Creative Ideas For Father's Day
WORDS: CHYKA KEEBAUGH
IMAGES: LISA ATKINSON
FEELING A LITTLE BIT FLAT ABOUT FATHER’S DAY THIS YEAR?
How could we not? But like everything we have faced so far in 2020, we keep going! We get creative and we make the most of what we have. So this Father’s Day I thought I would share with a collection of creative ideas that could spark some inspiration and leave dad with a big smile on his face come Father’s Day. When gifting, I do lean towards the practical, and honestly, I think everyone would love a mini esky we can all hide our own bits and pieces in! But let’s make this just for dad’s - filling them with treats we know they’ll enjoy. Using a baby esky as your gift box, you can fill it with whatever Dad loves. To cover all bases, I have filled my two with some chocolate and sweet treats, and the other is filled with a collection of boutique beers.
OTHER IDEAS TO FILL THE ESKY WITH ARE…
Children art, cupcakes, framed family photo
Sports memorabilia, a scarf & ball of their favourite team
Picnic ingredients for an afternoon at the park
Jocks, socks, skin cream, face mask
Bottle opener, coasters, beer cozies, hip flask
Garden secateurs, packets of seeds, garden gloves, small watering can
A simple breakfast in bed (with a twist) will most definitely make his day. Now I love this idea, when I was planning what to do for Father's Day, I automatically thought of a lovely breakfast in bed (because for Mother's Day that’s what I love) but how can I put my little twist on it? What is the special man in your life really into? As I have themed the week for the handyman, I've created a little toolbox breakfast package that I think it is just so cute and versatile. It’s an idea that can be used for anyone's special day.
What you’ll need
Toolbox (mine was $10 from Bunnings - bargain!)
A wooden serving tray
The daily paper
Some delicious pastries served on a wooden board
Serving bowl, serviette, utensils
Small condiment jars with cereals
Mug & portable milk
Fresh Juice
SO NOW THAT gifts & BREKKIE are sorted, WHAT IS FOR LUNCH?
A gutsy, delicious meal to serve Dad for lunch is a delicious chunky beef pie. Full of robust flavours, this pie looks perfect individually baked. To add to your cake, you can also offer a selection of homemade condiments and sides, such as sauces, chutney, a green salad or sautéed vegetables.
CLASSIC AUSSIE BEEF PIE
Ingredients
4 (about 650g) beef scotch fillet steaks, cut into 2cm pieces
2 tablespoons plain flour
1 brown onion, coarsely chopped
2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme
1 x 400g can chopped tomatoes
1 sheet (29 x 29cm) frozen ready-rolled shortcrust quiche pastry, just thawed
2 sheets (25 x 25cm) frozen ready-rolled puff pastry, just thawed
Method
Place the beef in a large bowl and sprinkle with flour. Season with salt and pepper. Gently toss to evenly coat.
Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic and thyme and cook, stirring, for 5 minutes or until onion is soft. Season with salt and pepper. Add the beef and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes or until browned.
Stir in the tomato and beer. Bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and cook, covered, for 55 minutes or until beef is tender. Set aside for 30 minutes to cool.
Preheat oven to 220°C. Place a baking tray on the middle shelf. Cut the shortcrust pastry sheet into quarters. Line 4 round 3cm-deep, 12cm (base measurement) pie tins with shortcrust pastry, allowing the sides to overhang. Brush the edges with egg. Divide the beef mixture evenly among the pastry cases.
Cut each puff pastry sheet in half diagonally. Top the pies with puff pastry and trim excess. Press the edges to seal.
Brush the pies with egg. Cut a small cross in the centre of each pie. Place the pies on the baking tray and bake in the oven for 25 minutes or until golden and puffed. Serve with tomato sauce.
Notes
To freeze ahead: Wrap each cooled pie in 2 sheets of plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, preheat oven to 200C. Bake the frozen pies for 20-25 minutes.
