garlic, orange peel and the sweetness of the milk make for a vibrant and tender dish that is sure to excite your taste buds.

Coquitos

From food blogger and Youtuber Lily Ramírez comes a delicious Venezuelan dessert for all fans of coconut! These quick and easy treats combine sweetened coconut and milk to create bite-sized coconut balls with flavors you simply cannot beat.

Source: MilkPEP