Cook For Dad on Fathers Day

Children making Dad breakfast in bed on Fathers Day is traditional.

Yes, it can be messy and Dad might have to put up with burnt toast or soggy cereal, but the love and thought shown by the children is priceless. Even the youngest of children enjoy spoiling Dad one day a year.

Below are some simple recipes for young children to follow (with help as appropriate,) so that they can show Dad they care!

Toast and Jam

It sounds simple, but it is an achievement for a toddler or pre schooler. Mum will need to deal with the cooking, but kids can set out the jam and knife, and maybe pour the juice.

If Dad likes them, swap toast for crumpets, muffins or croissant.

Cereal

Pour Dad’s favourite muesli or cereal into her bowl and serve it with a jug of milk and a glass of juice on a tray. This looks fancier than everyday breakfasts (and saves Dad getting soggy cereal across the carpet and in her mouth!)

Fruit Salad

A bowl of fresh fruit salad is a healthy start to any Dad's day.

Even toddlers can manage to cut a banana into pieces and mix it with grapes. Older children and Mum can add apples, oranges, strawberries, pears and peaches as well. If necessary, a tin of fruit salad can form the base of the salad.

Serve with yoghurt, cream or ice cream, depending on Dad's tastes. NB: to take some of the sourness out of yoghurt to complement the fruit, mix a little caster sugar in it before serving.

Fruit Platter

A platter of fruit and maybe cheeses will give a bit of luxury to the day.

Let the children arrange the fruit, almond bread, muffins, croissant, nuts, cheeses or whatever else you think she'll like. Serve it on a nice platter she can eat of and it is a simple but exotic breakfast anyone can make for Dad.

Eggs and toast

Not so suitable for the very young, but boiling, poaching or frying some eggs for Dad can be fun and fills Dad up nicely as brunch if she's had a good sleep in.

Cook the eggs how Dad likes them and provide with toast and maybe some fried tomato and mushrooms as well. For extra flavour in the poached eggs, add some flavoured vinegar to the water before cooking.

Egg Sandwiches

If Mum cooks boiled eggs the day before, even young children can make Dad an egg sandwich for breakfast.

Mash up the egg and add in curry powder, cheese or other flavourings that Dad likes. Spread between pieces of bread, and voila! A nice touch would be to warm the sandwich, too.

Alternatively, add a raw egg to bread in a jaffle iron or sandwich toaster. Cheese and flavourings can also be added.

Scrambled Eggs

Primary children will find this a challenging but feasible dish to prepare.

The basics are to beat eggs and milk in a bowl. Melt some butter in a pan then add the egg mixture. Stir as the egg thickens and serve just as the last bits of egg thicken.

For variation and to treat Dad, mix some grated cheese in with the eggs and milk; sauté (lightly fry) some onion or bacon in the pan before adding the eggs; or add parsley or Dad's favourite herbs and spices; serve on toast and sliced tomato.

French Toast

Beat eggs and milk in a bowl, adding cinnamon to taste. One at a time, dip slices of bread into the mix. Cook in a fry pan with a small amount of butter.

Serve with cheese and a sprig of parsley or topped with ice cream and fruit.

Tash Hughes is a Mum of two in Melbourne. She is also a writer and owner of Word Constructions. Tash is available to write articles and profiles for any business, as well as doing other business documentation projects. You can see her site and services at www.wordconstructions.com