Home / Food Bites & Articles / Janet's Notebook

Fire Up the Grill in Honor of Dad

Italian Spiced Pork Chops

Not sure about you, but some of my fondest memories of my dad are around the grill. Looking back, I thought all my “problems” could be solved by talking to him while he flipped burgers.

And he didn’t wait for grilling season to light the charcoal. Even in winter months, he’d put on his parka, head outdoors and come back inside with one tasty dinner.

As we celebrate our Father’s Day, I thought what would be more appropriate than spotlighting some phenomenal grilling recipes.

The oil mixture on Carla Tipton’s Italian Spiced Pork Chops make for some very handsome grill marks … and an excellent presentation. “I used the zesty Italian dressing mix,” explains Carla. “You can also use sliced pork tenderloin.” Add a nice salad and you have a perfect, easy summertime dinner.

“Don’t be fooled by how simple [this] is,” says Diane M. Her Oriental Grilled Chicken is “great served with a slaw or salad.” Even your most devout of red meat eaters will be able to embrace this deliciously hearty chicken recipe. This is a regular guest at my table and I have a feeling it will be at yours too.

Shirley Terhaar’s Steak on the Grill is divine. The subtle flavor from the red wine and the coffee beans marinade makes for a wonderfully right taste. “We like T-bone steak best with this recipe,” says Shirley. T-bones were delish, but this would definitely work with your favorite cut of meat too.

“We rarely had meat [when I was growing up], but when we did we sure loved the bold flavors this marinade brought out,” says Ashley Muller. The marinade in her Bold Tastin Grilled Steak is SO tasty! It would compliment any red meat nicely. But, I do have to say, it was especially good on steak. This would go great with a nice macaroni or potato salad at your next weekend cookout.

“One weekend my wife wanted me to try to make her a frozen drink [and] I had plenty of rum left over … one thing led to another,” is how Greg Appel came up with his Spicy Chi Chi Ribs. These are sweet and spicy … just the way I like it. The delicious sauce will definitely wake you up. You may even kiss the cook after one bite of these. They are that good.

Besides a great marinade, a flavorful sauce will add so much to your grilled meat. Brush on Dana Ramsey’s Blackbear’s Grilling Sauce and you’ll be for a treat. “The sauce goes well with pork, steak and chicken,” says Dana. “It takes some time to reduce but it’s so worth it.” This sauce is versatile, delicious and positively addicting! My taste buds are fans of spicy, but if that’s not your thing you can reduce or eliminate the peppers as Dana suggests. You’ll still have one tasty sauce!

If you’re lucky enough to be with your dad this Father’s Day, why don’t you mosey on up to the grill and treat him. I’m sure you’ll create some tasty memories. I know I’ll be firing up my grill in honor of my dad.

I’d love to know, what types of recipes remind you of your father?