Bites: Forget flowers; say it with chocolate

Today is Mother's Day, so it's time to lavish some attention on yours. And what better way than with an edible extravaganza? Goodness knows she spent years doling out home-cooked meals to you, in return for little more than a grunt and a high tide of dirty dishes.

Of course, attentive children will have booked tea at a swanky hotel or dinner at a bistro with soft lighting and toothsome puddings, but it's too late for that now if you're reading this without a confirmed reservation to hand. So what you must do is lavish her with delicious treats. Sure, mother will sigh delightedly at a bouquet (while privately despairing at the cost) or pretend to be impressed with an "improving" book, but a wodge of chocolate (Cadbury is utterly acceptable now it's going Fairtrade) is what she really wants. And for more epicurean matriarchs, panic-buy posh olive oil, cupcakes or even herbs from the farmers' market this morning (you can find your nearest at farmersmarkets.net). She's worth it.