Celebrating Father’s Day With Food

Written for Spice Station Silver Lake by: Amanda Csolak

No matter if you prefer the name Dad, Daddy, Papa, Papi, or Step-dad, all Father’s of the world, deserve to be celebrated. How we celebrate our fathers varies on where you live, but one thing is known, men love food. They love it even more when they can kick back and relax while we get busy in the kitchen. In fact, I’ve always stepped into the kitchen to whip up something tasty for my Dad every year; I guess you could say it’s our tradition. Here we will discuss everything you could possibly want to know about this particular holiday, including my top favorite foods to make in honor of my father.  

The History Behind the Holiday Honoring Fathers

Did you know that there are two origin stories regarding who is responsible for creating this day honoring fathers? Well, it’s true, and both of them were women. Back in 1908 in West Virginia, a woman by the name of Grace Golden Clayton mentioned the idea of celebrating fathers to her church pastor. This idea was proposed not long after a neighboring town suffered a tragic mining accident which took the lives of 362 men. 

The other woman, more widely recognized as the mind behind the idea for the holiday, was Sonora Dodd of Spokane, Washington. Being one of five children raised by her single father, which was incredibly uncommon at the time, she started a petition in 1910 to make Father’s Day a holiday. 

Not until 1913 did a bill reach Congress, labeling the third Sunday of June as Father’s Day. But it wasn’t very popular among men in the beginning. Men of the time saw Father’s Day as comparable to Mother’s Day, which florists loved, but it didn’t touch their hearts the same way. According to a historian, they either laughed at the sentimental efforts to soften masculinity with flowers and presents or dismissed these holidays as clever marketing tricks to boost sales—often funded by the fathers themselves.

However, over time it began to gain popularity, and in 1966, President Lyndon Johnson made the initial presidential proclamation for Father’s Day, and it was President Richard Nixon who ultimately signed it into law in 1972. 

These days, Father’s Day is celebrated around the world in many different countries, including Australia, Canada, France, Greece, India, Ireland, Mexico, Pakistan, South Africa, Singapore, Thailand, the United Kingdom, and Venezuela. Germany also celebrates this holiday for fathers, and in certain regions, men traditionally venture into the woods taking with them a wagon full of beer, wines, and meats. Heavy drinking is common among these men as they celebrate together. 

How I Grew Up Celebrating Father’s Day

For many children and spouses, gifts are typically given to show their Dad or partner how much they love and appreciate all they do for the family. By giving words of appreciation in greeting cards to gifting clothing, sporting goods, new gadgets, tech toys, automotive accessories, and tools for grilling. Some men even still receive the classic Father’s Day gift, a new tie. Though most consider it a lazy, thoughtless holiday gift, unless the father you’re celebrating collects them, you may come off childish giving such a simple gift.

But for many dads, mine included, asking them what they want as a gift is like pulling teeth. I could never get a real answer from my Dad. Every year growing up, I would ask him the same question as Father’s Day approached. I would say, “Daddy, what do you want for Father’s Day?” he always replied that he could think of nothing he wanted or needed or that he already had everything he wanted. Looking back, knowing now my family was not the richest family on the block, I wonder if he just knew we couldn’t really afford anything outside of what it took for a family of five to live in the ever-increasing world of consumerism through the 1980’s and 1990’s.  

We weren’t rich by any means, but we lived a comfortable life as a middle-class family in America. Growing up on Army bases, moving around every one to three years, we often celebrated Father’s Day with boxes either being packed or unpacked throughout the house. So perhaps my Dad didn’t think we could afford to purchase him the gifts we felt he so rightfully deserved. Or perhaps he simply was never a materialistic man, instead perfectly happy with just simply being loved.

I believe that he wasn’t interested in receiving gifts for Father’s Day and that the gift he wanted the most was my love and the love of my family. Getting to spend quality time with the family was what made him the most happy. Gathered around a table, eating good food, laughing, talking, and sharing stories. 

As I grew up and started to have similar views on consumerism, leaning towards a less materialistic way of life, I found myself and a love for cooking food. I realized my cooking was a way of expressing my love. Years ago, my talent for cooking found its way into my father’s heart, and now it is how I chose to honor and celebrate him by cooking whatever he desires on Father’s Day. 

