This will be the fourth Father’s Day to come and go since my dad passed in 2020. I haven’t written much about him lately. I’m not sure why.

I think of him often. The countless varieties of fruit he grafted in the backyard. The grapes he grew to make his own wine. His magnificent garden. The house he built and that my mom still lives in. So many things.

I’ve ignored every Father’s Day since he died. I didn’t do anything to honor the day. I think it had much to do with not wanting to feel the loss.

A platter of Azorean carne assada--chunks of roasted beef, carrots, and sausage on a white plate.
: Adam Detour Mama Leite’s famous carne assada, one of my dad’s favorite dishes.

This year, though, I’m ready to celebrate him. Celebrate the man he was, the man who gave me an unimpeachable example of kindness, warmth, and caring.

One of his all-time favorite dinners was my mom’s carne assada com vinha d’alhos (Portuguese roast beef with wine and garlic). He asked for it at Christmas, Easter, his birthday, and even Thanksgiving at times. I think I’ll make it this year and raise a glass of lovely Portuguese red to him. Pai, sua bênção.

Happy Father’s Day to all the great gents out there.

The word "David" written in script.
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My family is absolutely hooked on these breakfast scones. This recipe started me on a scone spree! I can’t stop making them.

The only thing I’ve changed is that after shaping it into a disk, I place it in the freezer for about 15 minutes. Then I slice pizza style and brush with cream instead of egg. Don’t cut them too large, or they tend to lose their shape.

I’ve experimented with using more bacon, but after four slices, I find it overpowering. Make these scones…your family will love them.

Barbara M.
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Father’s Day FAQs

When is Father’s Day celebrated?

In North America, Father’s Day is celebrated on the third Sunday in June and recognizes fathers and grandfathers who have assumed parenting roles. In other countries, the holiday is celebrated in different months of the year, but most recognize it by giving gifts and cards.

What recipes can kids make for Father’s Day?

If you’ve got little hands that want to help celebrate Dad, enlist their help to make sheet pan eggs for breakfast, skillet pizza for dinner, or brownie ice cream for a sweet dessert.

What is the origin of Father’s Day?

The holiday originated in Spokane, Washington, in 1910 by Sonora Smart Dodd, who, along with her many siblings, was raised by a single father. She wanted to create a holiday that would honor him to complement Mother’s Day. Father’s Day wasn’t officially recognized as a holiday until 1972.

What’s your favorite food to serve on Father’s Day, or how do you celebrate Dad? Share your ideas in a comment below.

A metal scoop filled with bacon bourbon butterscotch popcorn.

16 Dad-Approved Father’s Day Recipes

5 / 2 votes
Want the perfect snack for sharing with Dad? We highly recommend this ☞ BACON BOURBON BUTTERSCOTCH POPCORN.
David Leite
CourseSnacks
CuisineAmerican
Servings14 cups
Calories250 kcal
Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time1 hour
Total Time1 hour 30 minutes

Ingredients 

  • 14 cups store-bought or home-popped popcorn, (from 1/2 to 3/4 cup kernels)
  • 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon, (about 4 slices)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 12 tablespoons butter, plus more for the baking sheets and spatula
  • 1/2 cup light corn syrup
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons bourbon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3/4 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

Instructions 

  • Preheat the oven to 250°F (121°C). Line 2 rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper and butter the parchment.
  • Discard any unpopped kernels from the popcorn. Divide the popcorn and crumbled bacon evenly between the baking sheets.
  • Place the sugar, butter, and corn syrup in a 2-quart or other deep-sided saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Remove the pan from the heat and carefully stir in the bourbon, vanilla, salt, and baking soda. Be aware that the baking soda is going to make the mixture boil and bubble like you’re in trouble, but you’re not. It’ll simmer down quickly.
  • Immediately pour the bourbon syrup evenly over the popcorn and bacon and, working quickly, toss everything with a lightly buttered spatula to coat it. (If you prefer, transfer the mixture to a large pot and toss it in there.)
  • Spread the popcorn mixture in an even layer and bake for 50 to 60 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes. You want the candied popcorn to be sorta dry to the touch and, you know, done.
  • Spread the popcorn on a fresh sheet of parchment paper to cool, breaking apart large clumps once the popcorn is not too hot to handle. The popcorn will become crisper and crunchier as it drops in temperature. Store any leftover popcorn in an airtight container.
Southern Living Bourbon and Bacon Cookbook

Adapted From

Southern Living Bourbon & Bacon

Buy On Amazon

Nutrition

Serving: 1 cupCalories: 250 kcalCarbohydrates: 32 gProtein: 2 gFat: 13 gSaturated Fat: 7 gMonounsaturated Fat: 4 gTrans Fat: 0.4 gCholesterol: 30 mgSodium: 215 mgFiber: 2 gSugar: 24 g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Tried this recipe?Mention @leitesculinaria or tag #leitesculinaria!
All rights reserved.




About David Leite

I count myself lucky to have received three James Beard Awards for my writing as well as for Leite’s Culinaria. My work has also appeared in The New York Times, Martha Stewart Living, Saveur, Bon Appétit, Gourmet, Food & Wine, Yankee, Los Angeles Times, Chicago Tribune, The Washington Post, and more.


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4 Comments

  1. I know I must be doing something very wrong. I thought this article had 16 recipes for Father’s Day. No matter how I search, click, etc, all I can find is one recipe for popcorn. Help?

    1. I’m sorry to hear that, Binnie. It seems to be working fine. Are you scrolling down the page? If you click jump to recipe, it will take you to the bottom of the page, which displays the popcorn recipe.

      1. Angela –

        I found the popcorn recipe. But the subject header mentioned 16 recipes for Father’s Day. Shouldn’t there be 15 more recipes, if popcorn is one of them?

        1. Yes. If you start at the top of the post and scroll down, you should see 16 recipes in total.