For the Hungry Papas

June 15th, 2012

Food is a big part of the hungry papa’s life. Partly because it is a big part of mine, but also because he’s worked hard to come by his voracious appetite. He was once a painfully picky eater who teeter tottered between hot dogs and enriched pasta with marinara sauce. But now, despite such allowances, the Hungry Papa is a chowhound of the highest order. It was a slow transformation that started late in life, not until in college, but his palate has fully blossomed, along with his taste for culinary adventure. And the hungry papa’s love of food is one of the many things that I love most about him.

They say that the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach (how many times have you read that this week?!). In my relationship, it goes even deeper than that. Our mutual love of food is a bond between me and the hungry papa. It drives our decisions about where to travel, it brings us together when we’re mad at each other, it reminds us that we share similar values, even if we’ve come to them in remarkably different ways. Making the hungry papa a special meal is not just the way to his heart, but to his soul, through mine.

Here’s a round up of the hungry papa’s favorite recipes, all great for Father’s Day.

Which of these am I making for him on Sunday? Well, here’s the twist: We are going on our first (and perhaps last) ever family camping trip. (If you knew me and the hungry papa in person, you’d know how amazingly humorous this is.) So, for now, I’m focused on camping food. When we get back, though, I just might start with these…

Taco Bites

What can I say, the man is obsessed with tortilla chips and these give him a preferred ratio of meat and toppings to chip over a traditional taco. (His explanation.)

If your man isn’t into bite sized meals (even despite a high chip quotient), why not one of these manly recipes:

Spicy Bacon Wrapped Tenderloin

Carnitas

Pork Chili Verde

Sausage Ragu and Roasted Peppers over Polenta

Slow Cooker Asian-Style Ribs

Jamaican Chicken Curry

And for dessert try…

An all natural “Snickers” dip (Yes, you read correctly and, yes, it’s ah-mazing.)

Blueberries and Cream Crostata

Nutella Pots de Creme

Even if the papa in your life isn’t a foodie like mine, whip him up a little something. Take your time and make it with love. Then reconnect over whatever it is that brings you two together. (What is it? What is it?!)

Stacie
xo
xo