Even moms who love to cook welcome an escape from the hot kitchen every once in a while. And what better day than Mother's Day? But instead of schlepping Mom to a restaurant, give her a real treat -- a home-cooked meal from the whole family.

We've listed some good ideas below for main dishes; complement them with simple sides such as salads, steamed or sauteed veggies, and rice or potatoes.

Divide the labor: Ask older kids to help assemble salads, younger kids to wash vegetables and set the table. Finish with a store-bought dessert, or some seasonal fruit (pineapple tastes great grilled).

But be careful -- Mom might be so pleased that she'll expect this kind of treatment year-round!