The Sunday Series: A MOTHER’S DAY BRUNCH TO REMEMBER WITH MEGAN PAPAS

Looking for an impressive brunch idea this Mother’s Day? Radio host Megan Papas will be celebrating on May 12 with husband Andrew and their young children Bastian and Aiya. One of Megan’s favourite recipes, shakshuka, will be on the menu. A deliciously tangy dish of eggs poached in a tomato and bell pepper sauce, it’s perfect for one of her favourite ingredients, Mainland Haloumi, which adds a delicious salty flavour and crispy texture.

The babies (courtesy of Andrew!) always get me flowers for Mother’s Day. We decided early on that we wouldn’t buy presents for Father’s and Mother’s Day, but Andrew has always bought me flowers. He also whips up some sort of delicious breakfast.

Mother’s Day is a nice chance for us all to relax and enjoy some food together with no stress to be anywhere. We can chat, even if it’s limited with a one and three year-old, but it’s just nice to all be together and enjoy something home cooked.

Food is, and always has been, a very social activity for me. So, cooking for people, and watching them enjoy my food, might be a love language for me. Delicious food is a great way for people to bond, it’s universal.

One of my favourite meals is a shakshuka with Mainland Haloumi — this dish is impressive and easy to bake to perfection. You can literally dive right in with a piece of crusty bread — family-style if you want to. The haloumi just levels it up and adds a delicious Mediterranean flavour, plus the famous haloumi squeak! It’s such a great dish to make for brunch with your friends, or your in-laws — it’ll impress them every time.

Mainland Haloumi is so versatile. It’s handcrafted using the traditional Cypriot method and the unique taste and texture can elevate a wrap for lunch, make a yummy warm salad, or make a great vegetarian option for burgers. There really is no effort required — just slice and grill it in a pan.

I find cooking relaxing and rewarding. It’s very cathartic for me. I know some people don’t like coming home after working all day and cooking a meal, but I love it. It relaxes me, and I love making a meal to suit everyone in my family. At the weekend there’s usually more of a treat meal. We might do homemade fish and chips or pizzas with Mainland Grated Mozzarella cheese — haloumi is also a great choice on pizza.

I always have Mainland Haloumi in the fridge. When I don’t know what to make, or feel like I have nothing in the house, I make a salad with some pearl couscous (always on hand in the pantry), grill up whatever veges I have, some fresh herbs from the garden, and some grilled Mainland