By Chef Noel Cunningham/Images © Noel Cunningham
The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach – dads included and I’ve got three dishes that’s guaranteed to get you there!
Father’s Day is a time to honour fathers and celebrate fatherhood, paternal bonds and the influence of fathers on our society. Over the years, I’ve come to realize that much emphasis is not placed on Father’s Day like Mother’s Day. But dads need love too.
One of my fondest food memories of all times is with my step-dad. He wasn’t a chef but I would say he was the boss of the kitchen. I remember one Sunday, when he made a delicious pot roast beef with au-jus (beef juice). After so many years, I can still taste it. He made a buffet style dinner for us and of course my plate was piled high because I saw lots of food so I wanted to eat it all. I attempted to but I just couldn’t, which had everyone laughing at my expense.
This is the moment when my step-dad taught me what a buffet was and how to handle one – take small portions and you can always go back for seconds, thirds, etc. That lesson has always stayed with me and home was the best place to learn it.
This Father’s Day let’s cook it up in honour of dads everywhere. There is no better way to show and tell them that you love them than by preparing a special, comforting meal. Here are three perfect ideas, complements a Jamaican chef in the kitchen.
1. Cheesy Baked Mash Potatoes
This baked, mash potatoes is creamy and cheesy in the middle with just the right amount of crunch on top – comfort food has never tasted this good but love always does. Your pa wiill surely feel the love. Get the recipe here.
2. Drunken BBQ Shrimp with Baked Polenta (‘Tun Cornmeal’)
This Turn Cornmeal or ‘Tun’ Cornmeal, as we call it in Jamaica is so ‘turnt up’ it’s just what the chef ordered for dad to chill and relax on his special day. It combines the best of two worlds – alcohol and BBQ and only takes about 20 minutes to prepare. Get the recipe here.
3. Guinness Bread Pudding with Creamy Caramel Sauce
This Guinness bread pudding makes a perfect dessert for Father’s Day – it’s quick, easy and ‘manly’ delicious. Get the recipe here.
Get more meal ideas for Father’s Day over at Chef Noel Cunningham’s blog – chefnoelcunningham.com.