The Evolution of Dad
In 1966, when Lyndon Johnson designated an official Father’s Day, the role of fathers mirrored one that had been passed down through decades. In those days, Dad, like his ancestors before him, headed out each day to an office, factory, or field to provide for his family. In the middle of the last century, it was Mother’s job to care for the family.
Since then, families have experienced an evolution of diversity, reflecting the greater changes in the world around us. Perhaps the biggest difference since 1966 is that Dad is just as likely to be in the kitchen as Mom is these days. At a time when many women have found their vocation outside the home, men have found new livelihoods, too.
It’s interesting that the idea for a day to honor fathers came in 1910 from a woman who was raised by her widower father. Maybe it was precisely because William Smart had to step outside his designated role and take on new tasks, that Sonora Smart Dodd saw the inestimable value of a flexible father and thought that all fathers should be recognized.
Just like William Smart, modern dads can’t be categorized, and in 2014, dads cook! They know how to braise and sauté and they know all about al dente and fine dice. So, on their special day, how do we honor these men who, for so many, are superheroes with a spatula?
The answer takes us back to the primitive roots of our origin—fire. Men everywhere still love to play with it. Now, though, Epicurean Dad is looking way past salt and pepper to season his catch. How about creating a special seasoning mix recipe for Father’s Day? Feel free to experiment with the following recipes. Remember to taste as you go along, though. Spices change as they are heated, but you will still get a good idea how raw spices will taste when cooked.
You can use these recipes for Spicy BBQ Rub and Italian Seasoning Mix as a dry rub or you can incorporated them into the Dressing or Marinade Recipe below. You might also want to try The Kitchen Diva! Herb and Spice Seasoning Mix (purchase via the Online Store at www.kitchendiva.org) which is a delicious, food and flavor-enhancer specially formulated for people with diet-related illnesses. Happy Father’s Day
SPICY BBQ RUB
3/8 cup garlic powder
3/8 cup packed brown sugar
3 tablespoons dried chives
3 tablespoons smoked paprika
6 teaspoons chili powder
6 teaspoons ground cumin
6 teaspoons onion powder
3 teaspoons Kosher salt
1 tablespoon sugar or stevia
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoons cayenne pepper
Mix all the ingredients in a bowl until well-combined. Store spices in an airtight container in a cool dark place. Label and date as spices are best when used within six months.
TO CREATE A SPICY BBQ MARINADE:
Makes 1 1/3 cups
1/3 cup soy sauce
1/2 cup olive oil
1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons steak sauce
2 tablespoons Spicy BBQ Rub (see recipe above)
Place the soy sauce, olive oil, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, steak sauce, and the BBQ Rub in a blender. Blend on high speed for 30-seconds until thoroughly mixed. Place meat in a re-sealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade into the bag over the desired type of meat. Seal the bag, squeezing out as much air as possible, place bag into a bowl, and refrigerate for up to 8 hours for chicken, pork or beef and 30-minutes for seafood. Cook meat or seafood as desired.
ITALIAN SEASONING MIX
This seasoning mix is delicious not only for Italian dishes, but also on chicken, pork and fish.
1 tablespoon dried basil
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon dried rosemary
1 tablespoon dried sage
1 tablespoon dried thyme
1 tablespoon dried flat leaf Italian parsley
1 tablespoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon ground cloves
Pulse ingredients into a spice grinder or pulse in a food processor until it reaches the desired consistency. Store spices in an airtight container in a cool dark place. Label and date as spices are best when used within six months.
TO CREATE AN ITALIAN SALAD DRESSING OR MARINADE:
Makes 1 1/3 cups
This is a fabulous salad dressing or a delicious marinade for chicken, pork or seafood.
1/3 cup soy sauce
1/2 cup olive oil
1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
1/4 teaspoon hot pepper sauce (optional)
2 tablespoons Italian Seasoning Mix (see recipe above)
Place the soy sauce, olive oil, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot pepper sauce (optional), and the Italian Seasoning Mix in a blender. Blend on high speed for 30-seconds until thoroughly mixed. Pour marinade over desired type of meat. Cover, and refrigerate for up to 8 hours for chicken or pork, and 30-minutes for seafood. Cook meat or seafood as desired.
