KEY POINTS:
Father's Day was invented in America in 1908 so men wouldn't get jealous of Mother's Day. As if they didn't already get enough attention.
I happen to have the father most people wish they had - kind, gentle, loving, witty and fond of gambling.
As a child, this
meant going up the road to the trots and the TAB with him, enjoying the wonderful smell of horses, and the camaraderie of the betting shop. My mother was considerably less enchanted.
My father, as luck would have it, was also a good cook, especially sweets for which his teeth were specially made. He never tires of sugar and still has dessert every night, and always keeps lots of cakes and biscuits in the tins.
And he still makes the best scones this side of the black stump.
I interviewed the fathers in my family for this story and they all said Father's Day for them meant being with the family, especially their sons, and eating together. Nobody mentioned presents but they were fine with cards that said far-fetched things like "you are the best dad in the whole world".
This is also a day where you are free to adore and worship other men who have helped father you, like step-fathers, uncles, friends and grandfathers. In terms of gifts, please refrain from ties, socks and books with titles, such as "How To Access Your Inner Tantric Sex God" - most men already have these things. Veer towards gourmet food packages like Havoc pork couriered up from the South Island, a case of pinot noir from same Island or remortgage the house and have some black truffles sent up. Better still, shout him a holiday to the Mainland where men are men and if it's not brown with froth on top, then it can't be good wine.
None of the men in my family specified exactly what they wanted to eat, but I know deep within me that they will be unable to refuse my home-made baked beans.
These are great on burnt toast for breakfast with sausages; on bruschetta as an antipasto, or for brunch, a light lunch or easy supper. In fact, there is no occasion where they are not sublime. They will also keep in the fridge for up to a week and freeze well.
HOME-MADE BAKED BEANS
Serves 6 fathers
500g haricot beans soaked overnight
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
300g bacon in one piece
4 cloves garlic, chopped
2 small onions, chopped
¼ cup white wine
3 x 400g cans diced tomatoes
2 tbsp brown sugar
2 tbsp molasses
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
2 bay leaves
1 tsp sea salt &
1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
½ cup chopped fresh basil
½ cup chopped fresh flat leaf parsley
1) Rinse beans and boil until almost tender (approx 30 mins). Heat oil in large, heavy based pot, add bacon piece, onions and garlic and saute till golden.
2) Add wine, tomatoes, brown sugar, molasses, mustard, bay leaves, salt and pepper.
3) Cook for 30 mins on medium-low heat, stirring from time to time.
4) Add beans to sauce. Cook a further 30 mins, stirring occasionally.
5) Remove from heat, add chopped basil and parsley and salt if necessary.
6) To serve slice bacon up and serve warm with beans.
- Detours, HoS