Father’s Day is this Sunday, a day to express our love and gratitude to our fathers.
There are so many different items folks give their fathers for his special day.
Neckties, chocolates, books and items related to his hobby are just some gifts for dad.
Hand made cards are always a favourite, however, probably the biggest gift is to take him to a restaurant or do something special at home.
This can be breakfast, lunch or dinner, or all three.
If your father likes poached eggs with some benedict sauce, go for it.
Maybe a nice shrimp salad for lunch, and maybe a salmon or steak at dinner would suit him.
You know what dad likes, so just do some preparatory work, like shopping and make sure to pick up a bottle of his favourite wine to go with dinner, or whatever he drinks.
Here is a neat salmon recipe that is quick and easy to make. You could use rainbow trout or char, if that’s what dad likes.
This may have a few calories with the cream, but perhaps one day of “over-calorizing” won’t hurt.
Grilled Salmon with Basil Cream
• 4 salmon fillets about • 6 to 8 ounces and at least one inch thick
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• Ground sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For the Sauce:
• 20 fresh basil leaves
• ½ cup of dry white wine
• 3 cloves of garlic
• 1 cup of heavy cream
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
Rinse and dry the fillets with paper towels. Brush both sides with oil, season both sides with lemon juice, salt and pepper.
Blend the basil, wine and garlic in a blender and process to smooth puree.
Put in a heavy saucepan and stir in the cream. Bring to a simmer and cook until reduced by about a half.
This should take you about ten to 15 minutes.
Keep stirring then whisk in the butter and lemon juice.
When the butter is mixed, remove from heat, season with salt and pepper and then cover to keep warm.
You can use a fish or vegetable grate or put the salmon right on the barbecue grill, making sure you have cleaned it well and then oiled.
Put on the fillets and cook about 3 to 4 minutes per side, turn once, and be careful when doing this task, use a big spatula will help.
Put fish on a serving platter and spoon the basil sauce overtop and serve. A nice salad, with some rice or small herbed potatoes would go nice with this Fathers Day Dinner.
I hope you take some time this Sunday, Father’s Day to be with him, in person, by phone, Skype, or e-mail
Have a great day fathers!
Bye for now and goood cooking.
Ken Wilson is a freelance columnist with the Tribune/Weekend Advisor.