Father’s Day Menu

Father’s Day Menu

This Father’s Day, I get to spend the morning with my dad (and mom) who are visiting from California. We will drop off my oldest for the Camp Longhorn bus and head to brunch. I don’t usually get to be with my parents on Mother’s or Father’s Day, so I feel very lucky. Sunday night will be an easy Father’s Day menu focused on the grill, with a crisp glass of white wine in hand naturally.

You may have noticed that I haven’t sent out meal plans recently. I don’t meal plan in June and July, and I take a break from teaching a heavy load of cooking classes. It gives me time to test recipes, get creative in the kitchen and do some planning for the following school year. I’ll be back in overdrive in August. Until then, look for easy summer recipes and a 4th of July menu.

In the meantime, this is supposed to be a Father’s Day post so let’s talk about dads. I pretty much won the lottery with my dad, and there are no words to describe what a sweet and gentle guy he is. I don’t think I’ve ever heard him raise his voice, except to sing off key. And he can cut up a dance floor like you’ve never seen. Seriously, there’s nothing like it. My husband is cut from the same cloth: sweet, loving and patient. I had the best role model for the ultimate father and husband.

Main Dish

So to celebrate these great guys, I’m planning to heat up the barbeque. I plan to make something low maintenance that doesn’t require advance marinating: grilled tri tip with black bean sauce. I get a lot of questions about what type of black bean sauce to buy and often recommend Lee Kum Kee brand or Kikkoman Black Bean Sauce. You could also make my grilled tamari honey chicken drumsticks (use chicken breasts or thighs if you prefer).

Appetizer

While you’re warming up the grill, roast a batch of shishito peppers with everything spice. If you don’t want to heat up your kitchen, you can cook them in a cast iron pan warmed on your grill top. Oven roasted buffalo chicken wings with a side of ranch or bleu cheese to tame the heat are also a safe bet.

Side Dish

We need a veggie side to balance all the protein, and I suggest you try this spinach salad with pesto, peas and pine nuts. Trust me, it’s a crowd pleaser. You could cook some summer corn or throw squash and zucchini on the grill (just slice the vegetables lengthwise and brush with olive oil and sea salt before grilling).

Dessert

For dessert, it depends if your dad is a chocolate or fruit guy. I’m a big fan of this easy berry crisp, but I’m gunning for this rustic strawberry tart. Top it with vanilla ice cream when it’s still warm from the oven. You could also make my gluten-free flourless chocolate cake, which basically tastes like a rich gooey brownie. Either way, dad will be a happy camper.