Surprising Dad with a Beautiful Dinner

My Dear Friends,
As I am taking some much needed time to spend with my family, I decided to share with you one of my favorite Father’s Day posts. My wish for you is that you are able to celebrate this important occasion with all the loving fathers in your lives as these treasured moments can disappear in a heartbeat. And if your beloved dads are no longer with you, may their memories remain a blessing in your lives forever.

LOOK HERE for lots of Father’s Day yummies.

Ahhhh, Father’s Day… always a bittersweet time for me, having lost my dad several years ago. While our family has since celebrated numerous wonderful occasions, it saddens me to think how much joy both he and my mom have missed. My father loved nothing better than when one of his girls “put out a spread” any time our family got together. I can still hear his voice asking me on the phone that morning… “So what are ya havin’ and who’s comin’?” As my Dad was truly a life-long “foodie,” I know he would be so very proud to share this year’s Father’s Day Dinner Menu with you.

Grilled Pepper Caprese Salad is a fitting start to our tribute to Dad. Caprese salads certainly make a beautiful statement just on their own. However, I kicked this version up a notch by adding garden-fresh peppers and cherry tomatoes that explode with flavor from grilling.

Sticky Chicken is guaranteed to please with its perfect balance of “ooey-gooey” goodness. I’m betting all the dads out there will agree! Not to mention, it’s my most requested dish amongst my family and friends as well as the most popular recipe ever on my website!

Garden-fresh Veggie ‘n Quinoa Stuffed Zucchini is healthy, colorful and super-fun to make. Got picky veggie eaters in your house? I’m betting this dish will be a winner! Pan-Roasted Green Beans with Caramelized Onions dresses up plain veggie “sides” by soaking in the sweetness of caramelized onions. But don’t save this dish just for special occasions as these flavorful green beans can be on your weeknight dinner table in minutes.

And for an unforgettable finale to Dad’s special dinner, I offer my Dark Chocolate Oblivion Torte. Is this tantalizing plate of extreme chocolate decadence seriously “over the top?” Absolutely. The thinnest of slices is sure to suffice served with nothing more than summer-ripe berries…and perhaps a tad of freshly whipped cream!

 

Father’s Day Dinner Highlights

 

 

I try to honor my Dad’s memory by continuing to create dishes I know he would love. I’m happy to say my Dad lived long enough to enjoy many of my recipe concoctions and meals (all the way back from my “Easy Bake Oven” days!) So I am dedicating this beautiful dinner to my Dad as well as all the fathers, father in-laws, grandfathers and great grandfathers in your lives. Treasure them every moment!
 

Coming to the Blog: Mango Shrimp Salad

Ceeya Next Time!


Can You Become a Meal Planning Maven Success Story?


Contact me to find out more! I am excited to share my passion and skills for creating easy, healthy and cost-effective meal ideas, recipes and smart-eating strategies with you. My specialties include creating customized meal collections and one-on-one food coaching using tried ‘n true methods. Whether you are single, empty nesters, or have kids at home, I will show you how incorporating simple planning, shopping and cooking tricks into your daily routine can give you back the precious free time you deserve.
 
Together, we will give your meals a healthy makeover, using my collection of oodles of easy and yummy recipes. We can also work on strategies for taming snack attacks, making cleaner choices at restaurants, office, school and social gatherings. Or perhaps you would like to learn how to stock a clean pantry fridge and freezer?
 
Interested? Please contact me. I look forward to hearing from you!

MPM’s Success Stories

Talk to Me!


If you enjoy my blog posts, please take a moment to leave me a comment. Find a recipe you love? Then do drop me a note! For your convenience, there is a section located at the end of each post. Thanks so much for your support!

“Get Social” with MPM!
Linda Shapiro, Meal Planning Maven

3 Responses

  1. I made and blogged your sticky chicken recipe (with your blessing). It's fabulous. Great menu to honor fathers.
  2. Linda, this is such a beautiful post and such a wonderful menu too. I'm sorry I'm late visiting but I think this menu would be perfect for any special occasion. Thank you so much for sharing it with us at the Hearth and Soul Hop.
  3. Love this menu, lot of delicious goodies, thanks for sharing with Hearth and soul blog hop.