One of my greatest pleasures is cooking with my Dad. People often ask me if I learned to cook from my Mom, but the truth is both of my parents are amazing cooks and our family gathers often include us sitting around the kitchen, with a good bottle of wine, cooking and catching up. My Dad loves to smoke brisket and is always manning the smoker when we have important family meals. But it’s time consuming and smelly, and sometimes it’s just too much of a hassle. So this year I am going to give him a night off from grilling or smoking and make a delicious burger, served with a delicious bottle of wine. But the bonus is all the fun foodie gifts I found for him. Here are some inspiring recipes and gifts, just remember to honor your Father with the biggest gift, your time.
photo cred, www.tabasco.com
[ingredients]
2 pounds lean ground beef
1/2 onion, finely diced
2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
2 tbsp classic Tabasco Sauce, plus more for the butter
1 tsp salt
6 slices sharp cheddar cheese
6 pretzel rolls
2 tbsp butter, melted
lettuce, pickles, sliced tomatoes and onions for serving
Combine the beef, Tabasco, diced onions, parsley and salt and mix gently until combined. Form into patties and grill or pan fry until medium well, then add the slices of cheese and allow to melt. Toast the pretzel roll buns. Mix olive oil or melted butter with a few dashes of tabasco and whisk to combine. Brush the hot, toasted pretzel buns with Tabasco oil. Assemble the burgers with the lettuce, tomatoes, onions and pickles, add Tabasco to taste and serve.
photo red, Cooper&Thief
The only thing better than giving your Dad a great bottle of wine is cracking it open and enjoying it with him! Aged for three months in Bourbon barrels, Cooper & Thief is a smooth, rounded wine that is dark and jammy and perfect for enjoying on a special occasion with your Dad, much like a fine bourbon. It’s rich and flavorful and while it just launched in March, it is so popular you may have trouble getting your hands on a bottle!
Breville Smoking Gun, photo cred – Breville
The second I saw this awesome gadget, I knew my Dad, and any other Dad out there, would love it! You simply put the applewood or mesquite wood chips in the mesh burner, light it, then point the hose into whatever you want to smoke – BBQ sauce, popcorn, cheese, mixed nuts, compound butter, sea salt, the list goes on forever. ‘Smoke’ continues to be one of the most popular flavor trends in the culinary world, now you can bring it into your home without committing to a lengthy smoker. Within thee minutes any food can have an infused, smoky flavor.
Decanter – photo cred Cost Plus/World Market
And your Dad may not admit it, but every guy loves receiving sophisticated gifts. I thought this decanter would be perfect on a bar, along with matching glasses. And here are some other finds that any guy would enjoy, all from Cost Plus/World Market
- BBQ Mitt
- BBQ Tool Set
- 5-in-1 Tool Set
- Pig Shaped Cutting Board
- Basting Brush and Flavor Pot
- Rabbit Wine Aerator
So show Dad some love, get in the kitchen, pour a glass of wine and remind him that all his sleepless nights worrying over you were worth it 🙂
