News Taffy

Father’s Day is this Sunday, June 21st. I read recently that fathers don’t receive near the attention or gifts on their big day as mothers do on Mother’s Day. This Sunday, let Dad know how important he really is to the family. After all, studies show that children who have a loving, involved father are more emotionally secure, have higher IQ’s and perform better in school. Children learn to regulate their aggressive tendencies and physical contact while rough-housing with Dad. Men teach independence and how to achieve goals. In other words, they are the perfect counter part to a mother’s lessons in nurturing and caring for others.

It seems fathers don’t want another tie or pair of socks but would love to spend some quality time with their offspring. This year, don’t let Dad down or assume he is ok with a store bought card, spend the day doing something he enjoys. Go fishing, play golf or even have the family wash Dad’s car and clean the interior. If Dad loves a new challenge, try Go Ape Treetop Adventure, a zip line and aerial adventure park at Shelby Farms in Memphis. There are several Dad appropriate movies out right now like San Andreas, Jurassic World or Mad Max; let him pick.

I haven’t met a man yet who didn’t appreciate a good, home cooked meal so top off Dad’s day with dinner. This recipe got extremely high ratings from my family and is sure to become a favorite.

French Onion Chicken

2 lbs. onions, sliced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp. thyme

2 Tbsp. flour

2 cups beef or chicken broth

4 Tbsp. olive oil, divided

1 lb. chicken breasts or thighs, skinless and boneless salt and pepper to taste

1 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar

2 Tbsp. Dijon mustard

1 cup gruyere cheese, grated

Heat 2 Tbsp. olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and sauté onions until a deep golden brown, stirring occasionally. This may take 15 minutes or so but do not rush and burn the onions. Add the garlic, thyme and flour and cook for one minute while stirring. Add half the broth, stirring to deglaze the pan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer 5 minutes. Preheat oven to 350.

In another pan, heat remaining olive oil and brown chicken on both sides, seasoning with salt and pepper. Add remaining broth to onion mixture along with the balsamic vinegar and mustard. Return to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer about 5 minutes. Pour onion mixture in an oven safe baking dish sprayed with cooking spray. Top with the chicken, cover and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Sprinkle cheese on chicken and broil until cheese melts, about 2 to 4 minutes. Serve over rice. This dish is pretty soupy so you may want to serve it in a bowl. Serves approximately four.

This dish goes well with a nice green salad or some fresh steamed vegetables. Dad is sure to appreciate a hand made milkshake or some cookies for dessert, two of men’s favorite desserts.