Food And Father’s Day

When it comes to food on Father’s Day, what you serve at the table varies widely. Some men love cooking and grilling and will happily cook for themselves on the holiday, while other families do all the prep work and cooking while Dad enjoys kicking back to a sports game or working on his hotrod car in the garage. Sometimes the kids get to help make dinner, which is fun for the whole family, and other times it’s the spouse whipping up something delicious for their partner. 

Since the holiday falls in the Summery month of June, many dads crave grilled meat on Father’s Day. From burgers and hot dogs to bbq chicken and steak. Many men prefer whatever lands on the plate to be grilled. Even vegans and vegetarian Dads love great grilled vegetables. 

While most men can agree that grilled food is best, some men prefer to go out to a restaurant and not cook at home on Father’s Day. Many families with children will frequent all-you-can-eat buffets and pizza joints to keep the kids happy, while other dads, say of wealthy status, may enjoy a quiet dinner at an upper-class steakhouse. 

My Dad’s Favorite Father’s Day Foods

Growing up, I always remember my Dad loved food, and since I was a teen, I’ve been making all kinds of delicious entrees and desserts to gift to him as a way of expressing love and saying thank you for being an amazing father. 

Year after year, I found he was requesting the same foods. He would get a glimmer in his eye talking about food, and one of his favorite things is great grilled chicken. There are so many ways chicken can be prepared, leading to various flavor combinations and textures, but for my Dad, grilled rosemary chicken was always best. Over time trying different spices and seasonings I found he particularly enjoyed my grilled rosemary, lemon chicken thighs (this recipe can be found below). These thighs are marinated in a blend of lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and honey and skewered with rosemary, creating a juicy piece of chicken that is flavorful and beautifully caramelized. 

Now it was never as simple as just making my Dad dinner, I always had to complete the meal with a dessert. The thing is, when it comes to sweet treats, my Dad never shied away from snacking on something made with sugar. When I was growing up, I would often see him raiding the pantry for an after-dinner dessert. Growing up, I realized he had a particular favorite treat. He wasn’t hard to please; he loved the good ol’ fashioned chocolate chip cookie. Even though I now specialize in making more complex desserts like cheesecakes, my Dad still always asks for my amazing chocolate chip cookie recipe, and I’m happy to make them for him whenever he wants. But these are not your everyday basic chocolate chip cookie. As a chef, I enjoy tweaking recipes and making something just a little bit unique, and these cookies are no different, sweetened with cinnamon-infused sugar and containing not one but two other unique ingredients, delicious espresso and intriguing cardamom! These aren’t your Grandma’s chocolate chip cookies, but you can bet she’ll be asking for the recipe, which you can find below.

This year, my family will celebrate Father’s Day while on vacation at the beach. I’m pretty excited about it, as this is the first for our family beach vacation. Growing up constantly on the move, we never took family vacations like this before. I’m excited, to say the least, and you can be sure I will be happily cooking for not just my Dad but my whole family. 

I’ve already been shopping, grabbing all the essential spices I need in one place. Spice Station Silver Lake has everything you can think of, spices you can’t find anywhere else. To get started on your spice shopping, Click Here, and let’s get cooking!

Grilled Rosemary Lemon Chicken Thighs Recipe

This juicy lemony herb chicken is full of flavor that never disappoints. A blend of herbs, spicy ghost pepper salt, organic honey, and Dijon mustard bring a sweet spice you didn’t know you were missing to your plate. 

Prep Time: 10 minutes (+2-8 hrs marinate time)

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Yields: 6 servings

What You’ll Need: one large mixing bowl, a whisk, a sharp knife, measuring spoons, and one large plastic bag.

