EASY-PEASY MEATY MAINS FOR DAD: all budgets, many prep ahead

No one wants to slave over a hot stove during the summer, even if it's for Dad on Father's Day.  These recipes, though, are easy peasy and, if Dad's a meat lover, he'll will be very happy.  

Options for fish, vegetarian and vegan are at the bottom of the page. 

Steak Salad, Thai Style

If Dad's been off red meat for health or budget reasons this exceptional recipe will please him without too much damage to the wallet.  Marinating overnight tenderises whatever cut you choose.  

Korean Style Seared Beef Slices

Spicy, sweet & tender this budget cut of beef is sensational outdoors or in, city or country...Serve with no-cook Sesame Noodle Salad

 

American Hot Dogs

Hot dogs are a favourite English picnic food...but if you're worried about 'junk food' for the family this recipe will ease your fears.  Veggie dogs, wholemeal rolls and make-ahead, easy low-sugar high- fibre Homemade Relish are almost healthy but won't disappoint.

Photo shows Tivali veggie dogs in Light wholemeal Spelt rolls.
 

Budget Meatloaf with Skinny Scalloped Potatoes

For the Dad who loves low-down food, Skinny Meatloaf with easy-peasy Tomato Sauce and French-style Scalloped Potatoes is a  frugal meal that's sure to satisfy the entire family. Make-ahead. 

Duck & Pineapple Exotic Salad

Save yourself time and effort; buy in half a ready cooked duck from  Chinatown for a tantalising salad with an amazing blend of sauce, meat & fruit.  

Peruvian Marinaded Beef Steak

A cheaper cut of meat is tenderised with spicy orange and beer marinade; the beef is tender but full of body, layered with flavours evoking heat, dust & lowing cattle. 

Peruvian Marinaded Beef Steak, knock-out wallet-friendly dish

See Also: fish, vegetarian and vegan options in Blogger's favourite Valentine's dinners 

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This recipe  has been developed by B  Lee/ Bright Sun Enterprises and may not be reproduced, in any form, without the author's written permission.   

FROZEN DESSERTS & NO-BAKE COOLERS FOR FATHERS' DAY

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Phew! What a scorcher!

Heatwaves call for ices and no-bake creamy desserts.  And in these frugal times it's good to know make-your-own are surprisingly easy, wallet-friendly and delicious.

And Fathers' Day weekend is an ideal occasion to show them off.

The following are some of 67goingon50's favourites.

They include easy, lower-fat/sugar, frugal, frozen and indulgent no-bake treats.

Enjoy!

FROZEN DESSERTS

MANGO MINT & GINGER INSTANT SORBET: vegan, no sugar, fat, preservatives.  

Sorbets are a terrific substitute for the sugar, cream and preservative laden ice creams that kids demand. Replace mangoes with any soft fruit. Budget-friendly

HEALTHY STRAWBERRY RIPPLE YOGHURT ICE, 0-fat, 0-Cream, Vegan Option - but much, much tastier than you'd expect. Easy-peasy. Budget-friendly

CHOCAHOLICS' SKINNIER LAYERED CHOCOLATE MARQUISE

Perfect double chocolate surprise: minimum effort, maximum pleasure - and it's skinnier.  Perfect for a special occasion

CHERRY GARCIA ICE CREAM PIE

Choc-a-block with chunks of fresh cherry and dark chocolate, elevated with the addition of cherry brandy, this is a superb dessert for a special occasion on a steaming hot evening.  No baking involved!  The contrast of deep pink, white fluffy mounds of cream and crushed chocolate biscuits is irresistable...and the layers of flavour are glorious. 

FRUITY CHEESECAKES & PUDDINGS

STRAWBERRIES 'N CREAM WITH A SWEET GINGER TWIST

Sophisticated twist on a classic.  The addition of sweet ginger in syrup with ripe red berries and clouds of double cream or clotted cream is unexpected but sensationally delicious.

SKINNY CHCOCOLATE PEPPERMINT MOUSSE : No cream unless you want it as a topping - but this healthier dreamy dessert still offers deep, dark chocolate flavours.

Light & lovely but still intensely chocolatey; 
no-bake, butter-free, cream optional

TIRAMISU PUDDING: less fat and fewer calories: fabulous layers of creamy filling, coffee dipped ladyfingers & chocolate ganache; enlist the family's help and the making of it goes fast.

LUSCIOUS LEMON PUDDING: gloriously gorgeous crowd-pleaser.  Not just a load of cream and sugar; yoghurt lightens & enhances flavour.  Foolproof lemon curd or artisanal  shop-bought elevates the dish.  Make in stages; versatile; stretches to accomodate extra guests. 

BLACKBERRY, WHISKEY & GINGER CHEESECAKE:

If you love blackberries, this seriously creamy cheesecake will press the buttons.  Luscious fat blackberries and a delicate layer of alcohol makes for stunning flavour.  And doesn't it look absolutely fabulous?

An extra delight for  Dad: Lemon Raspberry Meringue Pie. 

