My Top Three Father's Day Gift Ideas
Robby with his father and grandson
Fathers Day is fast approaching, and it is once again time to put some thought into the gift that you are going to give to your immediate paternal ancestor. The stereotypical gift for many years was a new necktie. However, very few people are wearing ties anymore, so that might not be the best idea.
If Dad is at all into cooking, here are some ideas that might either fit the bill or provide the inspiration needed for you to come up with that perfect gift this year.
Cast Iron Cookware
Cast iron cookware is a great idea for Dad. If he doesn’t already have one (or two, or three), a cast iron skillet is one of the most versatile pieces of cookware around. Great for stovetop cooking, cast iron also moves very easily into the oven. I also love to use my cast iron skillet on the grill outside. Whether you are roasting a chicken, searing a steak, or frying french fries or hush puppies, a cast iron skillet is hard to beat.
If Dad already has a cast iron skillet, consider a cast iron dutch oven. They are amazing for deep frying, and they can be used for baking or for making soups. Again, cast iron moves easily between the stovetop, oven, and grill.
An Instant Read Thermometer
One of the biggest changes I have made in my cooking over the years is cooking to a target temperature rather than cooking for a set amount of time. Learning (usually by trial and error) the desired temperature of various types of meat will bring a consistency to your cooking or grilling that is hard to obtain any other way.
I also use my instant read thermometer when I am frying. Knowing what your oil temperature is allows more confident cooking. More confident cooking equals more precise control of results. I’m working now on perfecting my homemade french fries... frying them twice at two different temperatures.
There are many types of quick read or instant read thermometers. However, my favorite is the one where the probe fords out of an ergonomically shaped handle (like this one). Folding the probe out of the handle turns the thermometer on, and the handle makes it very easy to be precise with where you place the probe.
A Good Apron
If Dad is really into cooking or grilling, it’s hard to beat a good, heavy-duty apron. It both protects his clothes, but also adds a sense of professionalism to the process. I would recommend an apron that slips over the neck and then clips in the back. It is best to find one that will come down to around his knees to protect his pants from grease stains. There are many places that sell aprons with cute sayings or the logo of his favorite team. But, it’s hard to beat a classy black apron for both looks and efficiency.
Whatever you get your Dad for his upcoming day, I trust that you will take the opportunity to celebrate him. And who knows, maybe with the right gift, you might get some BBQ ribs out of the process!!
by Robby Richardson
