Friday, May 30, 2014


I have the pleasure of being on Rebecca Regnier's Full Plate. The episode is airing this weekend on 13abc. Tune in to see how you can have a relaxing no fuss day for the cherished men in your life! Visit www.13abc.com for air times and episodes. 
Father’s Day is in the Bag!

I looked around our gathering for Mother’s Day and realized that the only women who seemed to be relaxing were those over 80 and/or with bum hips. Moms with infants were also “cut some slack”. The rest of us were busy thanking our offspring for begonias and having our hearts melt with homemade cards as we simultaneously prepared brunch.  I realize many moms head to restaurants to celebrate their special day. However, the “pre-game” of finding matching socks, buckling “big girl shoes” and trying to get our youngsters spiffed up for public viewing can still be a challenge.
With this in mind, I thought it would be nice for mothers to have Father’s Day “In the Bag”. Below are some simple make ahead dishes that will allow you to put your feet up and enjoy the day as much as the beloved dads in your life. Enjoy!

Pork Roast with Herbs
Salt and pepper both sides of roast and rub with 2 tbsp. Dijon mustard
Chop 2 tbsp. fresh thyme or rosemary leaves and the zest of two limes and rub into roast
Place roast in zip lock bag
Add ¾ cup lime juice (around 7 limes) into the bag. You may substitute lemons if you prefer.
Drizzle 1 tbsp. of olive oil over roast in bag.
Refrigerate overnight or for at least three hours.

Take roast out of zip lock bag and discard marinade. Place 3 tbsp. of olive oil in pan and sear roast until lightly browned on all sides. Place roast in 400 degree oven for 20 minutes. The internal temperature should be 137 degrees. Remove from oven and let rest for 8-10 minutes. Slice, plate and garnish with fresh herbs.
Sweet Potato Fries
You may prep these potatoes the night before and bake before your guests arrive.
4-5 medium sweet potatoes (may reduce amount based on number of guests)
Slice potatoes in wedges (make certain you have good biceps and/or a sharp knife) and place in mixing bowl
Drizzle 3 tbsp. olive oil over potatoes to coat (or until potatoes are lightly covered)
2 tbsp. brown sugar (coat wedges)
1 tsp. black pepper and a pinch of sea salt
Pour fries onto baking sheet and bake 15 minutes at 450 degrees. Turn fries with spatula after 15 minutes and bake another 15 minutes.
*You may add Cajun seasoning for a little heat or substitute balsamic vinegar for the brown sugar
Salad in the Bag
This salad is a “make ahead” favorite in our house.
1 bag spinach
1 pt. strawberries
½ red onion sliced into rings (I make them big so the kids can pick them out)
1 cup blackberries
½  cup blueberries
Feel free to add raspberries or change fruit proportions based on personal preference.
Dressing
¾ cup sugar
¼ tsp. paprika
¼ cup cider vinegar
1/3 tsp. Worcestershire Sauce
½ cup vegetable or canola oil
1 tbsp. poppy seeds (Please note if you are serving a largely geriatric group, it may be wise to omit poppy seeds. They are tough getting out of dentures!)
Toss spinach, fruit, and dressing for a visually appealing and tasty salad.

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