Husbands Cooking: Tips for Dads in the Kitchen

October 26, 2009

Most nights I think we all secretly wish that someone would come take over the kitchen detail for us.  And then when it happens, I think we are all a little sorry, because…….

 My husband loves to cook, and fortunately, he’s very good at it.  He does have some specialties though – anything that can be cooked on top of a barbeque (yes, even in the winter).  In the 30+years we’ve been married, I can probably count on two hands the number of times I have had to cook on a weekend.  Not bad, you say, but it does come with some caveats:

1. It’s most frequently some form of beef and potatoes (although in the last few years with the advent of planks, we have a lot of fish too!)
2. Someone has to go to the store for some ingredient.
3. All dishes are in the sink at the end of the meal.
4. There’s a lot of crispy crust involved.

All in all, this isn’t a bad list of details, it’s just the result of what happens when someone enters what is typically “MY” domain, the kitchen.  I am, after all, a creature of habit – mine not his.

 

1.  Husbands can learn how to grill fish with planks.

Grilling Planked Salmon

Barbequing with a plank is a great way to tackle more delicate foods and add flavor.  At almost any  grocery store, or store that sells barbeque equipment will have them.   Just soak the plank in water for a couple of hours, and place the fish (usually) on the plank to add flavor while it cooks.  The fish won’t have to be touched until done – meaning it will stay in one piece. Here are some easy steps to follow.

2.  Husbands feel great about cooking on a barbeque!

The better news, is that with the advent of celebrity chefs our breadth of weekend offerings has expanded exponentially.  We have progressed well into rotisserie food, soft shell crabs, fruit for dessert (particularly peaches and pineapple), and the ultimate guy food – pizza!

 When in doubt you  can take virtually any meat and spread it with Two Sisters Gourmet Sisters Southern Sweet  Barbeque Sauce and have a hit.

3. Dad Kitchen Specialities: Hot Dog Octopus and other Dad Food: 

Unlike his Dad, he won’t starve, nor will anyone else in 100 miles.  He has specialized in BBQ and in large quantities, which is generally a good thing. More recently, when I have had to travel, I am frequently regaled with how successful his weeknight dinners are with my daughter: steak salad and hot dog octopuses (things which I don’t regularly endorse). When the children were small, I  was taught how to make hot dogs into fun food octopuses.  Click here for step by step instructions. 

What I wish husbands would learn about kitchen skills!

1. Clean As You Go!

His intent is always admirable, it’s my reaction that sometimes lacks appreciation.  I tend to clean as I cook, so that when I am finished, I am finished – Now this isn’t too bad, but we kind of have an arrangement- he who cooks doesn’t clean, so I feel like I get the short end of this stick.

2.  Think Ahead!

Same thing on the ingredients, I tend to make things that use what I have (and that tends to involve planning ahead).  Or if I need something, I know a day or two ahead – but I understand that doesn’t mean you always get what you want when you want it.  That apparently is not part of the guy thing – same day venture (or maybe a couple of hours ahead- funny how it makes him crazy when the college kids do the same thing).

3.  Burnt isn’t always the best!

Then there’s some degree of burn….which many years ago someone suggested was not too good for your health….and he’s really improved in that area…now it only burns when it is supposed to – like those nice grill marks on vegs

Is it worth it?  YOU BET! Relaxing also means loosening up and appreciating what others are trying to do for you!  I have a husband who cares enough to share responsibility, deliver a great steak (and other) on a day I get to relax.  Enjoys cooking enough to be adventuresome, and appreciate some of what I prepare. And comes back to do it again, even though I moan and groan (about having to get up after a delicious meal!).  Thank you!

Great Barbeque Recipe Books

1.  Making Pizza on the grill is a personal trademark and a great party.  Here’s how. in a fun video 

2.  Everything is manlier if cooked over flame, but this is truly exotic.The Manliest of the BBQ books Seven Fires: Grilling the Argentine Way (Hardcover) by Francis Mallmann

3.  For beginners, you need to learn the basics if you don’t want your backyard to go up in a bonfire. Some great beginner books are here! And from the king of grilling – Weber!

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Filed under: Barbeque Recipes, Cooking Tips, Kid Friendly Food

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