These quick Father's Day inspired recipes are so easy, the kids can help too!
Chorizo and seafood kebabs
Choriza and seafood kebabs
You can use any firm fish or seafood for these — try scallops, prawns, pollack or whiting. Makes about 10 kebabs.
Ingredients:
150g chorizo sausage, cut into fat discs
225g raw, shelled king prawns, defrosted if frozen
4 cod fillets, or other firm white fish
10 cherry tomatoes
Lemon wedges, to serve
For the marinade:
2-3 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
2 cloves garlic, chopped finely
Salt and black pepper
½ tsp pimentón
Method:
1. Soak 10 wooden skewers in water for about 10 minutes — weigh them down with a plate if they float.
2. Meanwhile, combine the ingredients for the marinade. Cut two of the cod fillets into 2cm chunks and toss them in the marinade, coating evenly. Set aside for 20-30 minutes. Cut the remaining two fillets into bite-sized pieces and place on a board.
3. Set your grill to high, and line a grill tray with foil. Thread a disc of chorizo onto a skewer, followed by some of the marinated fish, a couple of prawns, and some of the plain fish. Finish with a cherry tomato. Repeat for the rest of the kebabs and drizzle with a little olive oil.
4. Slide the kebabs under the grill and cook for five minutes each side, until the prawns are pink, the fish is cooked through and the tomatoes are browned. Serve with lemon wedges for squeezing over.
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Maple syrup and pecan chocolate brownies
Maple syrup and peacan chocolate brownies.
Chocolate brownies with crunchy pecans and sweet, smoky maple syrup: scattering the nuts over the top means they can be easily removed if you're feeding very young children. For older kids and grown-ups feel free to chop more pecans and add to the brownie mixture if you like. Cuts into 20-24 squares.
Ingredients:
150g unsalted butter
150g plain chocolate
3 eggs
150g golden caster sugar
130g plain flour
2 tbsp maple syrup
Handful of pecans, for scattering
Method:
1. In a saucepan, gently melt together the butter and chocolate. Just as the last few blocks of chocolate are beginning to melt, take the pan off the heat and stir until smooth.
2. In a bowl, beat together the eggs and sugar. Pour the slightly cooled chocolate mixture over the eggs and quickly beat until smooth. Stir in the flour and maple syrup.
3. Scrape into a 23cm tin lined with greaseproof paper, scatter the pecan nuts over the top and bake at 180°C for 25 minutes. Cut into squares and dust with icing sugar before serving, drizzling over a little more maple syrup if you like.
Steak and chimichurri sandwich
Steak and chimichurri sandwich.
This dish is perfect for an informal lunch or dinner, served with chips and a side salad. Serves four.
Ingredients:
1 large ciabatta
2 rib-eye, rump or sirloin steaks
Olive oil
2 tbsp mayonnaise
Handful of mixed salad leaves (rocket, lamb's lettuce, baby spinach)
For the chimichurri:
2 tbsp white wine vinegar
1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
1 clove garlic, very finely chopped
1 tsp flat leaf parsley, very finely chopped
¼ teaspoon pimentón
Method:
1. Mix together the ingredients for the chimichurri and set to one side.
2. Put a dry frying pan on a high heat and rub the steaks with a little olive oil. When the pan is hot, add the steaks and fry for 5-7 minutes, or until cooked to your liking. Take off the heat and transfer to a plate.
3. Meanwhile, split the ciabatta in half horizontally and spread the mayonnaise over the bottom half. Arrange the salad leaves on top.
4. Move the steaks to a board and slice, arranging the slices over the top of the salad leaves. Spoon the chimichurri over the steak, and top with the other half of the ciabatta. Slice into four and serve while hot.
The Godfather cocktail
The Godfather cocktail.
This sophisticated cocktail is perfect for an after-dinner treat. And the Capital Bar at the Capital Hotel in Knightsbridge have let us in on their recipe, so you can enjoy it at home.
Ingredients:
1 ½ oz Scotch
½ oz Amaretto
Method:
Build the ingredients over ice and stir well. Present in an old-fashioned glass for a truly authentic taste and look.
How will you be celebrating Father's Day? What are his favourite foods?