Father's Day BBQ, Family Style

Cue the family, grill, and sun this Father’s Day.  Bring on the most discerning foodies of the group, it is about to get tasty on Sunday.  While the staples remain bourbon, beer, and BBQ, homemade accompaniments add detail privy to the men being honored.  This year’s family barbecue will spread original condiments worthy of bottling, as well as a big fat smile on Dad’s face.

Family is daily; honoring Dad comes once a year.  Include the youngsters in preparing for a barbecue to ease prep time for the cook while bringing joy and accomplishment from the kid’s involvement in planning the day.  Bring kids to the store to choose napkins and various outdoor serving items in Dad’s favorite colors, have them set the table and fill bowls up with favorite snacks.  If Dad has a favorite hobby or team, try to incorporate in the serving.  Is he an avid golfer? Rally up golf tees (new, preferably) and use them in place of toothpicks for serving various appetizers. (Also, check out the golf ball gelato golf ball cake mentioned here.) 

                               photo credit, Food Network

Marinate cubed pieces of salmon and/or shrimp in a simple combination of bourbon and brown sugar.  Chop assorted veggies and allow the children to pre-assemble skewers.  The seafood skewers can be done by an adult prior to grilling.  These little chef touches will show Dad the amount of appreciation he is deserved.

With several days left until Father’s Day there is time to make the barbecue perfectly hand crafted by making the condiments from scratch.    Several homemade ketchup recipes found here will properly act as a base for the customizing of Dad’s preference, have the kids help make and jar the ketchup complete with a personalized label.  The same works for barbecue sauce, mustard, and hot sauce. Last minute? Slap the crafty labels on to store-bought favorites for the day.  

                                  photo credit, PureWow

Try making pickles, the simple task will be worth the reward come Sunday when guests are blown away with the fact they are eating homemade “He’s our bread and butter” labeled pickles.  Scour the market for lesser known craft beers that have names or flavors that tie into favorite vacations and memories.  The menu’s can vary, beer braised chicken, steaks, burgers, but each item served will be more enjoyable with these accouterments in place to celebrate. 

Famous Dad, David Beckham
goes for gelato with his son.

No party big or small, is complete without dessert.  Serve gelato and sorbetto to cool off after rounds of bocce ball, horse shoes, and dancing.  Not planning a large gathering? Make the full works BBQ above for dinner then have the kids take Dad out for a scoop!

Adoration for Dad will be depicted through the amount of effort and thought put into the family BBQ, all to honor their main man. Happy Father’s Day, have some authentic fun!