{Cooking for Dad}: A Father's Day Menu

There are few things that compare to the love, care, protection, guidance and affirmation that come from a father (or father-figure).  An undisputed daddy's girl, my father represented many "firsts" in my life.  He was my first love; the first man to affirm me and see the best in me; the first to lovingly foster the big dreams that he had for me.  And although he wasn't perfect, he was perfect for me.

Our earth story ended shortly before my 19th birthday, when he moved to heaven, but there isn't a day, or year, that goes by in which I'm not thinking of him, thankful for the love he gave to me, and wishing I still had him on this side of heaven with me.

If my dad were still here with me, I would prepare for him a meal fit for a king.  And as you prepare to cook for the special man (or men) in your life, this menu is all you need to make for a delicious and unforgettable meal:  Roasted Chicken and Vegetables, Rosemary Popovers, Arnold Palmer Special, and Cherry Upside Down Cake.  Now who wouldn't want that for dinner?! (No guy that I know. :))

So here's to a Happy Father's Day...and Happy Eating!

Arnold Palmer Special
Roasted Chicken and Vegetables
Rosemary Popovers
Cherry Upside Down Cake

All The Game Day Eats!

When you're ready to relax and take in the big game, you need the perfect eats to make it complete.

Whether you fancy hearty eats, super snacks, decadent desserts, or all of the above, we've got you covered for the best game day eats!  These recipes come together easily and are ideal for hosting small and large parties, alike.  

So here's to the perfect pair: Winning--& Happy Eating! 

Game Day Eats:

Sip

Arnold Palmer Special

Sangria Mocktails

Snacks

The  Best Guacamole

Roasted Tomatillo Salsa

Mini Sausage Rolls

Buffalo Hot Wings

Pico de Gallo & Chile Spiced Tortilla Chips 

Sugar, Herbs and Spiced Nuts  

Main Course

The Best Turkey Burger
 
Spicy Three Bean Chili 

Dessert

Cocoa Brownies with Browned Butter and Fleur de Sel 

Chocolate Chip and Sea Salt Cookies

Toast With This!: Arnold Palmer Special

If I had to claim one beverage as my drink, the Arnold Palmer would surely top the list.  A great mocktail that simply combines the beloved drinks of iced tea and lemonade to become one all its own, I can't think of anything not to love about it.  Cool. Refreshing.  Perfectly suited to accompany a casual day-time bite and hold its own at an evening meal.  So my thoughts went rather to how to make it a bit more special.  Nothing too over the top.  Nothing to take away from what made me love it in the first place.  But just a little extra love.  And thus, Arnold Palmer Special was born.  Basically as easy and simple as before, with a little added twist. 

Check out the recipe below to discover what puts the 'special' into this beloved drink.  And once you've tasted it, I'm sure you'll love this twist as much as I do.

Arnold Palmer Special

One Serving

4 oz. sweetened iced tea

4 oz. basil lemonade (aka 'the twist') - recipe follows

Ice cubes for serving

Basil leaves for garnish (optional)  

 

Combine the iced tea and lemonade, pour over ice, garnish with basil and enjoy!

Basil Lemonade
1 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice
2 1/2 cups cold water
1 bunch of basil
1 cup of sugar

Combine basil, sugar and 1/2 cup of water in a small saucepan and simmer until the sugar dissolves.  Once the sugar has dissolved, remove from the heat and cool, allowing the basil to steep in the syrup.  (Note: I like to allow the basil to steep for at least an hour, if time permits).  Strain syrup into a container and chill in the refrigerator.  Discard used basil.

Add the lemon juice, 2 cups of water and basil simple syrup to a pitcher and stir to combine.  Serve over ice and enjoy!