WHAT DAD WANTS

Oh, where to start. I laugh at the opportunist retail grab on Father’s Day (like Mother’s Day) with visions of golf balls, ties and cocktails.  Let’s go back to basics.  Don’t we all want the same thing? To be appreciated, considered and even thanked.  And have an indulgent break, maybe a golf game, run or ride, and a nice meal?  What about something thoughtful and homemade, nostalgic, like an old family photo from a favourite time? 

My dad was my soccer coach and baseball coach growing up. He’d stop at Becker’s and bring us Double Bubble which was strictly forbidden at home.  He invented Lawrence Park Family Fun day and had more fun making go carts and winning the egg toss than the kids.  To this day, parties always have themes, mandatory speeches, dress ups and childish behaviour.  Life is always active and fun when around my dad.  So in that spirit, here’s my list of what I think dad really wants:

1. A fuss.  A call, a song, an old fashioned gesture. My dad’s getting Double Bubble for sure.

2. A laugh.  A silly memory or story re-told.

3. To feel young. Nostalgically harken back with an activity.  Our family will probably have skipping or chin up contests. No place for second…

4. Guilt free permission granted to do what they want on Father’s Day.

5. A good meal.  The simplest way to any man’s heart is to feed him well.  Do that for dad, your spouse or any man who’s attention you are trying to get.  Guaranteed.

Just in, the summary from my panel of trusted dads/advisors (directives to spouses and kids in that order):

1. Sex

2. Time

3. Hand crafted items

So here’s what I can offer up to help…A favourite dessert for dad, your spouse or any boy you want to spoil:

RECIPE: Georgian Bay Blueberry Boy Bait (SERVES 10)

INGREDIENTS

2/3 cup (150 mL) butter, at room temperature

1 1/2 cups (375 mL) sugar

2 eggs

1 cup (250 mL) milk

2 cups (500 mL) all-purpose flour

2 tsp (10 mL) baking powder

1 tsp (5 mL) salt

1 cup (250 mL) fresh or drained thawed frozen blueberries

TOPPING

1/4 cup (60 mL) sugar

1/2 tsp (2 mL) cinnamon

HOW TO

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Butter and flour a 9- x 13-inch (3 L) baking pan.

2. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs. Beat until light and fluffy. Beat in milk, flour, baking powder and salt. Spread batter evenly in prepared pan. Arrange blueberries on top.

3. To make the topping, combine sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle over berries.

4. Bake for 40 minutes or until centre of cake springs back when pressed.

5. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream.