Did you know that statistics show that fathers are much less likely to receive a gift or go out to eat with the extended family than mothers?  Poor dads, I wonder if they know they’ve been getting the short end of the stick all these years!

Growing up, my sister and I would bounce into the bedroom and yell “Happy Father’s Day” and then just as quickly bounce back out again to get on with our day.  Occasionally, this early morning exuberance would be accompanied by a gift of a tie hideously decorated in garish colours with chimpanzees or some kind of zoo animal prancing along the length.  My sister and I thought it was cute.  I doubt my father’s colleagues shared the same sentiment, although they probably had their own gaudy neck accessories to contend with.

The point is, Father’s Day is never as an elaborate or thoughtful affair as Mother’s Day.  Fathers have fewer expectations and generally don’t need to be fussed over…but this doesn’t mean they should be neglected.

These days, we forsake the tie for a delicious home cooked meal.  It’s a happy situation for everyone because we don’t have to stress over restaurant reservations and picking a place to eat, and Mum gets a break from cooking as well.  My father loves a good roast chicken, it’s always a guaranteed crowd pleaser.  This version is very easy to make as everything cooks in one pan, and because we use chicken quarters everyone gets their favourite cut (perhaps one day the scientists will grow a chicken with four legs, but until then…)

After dinner, Pioneer Woman’s ultralicious ice cream dessert in dad’s favourite flavour, topped with Oreo crumbs disguised as a pot of flowers to make Father’s Day extra special.  Jump here to see step-by-step instructions on how to put it together.

We all know it’s the thought that counts.  This year, for the sake of our long-suffering fathers, let’s not think the tie and cook some hearty Man Food instead! 

Mother will deliver all the ingredients* and equipment for the recipes below for 4 people, with chicken pre-marinated and vegetables chopped and ready-to-cook at a special price of $75, inclusive of delivery.

*All you have to do is buy your father’s favourite ice-cream and flowers, and you’re all set for a delicious special occasion home-cooked dinner!