As Spring slowly stutters into Summer 2017, notions of garden games and cookouts will be better realised, and so, to get you ready for the longer – and hopefully drier and warmer – evenings, we’ve put together a selection of our favourite Father’s Day food recipes, and I’ve included my signature cocktail, as well as some accessories to really make your summer party sizzle! And make sure to click on each dish’s title for the original recipe sources!
Creamy Dill Potato Salad
Our first dish, suitable for carnivores and vegans alike, is best made with fresh ingredients and is the perfect accompaniment to any summer dish. Makes 6-8 servings.
Ingredients3 lbs. Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled Freshly ground black pepper and sea salt, to taste 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill 1 cup vegan mayonnaise (try Vegenaise) 1 small red onion, finely chopped 1 Tbsp. lemon juice 1 1/2 Tbsp. cider vinegar 1-2 Tbsp. Dijon mustard 2 celery stalks, finely diced
DirectionsPlace potatoes in large pot and fill with water until completely covered Add salt Bring to boil Cook for 20-25 minutes, until tender but not falling apart Drain potatoes and let cool Combine all remaining ingredients in large bowl Cut cooled potatoes into small cubes and add them to the bowl Stir until coated.
Black Bean Veggie Burgers
Running with the veggie theme, we’ve included a Black Bean Burger recipe – a wonderful alternative for people with soy allergies.
Ingredients2 Tbsp. olive oil 1/2 cup diced red onion 1/2 cup diced bell pepper 1 clove garlic, minced 1 jalapeño, minced 2 cups black beans 1/2 cup corn 1/2 cup bread crumbs 1/2 tsp. cumin 2 Tbsp. chopped cilantro 1 tsp. salt 1/2 cup flour
DirectionsOver medium heat in a saucepan add in 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sauté the onion, garlic, bell pepper and jalapeño for up to 5 minutes Remove from heat and put to one side In a mixing bowl, mash black beans and then add the corn, breadcrumbs and sautéed vegetables and mix well Season with cumin, cilantro and salt and mix again Shape into 6 patties then coat each in flour Place a pan over medium-high heat and add remaining tablespoon of oil Cook each patty on each side for about 5 minutes or until lightly browned.
BBQ Chicken Burgers
And finally, for the meat-lovers, these smoky burgers with optional bacon provide a perfect tincture of the South!
IngredientsMARINADE
4 tbsp tomato ketchup 4 tbsp brown sauce Splash chilli sauce (optional) 2 tsp clear honey 2 garlic cloves, crushed
4 boneless & skinless chicken breasts 4 bacon rashers (optional) 4 large burger buns, lettuce sliced in half, tomato and red onion, to serve
DirectionsMake marinade by mixing marinade ingredients together in a large bowl Put a few spoonfuls of this aside for a sauce Slice halfway into the thickest part of each breast and open ‘like a book’ (really like this phrasing from BBC Good Food!) Flatten each breast down slightly Toss each into marinade bowl and coat, then chill for as long as you are able to.
Barbeque chicken until completely cooked through (around 10 minutes) turning so it doesn’t burn but is nicely charred and sticky At the same time, cook the bacon and toast the buns (if using) Assemble burgers with as many adornments as required and dollop some of the leftover uncooked marinade on the side as a sauce.
JK’s Julep/The J.K. Julep
Served in a chilled tin or jam jar, JK’s Julep was inspired by a feverish dream that featured the old traveller Jack Kerouac and has become a staple of our summer parties!
Ingredients8-12 mint leaves (clapped) Chipped ice 2oz bourbon (orig. Jack Daniels, although Kerouac drank 'Old Grandfather' in On the Road) 2-3 barspoons raw sugar 3 dashes of bitters (Angostura) 3-5oz watermelon purée (add this last, and let it sit on top)
DirectionsClap 10 mint leaves in your hands and place in serving glass Put sugar in glass Half-fill with chipped ice Pour in one shot of whiskey/bourbon and stir until mostly melted Half-fill with chipped ice Pour in another shot of the same spirit as well as three dashes of bitters, stir until mostly melted Fill glass with chipped ice Pour on top up to 5oz of watermelon puree Garnish with mint sprig Enjoy responsibly!
Father's Day Playlist #rapdifferent
To set that perfect ambience, check out our Father’s Day Playlist and GPO Stylo II feature. Or, alternatively, why not bring some 1950's magic to your home with the wood-housed multi-functional, Bluetooth jukebox with an FM radio, LED display and remote controlled colour changing lights.
For Father’s Day 2017 gifting ideas, check out our #wrapdifferent guide here.
For more barbeque and outdoor activity ideas, why not check out The Great Outdoors!
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