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Cindy Silver, Registered Dietitian, LLC

Father’s Day Brunch!

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These beef tenderloin and veggie skewers will please anyone!
These beef tenderloin and veggie skewers will dazzle Dad!

Brunch –  A Little History

The origin of brunch is not well understood. Some food historians think the meal began in England’s hunt breakfasts—lavish multi-course meals featuring a smorgasbord of foods such as chicken livers, eggs, meats, bacon, fresh fruit and sweets. Others think Sunday brunch came from the days when Catholics fasted before mass and then feasted on a large midday meal. Within the restaurant world, brunch has become big business nowadays as it adds another dining occasion for families and friends.

Father’s Day Brunch

There are so many foods that dads like – barbecue, deviled eggs, salmon, French toast, blueberry pancakes, bacon, gelato, watermelon and more. Brunch, the combination of breakfast and lunch, may be a perfect way to celebrate the holiday since just about any food can suit your menu. So, what will your special meal for dad look like this year?

Father’s Day Brunch – Which Menu Will You Choose?
Menu #1 for a Breakfast Loving Dad: Easy Whole Grain Banana Pancakes with Canadian Bacon or Turkey Sausage, Fruit Salad, Strawberry-Orange Smoothie
     Hint: Make the pancakes out of a mix, adding some whole wheat flour and a mashed up, ripe banana.
Menu #2 for a Grill Loving Dad: Skewers of Marinated Beef Tenderloin (or Pork Tenderloin), Bell Peppers and Onions, Grilled Sweet Potato Chunks, Grilled Fresh Pineapple & Peaches. See photo.
     Hint: Make the beef marinade out of olive oil, lemon juice, a little soy sauce, minced garlic & fresh herbs.

Menu #3 for a Comfort Food Loving Dad: Oven Fried Chicken or Lean Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes, Great Green Beans, Stewed Tomatoes, Light Banana Pudding

Hint: Make the banana pudding with more bananas and less whipped cream.

Menu #4 for a Veggie Loving Dad: Veggie Chili or Veggie Omelet, Homemade Zucchini Bread, Cantaloupe with Berries

Hint: Cut up plenty of colorful Bell peppers in the veggie chili, along with local tomatoes, if you can find them.

Menu #5 for a Salad Loving Dad: Terrific Turkey Salad or Tuna Salad with Light Deviled Eggs, Pasta Salad and Fresh Fruit Salad

Hint: Make the deviled eggs with fat free Greek-style yogurt instead of mayo.

Make Healthier Eating a Family Affair

Healthy eating benefits everyone. So, I encourage you to make it a family affair. Start with your menu plans, then make a shopping list, then go to the grocery store. At the store, make a conscious decision to buy more nutrient-rich choices and fewer nutrient-poor choices. You’ll feel the difference! For help with menu plans, invest in my e-books which are affordable and easy to implement. For help with healthier recipes, invest in my recipe themed e-books. You’ll be glad you did!

What is your healthy menu for Father’s Day?