Frances Largeman-Roth

Oh, the joys of pregnancy! As soon as you announce your pregnancy, everyone under the sun, from your mother-in-law to your massage therapist, starts to pepper you with advice. A lot of is helpful, but some of it is downright wrong, especially as it relates to what to eat to fuel your growing baby. Here’s a no-nonsense list of foods that are packed with the essential nutrients your little one needs for healthy growth and development. Time to eat up momma!

Avocado

If you've been plagued by leg cramps during your pregnancy, it's time to get more avocado. Half of this creamy, delicious fruit contains 345mg of potassium, 114 calories, and nearly 5g of fiber. A lack of potassium can cause leg muscles to cramp. During pregnancy you need 4700mg daily of the mineral, which sounds like a shocking amount, but most fruits and vegetables contain at least some potassium. If you’re breastfeeding, that amount jumps to 5100mg per day, so it’s smart to get used to packing lots of this important electrolyte

Thanksgiving has always been one of my favorite holidays. Without the attachment to a specific religion, it’s a day that pretty much everyone can enjoy. And if you love the flavors of the season, like me, it’s a time to celebrate everything from cranberries to root vegetables. We usually celebrate Thanksgiving at our home in Brooklyn. I start the day with a Turkey Trot in nearby Prospect Park, which helps to clear my head for the full day of cooking and socializing ahead. My mother in law and a few friends join us around 5 and we finish up by the time the kids go to sleep. This year it’s just going to be me, my husband, and our three kids at the table. Since the littlest one has yet to even have her first taste of mashed sweet potatoes, and the older two don’t really care about the big feast, we really have no pressure to make any of the traditional foods. Heck, we could grill up some burgers and everyone would be happy! Well, everyone except for me. Those Thanksgiving smells remind me

Treat mom or yourself to a bright and festive meal that celebrates spring. Don’t feel like you need to make all the dishes—pick two or three and enjoy with all the special women in your life.

Ruby Sparkler

Makes 1 cocktail 2 ounces (60ml) RHUBARB-PLUM SYRUP (see below) 1 tablespoon ST. GERMAIN LIQUEUR 4 ounces (125ml) chilled PROSECCO or CAVA Pour the rhubarb syrup into a Champagne flute. Add the St. Germain and slowly pour in the prosecco or cava. Toast to Mother’s Day!

Rhubarb Plum Syrup

Makes 2 cups syrup 1 cup (122g) diced RHUBARB (from about 2 stalks) 1 ripe PLUM, pitted and sliced into wedges 1 cup (250ml) light AGAVE NECTAR 1. In a medium saucepan, combine all of the ingredients. Add 11⁄4 cups (300ml) of water and bring to a boil over high heat, stirring occasionally. Reduce to a simmer and cook until the syrup is bright red and the fruit has fallen apart, about 5 minutes. 2. Pour the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve, catching the strained syrup in a bowl below. (The fruit can be