What's on the menu for your family this June 20? Although the classic Father's Day backyard BBQ is always a great choice for celebrating Dad and Granddad, it might be fun to mix things up a little and incorporate some new culinary treats throughout the day. Here are a few ideas to get you started—and who knows, maybe they'll even become your new household traditions. Go big!
- BAGEL BRUNCH: An elegant self-serve platter in the middle of the table can be loaded with all the trimmings: everything bagels, cream cheese, lox or smoked salmon, slivered red onion, capers, rounds of ripe tomato, and a mound of fragrant fresh dill. Thinly sliced radishes, cucumbers, and avocado make a nice touch, too.
- BACON BLOODY MARYS: Nothing screams "party!" quite like an extravagant Bloody Mary laden with savory snacks. Mix your cocktails and top with celery sticks, olives, cherry tomatoes, cornichons or dill pickle spears, grilled shrimp, pickled okra, parsley sprigs, lemon wedges, and of course, strips of fatty bacon.
- NACHO BAR: The sky's the limit with this crowd-pleasing dish. Plates of chips can be topped with melty cheese, meats (pulled pork, seasoned ground beef, or shredded chicken), jalapenos, salsas, sour cream, beans, black olives, sliced green onions, cilantro, sauteed squash, and guac. A lot of guac.
- MEGA SUNDAES: Satisfy everyone's sweet tooth with over-the-top ice cream sundaes. Serve multiple varieties of ice cream alongside toppings like whipped cream, maraschino cherries, sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, crushed cookies or candy bars, fresh berries, nuts, crushed peppermints, coconut, and chocolate or caramel drizzle.
- BEER TASTING: Organize a sampling station with Roaring Fork Valley and Colorado-made beers. Set them up from mild to most intense. If you have a few guest tasters in attendance, write up cards to detail each beer's name, town of origin, and flavor profile. Offer simple nibbles like pretzels or crackers.
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