Celebrating Dear Old Dad

To the best Dad I could ask for, Happy Birthday and Happy Father’s Day. Even though we may have our occasional clash and misunderstandings, your huge heart and love for others are inspirational. You are truly a Daddy Bear: a terrifying force when provoked, but nurturing and caring when you are safe enough to let your guard down. Thank you for always being there for me, for loving and supporting me, and for being a great Dad.

To celebrate my Dad, my sister and I surprised him with dinner last night. She decorated the backyard with streamers and black balloons while I manned the grill. We made cinnamon chipotle steak (rub recipe below!), grilled corn, and grilled sweet potato fries (it’s a two-for-one recipe post). The steak was super spicy, and I probably could have gone a little lighter on the rub. I liked it, though, because it hid the meat flavor for my veggie-preferring taste buds. I can imagine this being great on chicken or Portobello mushrooms too! The corn was perfect and sweet, and the sweet potatoes were amazing off the grill. We splurged and bought his favorite soda – Stewart’s root beer, black cherry, and oranges n’ cream… in glass bottles no less! For dessert, we got an angel food cake (his favorite) and topped it with light whipped cream and berries. Who knew that my Dad would actually request such a healthy birthday dessert?! Maybe he does listen to me sometimes ;)

Question: How are you celebrating Father’s Day?

Cinnamon Chipotle Grill Rub

makes enough for 3 lbs of meat or veggies

1/2 tbsp cinnamon

2 tsp chipotle chili powder

1 tsp dried oregano

1/2 tsp parsley

1 tsp cumin

1/2 tsp pepper

1/2 tsp salt

Mix together spices and rub onto meat or mushrooms. Allow to stand for 10-20 minutes before grilling to allow the rub to fully adhere to the meat. Grill until meat is done to your desire.

Sweet Potato Grill Fries

serves 6

3 large sweet potatoes

1 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp paprika

salt and pepper to taste

Cover the potatoes in a large pot with water. Bring to a boil and cook until the sweet potatoes are slightly tender. Drain and run the potatoes under cold water. When potatoes are cool enough to touch, peel the skin from the potatoes. Slice into thick matchsticks. Toss in olive oil and season to taste with salt, pepper, and paprika. Spread on a grill pan over medium heat. Cook for 7 minutes, then flip and cook for another 7 minutes. Fries should be crisp but not burnt when done.

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