Ingredients: 

• 1 tablespoon finely chopped dried Rosemary
• 8 sprigs of fresh Rosemary
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons organic honey
• 2 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon Ghost Pepper Salt, or if you prefer you may use Fine Pink Himalayan Salt
• ½ teaspoon Smoked Black Pepper
• 8 boneless skinless chicken thighs trimmed of any excess fat
• 1 large plastic resealable bag

Instructions: 

1. In a small bowl, mix the dried Rosemary, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, ghost pepper salt, and smoked black pepper together.
2. Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over them.
3. Seal the bag, and then lightly massage the marinade into the chicken, turning over the bag to ensure each piece is thoroughly coated.
4. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours (or ideally overnight).
5. Preheat grill to 450 degrees F. Spray each chicken thigh with canola cooking spray. Grill chicken thighs for 4 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165.
6. Serve hot with your choice of sides. 

Chef’s Notes: This juicy chicken pairs great with grilled vegetables such as squash, zucchini, and onion. Simply coat lightly in olive oil and toss in a mixing bowl with some salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder and cook for 8-10 minutes, tossing occasionally to allow all veggies to cook evenly.

Dad’s Favorite:  Espresso Cardamom Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe

The bright, strong flavors of the green cardamom and the roasted espresso are complimented by the cinnamon sugar, vanilla, and dark chocolate in this unique and delicious version of the classic chocolate chip cookie. 

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 8 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Yields: 36 cookies

What You’ll Need: A Kitchen Mixer, a mixing bowl, a coffee grinder, measuring cups, measuring spoons, a spatula, two baking sheets, and parchment paper. 

Ingredients: 

• 1 cup salted butter, softened (see chef’s notes)
• 1 cup Cinnamon Sugar
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed firm
• 1 tsp ground green Cardamom, ground
• 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs 
• 3 cups all-purpose organic flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp baking powder
• 2 tbsp instant espresso powder
• 1 tsp Sonoma Sea Salt (see chef’s notes)
• 1 cup chopped semi-sweet chocolate 
• 1 cup 60 % cacao dark chocolate chips (or chunks)

Instructions: 

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. After shelling the cardamom seeds, grind them in a coffee grinder until finely ground. 
3. Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, cardamom, and sea salt together in a bowl.
4. Add light brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon-infused sugar together in an electric mixing bowl until fluffy. Beat in eggs 1 at a time until thoroughly combined. Mix in instant espresso powder and vanilla extract.
5. Mix the flour mixture into the butter mixture until just combined; do not overmix. Fold in both the chopped chocolate and chocolate chips.
6. Drop dough by the tablespoon onto the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart.
7. Bake in the preheated oven until the edges of the cookies are set, 10 to 15 minutes. Cool cookies on the pans for 2 to 3 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Chef’s Notes:

• Do Not Overbake – When your timer goes off, I beg of you to remove those cookies from the oven right away. They will still look a bit doughy, but they’re supposed to. Fun fact, foods continue cooking after they’ve been removed from the heat! So these cookies will literally finish baking out of the oven, making these cookies absolutely delicious. 
• If you’re using a Convection oven, be sure to decrease the baking temperature by 25 degrees to avoid burning the batch.
• Ingredient Substitutions –
  • Butter – I recommend using salted butter for this recipe, but you can use unsalted if you prefer; just make sure to salt your dough.
  • Sugar – This unique recipe uses Cinnamon infused sugar, but you can substitute it with cane sugar if you prefer, but be warned, this will alter the flavor and not make your cookies taste the same. 
  • Flour – For gluten-free alternatives, using gluten-free all-purpose flour works well too.
  • Salt – I personally won’t cook or bake with anything except pure sea salt. Sea salt is not iodized like table salt and is generally better tasting to my palette. Sonoma Kosher Flake Salt is ideal for cooking and baking. This salt blends with other ingredients beautifully. So if you choose a different kind of salt for your cookies, I recommend testing the recipe with just ½ tsp, then adjusting it to your taste.   
  • Chocolate  – For this recipe I use a blend of chopped semi-sweet chocolate and dark chocolate chips made with 60% cacao. You can use one kind of chocolate if you prefer, but again to make the best, most unique chocolate chip cookie, I highly recommend sticking to the recipe as is. 
  • Freezing Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough – If you need to prep the dough ahead of time, you can freeze it for up to two months. Simply portion the dough by rolling it into balls using 2 tsp per cookie dough ball.
  • Storing Your Cookies – Don’t want to eat them all at once? These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months.