Home-made lemon curd has them reeling in pleasure; don't hold back on slightly tart berries and pillowy meringue. Prep in advance.  Save time with store-bought pre-cooked pastry shell/s.

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These recipes have been developed by B M Lee/ Bright Sun Enterprises.  They may not be reproduced, in any form, without the author's written permission.

STRAWBERRY LIME CORDIAL: fresh fruit, optional alcohol, low sugar, easy, prep ahead

Lively strawberry lime fizz, a gorgeously fruity thirst quencher perfect for a heatwave...

Strawberries with a hint of lime...add fizzy water or champers, white wine or grape juice. '...a wonderful pick-me-up when lying in bed with 'flu' 

Looking for another recipe to enjoy all the gorgeous ruby red strawberries on offer everywhere?  

They're at their peak as we head up to Wimbledon season, and tons of them will be served there sprinkled with a bit of sugar and loaded with double or clotted cream. 

Or there's always Eton Mess, the classic mix of strawberries, cream and crushed macaroons.  Or 67goingon50's non-traditional but highly desireable Strawberries 'n Cream with Sweet Ginger. 

Strawberry Lime Cordial is another 67 twist on the delicious fruit.

Pureed strawberries with a hint of lime form a thick cordial which is topped up with ice and fizzy water or champagne or white wine or white grape juice.

It's designed to appeal to tee-totallers and kids as well as drinkers. 

Whatever your choice, it's a gorgeous colour and has great strawberry flavour with a kick  of lime.  It's ever-so-refreshing in a heatwave.

67goingon50 liked it without any sugar at all, but adding a bit of sugar or maple syrup may heighten the pleasure for kids and others.

Easy to make, it's prepped in advance.

Cost: depending on berries, maybe £4.00 not including alcohol (6/23)

Makes: maybe 6-8 glasses; recipe doubles easily   

Ingredients:

300gm/10.5oz ripe strawberries, green removed

zest & flesh of two limes

1/2 cup boiling water

2-3 tbsp maple syrup (opt)

one star anise (opt)

Method:

1. Zest the limes, remove the white pith from the flesh and add with star anise (optional) in a heat-proof bowl; pour over boiling water; steep 20 mins
2. Remove star anise; set aside
3. Add a handful of strawberries; whizz to a very fine pulp
4. Place a fine mesh sieve over a bowl; pour in pulp, pressing the flat of a spatula against the mesh to extract all the liquid
5. Cover and chill 24 hours
6. When ready to serve, process the rest of the strawberries and repeat instruction 4. 
7. Mix with lime puree.
8. Pour cordial into a jug; add the star anise, a few halved berries and a slice or two of lime for decoration
9. Mix one part cocktail with 1 1/2 parts champagne or other alcohol, prosecco or fizzy water

Comment: 'I really liked this, especially the slight tartness.  Of the varieties I tested, the  sugar-free version was my favourite but add sugar or maple syrup depending on your taste.'  Retired writer

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This recipe has been developed by B M Lee/ Bright Sun Enterprises.  It may not be reproduced without the author's written permission. 

SIMPLE SUNSHINE CORN & AVOCADO SALAD WITH MAPLE DRESSING: Vegan, quick & easy, high fibre

Easy colourful salad with the delightful flavours and colours of early summer veg...

Sunshine Corn and Avocado Salad is perfect for this time of year
 at the dining table or al fresco. 

Colourful crispy corn, crunchy cucumber, gorgeously ripened juicy tomatoes & buttery avos are a terrific combo at any time.  But what makes this new 67goingon50 salad so special is the slightly sweet lime & maple dressing. 

A hint of sweetness elevates the ingredients and heightens the delightful mix of textures, flavours and colours.  It all makes for a pretty appealing plate.   

The salad is delicious (of course) but it's also easy to throw together and is ready in minutes.  It can even be prepared in advance and/or transported to a picnic with salad and dressing in separate containers.

And those bottom of the container/bags of artichoke hearts, lamb's lettuce, strips of red bell pepper?  They can be put to good use.  

In the photo, 67 added a few plump olives stuffed with pimentos; a previous version included cooked green beans and sunflower seeds.  If needed, a chopped up boiled egg would add protein.

The ingredients listed are for 2-3 but, really, you can make as much or as little as needed.

Cost: min £2.50

Feeds: 2-3 as a side

Ingredients:

1/2 cup fresh corn, cooked 5 mins in boiliing water and scraped off the cob OR drained tinned or frozen crispy corn (67 used M&S)

1/3 generous cup cucumber, in cubes not too much bigger than the corn (67 tested small thin-skinned Persian cucumbers) 

1/2 small avocado, peeled, diced and sprinkled with lime juice, salt & pepper

4-5 baby tomatoes, quartered

Optional handful of:

olives

artichoke hearts

cooked grean beans

seeds

nuts

finely chopped boiled egg

Maple Lime Dressing

zest of small lime     

2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp lime juice
1.5 tsp maple syrup (or for vegetarians, light honey)

salt & pepper 

Method: