Fathers Day {Or The Night I was Introduced to Hosting a Family Dinner}

Happy Fathers Day to all the wonderful Dad’s out there, though none are as awesome as mine.

This year, in my new apartment with my newly acquired culinary skills, I hosted my first family dinner alongside my partner in crime. It was a three course meal for eight people and barely any time to prepare. Much to my happiness, it was a success! The food tasted great (unless you talk about the cookie dough dip with my father), the apartment looked fantastic thanks to my mad cleaning spree four hours before hand and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves.

I put a lot of pressure and stress on myself over this dinner. I love to host and this was my first major family dinner. Years from now I will be hosting Christmas; one day I’ll have children and the dinners I host will create their wonderful family memories my mom helped create for me. I felt like this dinner would set the tone for the dinners to come as I become my own adult person.

Crap. I now have a lot to live up to. Not that I’m bragging or anything.

The night before was devoted to shopping for food and preparing certain dishes ahead of time. One thing I quickly learned: I have no clue how much food is required to feed eight people. The good news is, I ended up buying more than enough rather than less. Of course, this meant I ended up spending a lot of time preparing a lot of food. Namely, fruit. I don’t think I’ve ever owned so much fruit. My fridge has never been so full. Of fruit.

{a small portion of the fruit purchased for the night}

As I said earlier, I spent about four hours cleaning every inch of my apartment starting the moment I crawled out of bed. The great thing about this is that I got a great workout from it and my apartment is so pretty and clean now. After I was satisfied with how I’d be presenting my home to those who mean so much to me, I got ready as quick as a bunny and finished up the appetizers. Unfortunately my timing was a little off and the fam-jam had arrived before I finished preparing everything. After a momentary stress moment, a small slice on my thumb and a lot of help from Connor (who arrived with my parents), the appies were served and looking pretty.

{a light and refreshing ice tea to start with}

We served David’s Tea Goji Berry iced tea, a fruit and veggie platter with Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Dip (which I’ve modified since the original post, to update later), an attempt at Apple Cupcakes and Connor served his hand made seven layer dip (which was delicious!). There was so much food but it all seemed light enough to enjoy while not filling up before dinner. Also, it introduced more vegan delights to my carnivorous family which most enjoyed.

{colourful and healthy appetizers}

To make the Apple Cupcakes, make sure you have a well thickened pudding, unlike mine. You only need three ingredients: apples, pudding of your choice and chopped almond slices (or coconut or another “sprinkle” you would enjoy). I cut the apples in half then cored them, which I don’t recommend. Maybe just take out the middle but leave a bottom and warn your guests. My attempt to fill the hole left by the core (by stuffing with other apple bits) mixed with a liquidy pudding did not work. Otherwise, after you cut and digg out the core, put a heap of pudding on top of the apple as if it were icing on a cupcake. Sprinkle with almond topping and you have a cute, healthier cupcake snack or appetizer.

Connor and I were able to sit and enjoy for a bit before we went back to work in the kitchen. Which, by the way, we proudly managed to keep clean while preparing and serving all these dishes.

{couldn’t have pulled it off without this face}

Most of dinner was already prepared before the appetizers were even on the table, except for the chicken and the steamed vegetables. Connor prepared a Southwestern Salad that paired surprisingly well with my Brown Rice and Bulgur salad my parents just love. We also had steamed snap peas and carrots with wine to drink. Our main dish was a Light-Lemon Sesame Breaded Chicken. The original Betty Crocker recipe called for frying the chicken but as we had eight breasts to make and I don’t own a skillet, that wasn’t happening. So we breaded the chicken in a sesame seed-bisquick mix and baked for thirty-five minutes. The sauce was super easy to make and very versatile. It would be perfect for a salmon or other sea food with its sweet lemon flavour. Top off with some green onions and our meal was complete.

{the brown rice and bulgur salad, a super healthy WeightWatchers recipe newly popular in my family}

I set up a tea bar with my various kinds of tea for the family to pick from. I am pretty determined to get my family as excited about tea as I am, though I don’t think it will happen. No one seemed to understand my way of thinking for the set up. I didn’t care, I was pretty tired by this time. Besides, I was able to show off my tea collection and enjoy me some Birthday Cake before dessert.

{my tea bar idea to be refined}

We then served cheeseburgers and pizza for desert. For real. Connor made delicious and beautiful Cheeseburger Cupcakes and I served a Spring Fruit Pizza. This pizza uses a sugar cookie crust: Betty Crocker’s bag recipe, except you basically make one big cookie. Let the crust cool then mix whipped cream and cream cheese icing in a bowl and spread on top of the crust. I let it sit in the fridge overnight and I think that made it taste a million times better — like how left over lasagna is better than the first serving. Top with your choice of fruits and cut up like a pizza. A light, sweet dessert for a variety of taste buds.

Family is super important to me. I am so lucky to have such a wonderful family. I was so excited to prepare and host my first family dinner and three days later I am still bursting with excitement over its success. It was also a great reminder to take the time in our busy lives and appreciate those who mean the most to you.

And enjoy some delicious grubb.