Friday Favorites 6.15.12

This weekend we are celebrating dads, fathers, papas, daddies, everywhere. They should be celebrated every single day but at least they get one special day to honor everything they are and everything they do for us. I always thought of my dad as an amazing story-teller who would let us cling onto his feet as children as he walked around the house. He gave us piggy-back rides on Saturday mornings and the only thing he knew how to cook were scrambled eggs and hot dogs for the longest time. Now he roasts, sears, grills, and is such an inspiration for me in the kitchen. If I were to inherit any of his culinary skills it would be his ingenious improvisations. So this is what I'm focusing on for my favorites this week: ingenuity and fun, spontaneous, quick food ideas to get you through this weekend and the (scorching Chicago) week ahead!

Friday Favorites 6.15.12

Photo courtesy of TheKitchn

10 Grilling Gifts for Dad: Stumped for a last-minute Father's Day gift? Look no further. Chances are, your dad likes to grill, just like about 95% of dads across America and possibly the world. Ideas include monogrammed tools and BBQ gloves.

Quick Biscuit Mix: Do you want to prepare a Father's Day brunch but are not an experienced cook? Well, Food & Wine understands. This recipe is something you can make ahead (probably Saturday afternoon, right?) and cook Sunday morning. This four-ingredient mix is easily customizable to your tastes and will go with almost anything you serve it with for brunch.

Salted Caramel Creme Pastries: If there is anything in this world my dad loves it is custard. He also loves pastries. This recipe combines his favorites into one. It's a really simple and fast treat to prepare, using phyllo dough and vanilla instant pudding. You can whip this up in a heartbeat and serve it to dad as a sweet ending to his brunch.

My Father's Daughter: Whether she's talking about cleanses or being an awesome, chic actress Gwyneth seems to do no wrong. There isn't a more appropriate time to get this book than this weekend. You don't have to get it for your dad as he will have no use for it, but perusing through Gwyneth's stories about cooking with her father and reminiscing family, this cookbook should provide you with more than just recipes.

KettlePizza Grill Accessory: Did you happen by a great brick-oven pizza place and wish you could make that kind of pie at home? But, you know, you sadly do not own a brick oven? I'm not saying this will give you identical results but this grill is pretty neat.This little machine has an enclosed pizza-oven-like space to amp up all the heat your pizza needs to get a nice charred crust.

Father's Day Favorites:  Let's be real: not everyone can wake up to execute a super cool brunch for Father's Day (or Mother's Day). If you want to do lunch or dinner, Saveur has some ideas for meals you can create for dad. There is everything from compound butters to carrot cake, and steak to salad.

5 Wheat Beers: My dad is not a heavy drinker and he isn't much of a beer person but what he drinks he enjoys. Now that it's summertime, lighter beers are in season and are 'light' enough for dad to enjoy with, say, a hearty steak meal prepared by his child, right? TheKitchn provides you with this summer's 5 wheat beers you should try.

xo,
k.