A Father's Day Celebration- I think it is safe to say that one of the ways to a Dad's heart really is through his stomach. Knowing this, I took some quick opinions of the fathers I know and came up with a dinner menu to please even the pickiest of Dads. I also have some quick ideas for jazzing up your celebration.
Appetizer Veggie Pizza- Whether it's for a party at the office or a holiday gathering, this is a perfect appetizer. Topped with fresh vegetables and cheese, you just can't go wrong.
Appetizers- The holidays bring all kinds of opportunities for munching. Whether you are entertaining a crowd or simply looking for some fun recipes, these will do the trick.
Bite Size Zucchini Muffins- Serve these muffins as a quick, on-the-go breakfast, a lunchbox treat or an after school snack. There's so much flavor packed into these little snacks that your kids won't even know that they are eating something with a vegetable in them!
BLT Bites- This brilliant recipe takes a classic bacon, lettuce and tomato sandwich, and morphs it into a fabulous appetizer. Perfect for Father's Day, picnics, barbecues, or the big game. Make up a batch or two for your guests!
Breakfast Pizza- Get the kids to the table in no time in the morning... tell them you're making pizza for breakfast. Within 30 minutes you'll be serving a warm, delicious breakfast that the whole family will enjoy.
Carne Asada Tacos- With the help of bottled seasoning sauce, these carne asada tacos are packed full of flavor and taste great. This is a one bag type of recipe, toss everything together, marinate, grill, then slice!
Cheesecake Filled Chocolate Covered Strawberries- These plump strawberries filled with cheesecake, dipped in chocolate and then drizzled are perfect for birthdays, parties, celebrations, and holidays. Summer is the perfect time for these chocolately decendant fruits.
Cheesy Herb Alphabet Breadsticks- Kids will love making Dad these cheesy breadsticks for Father's Day. This easy recipe for kids is perfect for little ones to show off their skills as they spell out D-A-D using bread dough. The best part of this gift is that they get to help Dad eat it!
Chicken Asparagus Penne Pasta Salad- When you think of summer and food, pasta salads are one of the first things that come to mind. Pasta salads are refreshing, usually full of fresh vegetables, and pack lots of energy. If you are counting your carbs, we've got you covered! This salad uses a pasta that is high in fiber and lower on the glycemic index.
Chocolate Chip Espresso Cookies- If your mom loves coffee and chocolate chips, you will definitely want to make these fabulous treats for her on Mother's Day. They are chewy and gooey and have a distinct mocha flavor she will thank you for!
Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars- A great way to get kids involved in the kitchen, is by preparing a recipe that will satisfy their sweet tooth. Many children love the opportunity to measure, mix, and bake, and don't even mind the clean up afterward. Try this tasty treat with your kids.
Decorative Vegetables- A picnic or holiday table adorned with decorative vegetables is pleasing to the eye as well as appetizing! Making fresh vegetables look like the pros do does not have to be difficult. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Eggs & Bacon Candy- Make this fun treat while on your next camping trip or any old time. It's cute, it's tasty and the kids will love it! This is a fun project for 4H, Scouts or just for a lazy summer day.
Fresh Cherry Limeade- Looking for a refreshing summer drink that you can serve at a barbecue, family get together, or just something fun to make with the kids? By combining the sweet flavors of vanilla and cherries with the tart taste of fresh limes, you can make a cherry limeade that will have friends and family begging for the recipe!
Give 'Em A Big Kiss!- Looking for something fun to do in the kitchen with mom or dad? Make rice krispy kisses in all kinds of sizes for your favorite person!
Grilling Tips- Before you even begin, think safety first. Successful grilling comes from care and planning, not seeing how high you can make the flames go!
Hot Sandwiches- Try these tasty recipes for dad. Great sandwiches that are hearty and delicious, they'll fill up even the healthiest of appetites.
Liven Up Your Iced Tea- Iced tea is a traditional refreshing drink during the warm months, and one of my favorites. However, there is so much more you can do with tea to liven up your days and nights! Remember, too that presentation makes all the difference, whether you are entertaining others or treating yourself during a busy day.
Meats for Grilling- Cooking on the grill is a favorite for summertime cooking. Try these recipes for summer barbecues, picnics, parties, holidays or just for dinner!
Mini Cucumber Sandwiches- These mini open faced cucumber sandwiches have been around for as long as I can remember. From office parties to family gatherings, they are a tasty and refreshing addition to any appetizer tray.
Mississippi Mud Cookies- Chocolate. Mashmallows. More chocolate. Need we say more? These chewy, chocolatey delicious cookies are best enjoyed the day you make them. However, that shouldn't be a problem. They've never lasted longer than that around here!
Nanaimo Bars- These delicious cookies are a staple of local cafes in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. These bars freeze well, so it's nice to make extras to keep in the freezer for anytime you want a quick treat. Before cutting the bars, if you dip your knife into hot water to heat it, it will help make the process neater and cut easily through the chocolate.
Orange Rolls for Breakfast- Cinnamon rolls, sticky buns, orange rolls, whatever your preference, they are all delicious but generally require hours of prep and rise time. These orange rolls are much quicker, meaning you are satisfied sooner!
These make an ideal breakfast treat for Easter, Mother's Day or Father's Day!
Savory Steak Dinner for Two- The kids are tucked in bed and you've rented a movie. Don't stop there... plan a late-evening dinner for grown-ups! Light some candles, share a bottle of red wine and make this delicious, classic dinner for two.
Sports Ball Cookies- Show Dad that you've remembered Father's Day by baking him some cookies that represent his favorite sports. Make baseballs, basketballs and soccer ball shaped cookies. With a surprise like this, you'll become his #1 team!
Summer Barbeque Ideas for the Vegetarian- Summer brings with it long sunny days, hot poolside picnics and, of course, backyard barbecues. With holidays like Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, and Labor Day, there's always an excuse to have an outdoor feast. The BBQ classics, burgers, hot dogs and chicken salad are sure to please most of your guests. But how about trying something a little new this time around? Don't ditch your family favorites; just expand your spread with vegetarian options that everyone will love.
The Power of Pancakes- Pancakes have existed for centuries in just about every culture in the world, in one form of another. But for most people in the western world, the power of pancakes lies in their ability to get a day off to a great start. You just know something great could happen when your day starts with a freshly made stack, hot of the griddle.
Ultimate Lemon Bars- This recipe takes lemon bars, that lunchbox and bake sale favorite, to whole new levels. I served them at a New Year's Party dessert buffet, and everyone declared them a favorite (they even beat out cheesecake and chocolate tarts!).
Watermelon Poke Cupcakes- Watermelon recipes remind us of the sweet tastes of summer. Whether it's for a picnic, birthday or just a family barbecue, these watermelon poke cupcakes are easy for kids to make and look fabulous on your cookout table!
Valentine's Day
Not too far from now, Cupid will be shooting his arrow at love birds all over! Visit our Valentine's Day section for fun crafts, great recipes, or gift ideas, you'll find it all here. Here are a few examples to get you started...