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. The best memories are created not by fretting
over perfection, but by the laughter and love that is present as family members
join together to make Dad's day a special celebration.
First time here? Don't forget to sign up for our free newsletter!
Decorating Ideas
Buy one poster board for each child, plus paint, markers and construction
paper. Fold each poster board in half and crease to create a giant card.
Let each child sit on the lawn, picnic table or floor and make Dad a special
greeting.
Buy paper plates, napkins and cups in a theme for Dad, but instead of using
a Father's Day design choose something fun such as race cars, ocean animals
or whatever the family thinks he would enjoy. Let Dad be a kid for the day
too!
Buy flowers for Dad! Bouquets can be picked up inexpensively at most grocery
stores. Men like flowers too!
These are just a few fun ideas, but you can pick a theme and continue to
use it throughout the entire day.
The Menu:
Country Style Ribs
Homemade Cornbread
Sweet Coleslaw
Corn on the Cob
Crumb Apple Pie
Country Style Ribs
Ingredients:
4 pounds country style ribs
BBQ Sauce-Dad's favorite
salt and pepper to season
1 cup vinegar
1 cup water
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 tsp. garlic powder
Combine the vinegar, water and spices in a shaker bottle or a bowl (use brush
to baste).Cut ribs into 1 rib portions. Place a large piece of foil over
the coals to catch drippings. Place ribs on grill about 6 inches above coals,
or gas grill unit. Season with salt and pepper. Close hood and cook for 10
minutes. Sprinkle the ribs, turn them, and sprinkle or baste the other side.
Repeat this every 10 minutes; closing the hood in between basting. Cook a
total of 50 minutes, then brush on the bottled sauce the last 15 minutes
or until the ribs are done. Makes 8 servings.
Sweet Cole Slaw
Ingredients:
1 large head green cabbage, shredded
2 medium carrots, shredded
1 medium green pepper, finely chopped
1 1/2 cups mayonnaise or salad dressing
3 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon vinegar
optional: one handful of chopped chives or green onions
In a large bowl, toss together the cabbage, carrots and green pepper. In
another bowl, mix salad dressing, or mayonnaise, sugar and vinegar. Spoon
the dressing over the cabbage mixture. Store, covered, in the refrigerator.
Add chives or onions just before serving. Makes 8 cups coleslaw.
Homemade Cornbread
Ingredients:
3 cups cornmeal
1 cup flour
6 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons baking powder
1 tsp. salt
1 cup milk
1 cup plain yogurt
1/4 cup melted butter or margarine
1/4 cup oil
4 eggs, slightly beaten
2 cups creamed corn
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Butter a 9x13 baking pan. Combine cornmeal,
flour, sugar, baking powder and salt in mixing bowl. Combine the milk, yogurt,
melted butter, oil and eggs in another bowl. Add to the cornmeal mixture.
Stir until just combined. Stir in creamed corn. Pour batter into the greased
pan. Bake for 45 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. Cool on rack.
Note: You can make this the day before, and store covered.
Corn on the Cob
Allow 2 ears per person. Choose fresh green husked corn without blemishes.
Put on a large pot of water to boil. Husk the corn and remove silk. Place
in pan so it is just covered with water. Cook 3-5 minutes. You can also start
with cold water and cook until water reaches boiling, then remove corn. Serve
with butter, salt and pepper. For a special treat mix a stick of butter with
a tablespoon of finely chopped chives the night before, so the flavors have
time to develop.
Crumb Apple Pie
Ingredients:
Crust:
1 cup flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1/3 cup solid vegetable shortening
1/4 cup ice water
Filling:
7 medium Granny Smith or Golden Delicious apples
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
1/4 tsp. salt
Topping:
3/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
3/4 cup flour
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/3 cup chilled butter or margarine, cut into pieces
Place rack on lowest position. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. To prepare crust;
in a medium bowl mix together flour and salt. Using a pastry blender or 2
knives (I also use my fingers) cut shortening into flour mixture until course
crumbs form. Add water 1 tablespoon at a time, tossing with a fork, until
a dough forms. Shape into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for 30
minutes. On a floured surface, using a floured rolling pin, roll dough into
a 12 inch circle. Fit into a 9 inch pie plate. Trim dough, leaving a 1 inch
overhang; pinch a decorative edge.
To prepare filling; peel, core and very thinly slice the apples. Mix together
with other filling ingredients. Spoon into crust.
For topping, in a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, flour and cinnamon.
Cut butter into mixture until course crumbs form. Sprinkle apple filling
evenly with topping. Bake pie until topping is lightly browned and filling
is bubbly, 35 minutes. If pie is overbrowning, cover loosely with foil. Cool
on a wire rack. 8 servings
About the Author:
Brenda Hyde lives in the rural Midwestern United States and is the editor of Old Fashioned Living.com. She is also the Regional Recipe Editor at Stand Beside Her.com.
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...
Did you know that FamilyCorner has its own photo gallery? Did you know that YOU can upload your own photos to it? That's right, and it's completely free!
Here are some of the fun benefits of sharing your photos in our FC Gallery:
Send your own photos as an e-card
Watch slide shows
See beautiful sunsets and other great scenic shots
Brag about and share pictures of your loving pets
Share photos of your children and grandchildren
Create your own individual album and post in category albums
Keep your favorite pictures organized online
Rate images of other members
...more!
Join us in the FC Photo Gallery. It's completely free to use, just another fabulous reason to be a FamilyCorner subscriber.
Family Matters Radio
FMR is a nationally syndicated radio program developed to help you live your best life, hosted by Caroline & Jacquie. No rants and raves - you get enough of that from your kids. Choose a segment below to begin listening!
Related Articles & Projects:
Win Fun Stuff!
Holiday package includes Madagascar, Shrek the Halls & Kung Fun Panda on DVD
5 copies of of the popular musical turned movie Mamma Mia on DVD
10 PSYCLOPS iPod covers for kids
5 t-shirts from the movie The Longshos
Missed the last couple of newsletters? Haven't visited for a while? This section highlights articles and crafts that have recently been added to FC...
Start your own album by 
