Stick a Fork in It: Dad Food
We all know Father’s Day is this Sunday, but do you know what you are going to feed the dad(s) in your life? Ideally it should be something the kids can help with. Read on for some father- pleasing ideas.
Most dad’s drool over the sight of grilled meat, and ironically most women aren’t the biggest fans of “manning” the grill. They can be smelly, messy, and hard to regulate the heat. Fear not- you can achieve good results from your indoor cooktop and the kids can safely participate. Here is a balanced menu the whole family will enjoy.
Turkey burgers with potato salad and black bean salad. I know- turkey burgers can be dry, tasteless hockey pucks when not done right. I have the secret to avoiding that: Dijon mustard. Yup, add 2-3 tbsp to ground turkey, along with an egg, some dried or fresh chopped sage leaves, a dash of Worchestire sauce, salt and pepper. NO BREADCRUMBS! The mixture may seem gloppy, but that’s ok.
Let kids hand mix and roll into balls then flatten into patty shape. Also, if dad likes mushrooms, you can saute some in butter and stick them inside the burger when you form the patty. It will keep the meat moist. Cook the burgers on a grill pan or skillet that has a combo of olive oil and a pat of butter melted on the bottom. Use medium-high heat, do not press burgers while cooking. Instead baste them with the pan juices. Press lightly in the center of burger with your pointer finger. Burgers are done when the middle has the same resistance as pressing lightly in the middle of your cupped palm. (slightly sproingy) Let rest 2 minutes then serve with toppings of choice.
Easy potato salad: Using the amount of two medium sized per adult as a guide, cut unpeeled red bliss potatoes into eighths. (older kids can do this) Boil in heavily salted water until fork tender, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and return to pot. Add a little butter or olive oil, a dash of garlic powder, pepper and some dried or fresh chopped dill. I’ve also subbed cream cheese for the oil/butter, but that’s not the best pairing with the black bean salad.
Definitely have the kids do this one: open one can of black beans and one can of corn. Drain then combine in a bowl. Add some diced roasted red pepper or a small jar of drained pimientos. I like to add a diced avocado that has been soaked in lime juice, but you don’t have to. Season with salt, pepper, and Creole seasoning or Southwestern seasoning and a hit of lime juice. Serve chilled or at room temp.
Keep little ones who can’t help in the kitchen busy by having them color and decorate a special place mat for dad. A page torn out of a coloring book works well.
Ring the dinner bell, hand dad a beer or glass of Pinot Noir and enjoy!
Adam has worked in the local news industry for the past two decades in Westchester County and the broader Hudson Valley. Read more from Adam’s author bio here.
