For the Man Who Brings Home the Bacon

What do you get for the man who has everything? Food, of course! This Father’s Day, you can spoil your favorite dad with delicious dishes featuring bacon. It has a reputation as a family food. Something you cook up for a breakfast at home or to top a burger in a greasy spoon spot. But really bacon can also be refined. It has a secret life in refined social circles as a delicate way to add a meaty flavor without the density of chops or ground meat. Naturally, dad will have to taste test all the delicious dishes made in his honor, but don’t let him help with the clean up. For a bit of surf n’ turf this weekend, make Shrimp in a Blanket. This dish is an excellent starter for a special meal or ideal for cocktail parties. There is such a thing as summer comfort food, you can find it in a bite of the Bacon Zucchini Bake. It goes well with rice on the side and a grilled meat or fish as the main meal feature. Both that and the Pomme de Terre Gratinée are ideal for pot luck dinners. The Gratinée is a favorite family dish that, in a pinch, can also be made with leftover ham. All three of these recipes can be made with turkey, beef, pork, veal, or meatless bacon. Each will bring its own distinctive flavor to the dish and cater to your dietary preferences.

Brussels Sprouts with Couscous

I’ve been loving couscous lately! For a nice light lunch, I tried and fell for Brussels Sprouts with Couscous. This could work well with other vegetables, like green beans. The recipe makes enough for a side dish for four people, but I put the individual amounts in parenthesis after each ingredient since it’s such a quick thing to prepare for yourself, an intimate dinner, or a big family meal. It is served hot/warm.