articles

Father's Day Dinner!

By Macaroni Kid Wake Forest Publisher Tracee Grimstead, June 13, 2022

Father's Day is almost here and if you're still not sure what to cook up for dad, how about a steak dinner with all the fixings!

I've got everything you need for a delcious steak dinner:

  • Choose your steak! Grill up a flank steak or fry up a New York strip steak with garlic butter - mouthwatering!
  • Two amazing sides: air fryer baked potatoes and a restaurant style Italian salad.
  • Dessert! Spoil dad with pecan pie bars for a sweet end to dinner!


Grilled Flank Steak

This grilled flank steak is coated in a flavorful marinade, then cooked on a grill until perfectly tender and juicy. An easy way to prepare flank steak that produces perfect results every time!

 CourseMain

 CuisineAmerican

 Prep Time5 minutes

 Cook Time15 minutes

 Marinating Time1 hour

 Total Time1 hour 20 minutes

 Servings

 Calories290kcal

INGREDIENTS

  • 1/3 cup soy sauce low sodium is ok
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice fresh squeezed
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 2 pounds flank steak

INSTRUCTIONS

  • Place the soy sauce, lemon juice, olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, Italian seasoning, pepper, salt and onion powder in a bowl or resealable gallon sized bag . Mix to combine.
  • Add the flank steak to the marinade. Marinate for at least 1 hour, or up to 24 hours.
  • Heat a grill to medium high heat. Add the steak and cook for 5-7 minutes per side or until a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meat registers 145 degrees F for medium. Let the steak rest for 5 minutes, then slice against the grain and serve.

NOTES

  1. This marinade can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days, so it’s great to make in advance.  The olive oil may solidify when chilled, so leave the marinade at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before you add the steak. 
  2. Feel free to use a low sodium soy sauce if you’re watching your salt intake.
  3. No outdoor grill? You can make this recipe indoors on a grill pan, or broil the steak in the oven.

NUTRITION

Calories: 290kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 34g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 91mg | Sodium: 807mg | Potassium: 653mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 20IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 59mg | Iron: 4mg

Air Fryer Baked Potato


These air fryer baked potatoes are whole Russet potatoes that are coated in olive oil and salt, then air fried until crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. A quick and easy way to make perfect baked potatoes each and every time!

 CourseSide Dish

 CuisineAmerican

 Prep Time5 minutes

 Cook Time45 minutes

 Total Time50 minutes

 Servings

 Calories220kcal

INGREDIENTS

  • 4 Russet potatoes approximately 6-8 ounces each
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • kosher salt to taste
  • toppings such as butter, sour cream, cheese and bacon

INSTRUCTIONS

  • Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F.
  • Scrub the potatoes under cold running water. Prick the potatoes all over with a fork or paring knife.
  • Brush the olive oil all over the potatoes, then season the potatoes generously with salt.
  • Place the potatoes in the basket of the air fryer. Cook for 40-45 minutes or until potatoes are tender on the inside and crispy on the outside.
  • Let potatoes cool for 5 minutes. Cut a slit down the center of each baked potato and pull the sides back. Fluff up the insides of the potatoes with a fork.
  • Add toppings as desired, then serve immediately.

NOTES

  1. If you’re using larger or small potatoes than the size called for in this recipe, you will need to adjust the air frying time up or down accordingly. 
  2. Choose potatoes that are similar in size so that they cook at the same rate.
  3. If you cannot fit 4 potatoes in the air fryer basket without them touching, you may need to cook them in batches.

NUTRITION

Calories: 220kcal | Carbohydrates: 38g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 22mg | Potassium: 888mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 2IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 28mg | Iron: 2mg

Italian Salad


This Italian salad is a blend of fresh greens, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, olives, cheese and croutons, all tossed together in a homemade dressing. A colorful and easy salad that is quick to make and always gets rave reviews from family and friends!

 CourseSalad

 CuisineItalian

 Prep Time25 minutes

 Cook Time1 minute

 Total Time26 minutes

 Servings

 Calories187kcal

INGREDIENTS

For the salad

  • 6 cups romaine lettuce coarsely chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 3/4 cup cucumber quartered and sliced
  • 1/4 cup red onion thinly sliced
  • 1/3 cup pepperoncini peppers whole
  • 1/2 cup black olives sliced
  • 3/4 cup croutons
  • 1/4 cup parmesan cheese shaved

For the dressing

  • 1 packet Italian dressing mix
  • 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/3 cup white wine vinegar
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise

INSTRUCTIONS

For the salad

  • Place the lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, pepperoncini, olives, croutons and parmesan in a large bowl.

For the dressing

  • Place all of the ingredients in a medium bowl. Whisk until smooth.
  • Pour approximately 2/3 cup of dressing over the salad. Toss until well combined, then serve immediately.

NUTRITION

Calories: 187kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 482mg | Potassium: 85mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 251IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 13mg | Iron: 1mg

Pecan Pie Bars


These pecan pie bars are a brown sugar shortbread crust topped with plenty of gooey pecan filling. An alternative to the traditional pecan pie that's perfect for feeding a crowd!

 CourseDessert

 CuisineAmerican

 Prep Time20 minutes

 Cook Time40 minutes

 Total Time1 hour

 Servings

 Calories404kcal

INGREDIENTS

  • 2 cups unsalted butter softened, divided use
  • 2 cups light brown sugar packed, divided use
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract divided use
  • 2 cups all purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 1/2 cup light corn syrup
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1 pound raw pecans chopped
  • cooking spray

INSTRUCTIONS

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 9"x13" pan with parchment paper. Coat the pan with cooking spray.
  • In a large bowl using a mixer, beat together 1 cup of the butter and 1/2 cup of the brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
  • Add 1 1/2 teaspoons of vanilla extract and 1 tablespoon of water, then mix until combined. With the mixer on low speed, add the flour and mix until coarse crumbs form.
  • Scoop the dough into the pan. Use your fingertips to press the dough evenly into the pan. It helps to use an offset spatula coated with cooking spray to get an even layer.
  • Bake for 15 minutes, until crust is lightly browned around the edges.
  • Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the remaining 1 1/2 cups of brown sugar and the corn syrup. Stir until well blended. 
  • Bring to a boil and stir frequently for 3 minutes. The mixture will get light and airy. Remove the pan from the heat and add the heavy cream and the remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Stir until combined.
  • Add the pecans and stir until they are completely coated.
  • Pour the pecan mixture over the crust, and spread into an even layer.
  • Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25 minutes, until the pecan topping is set (it will move slowly when you wiggle the pan).
  • Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into squares.

NUTRITION

Calories: 404kcal | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 30g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Cholesterol: 44mg | Sodium: 13mg | Potassium: 119mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 24g | Vitamin A: 520IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 37mg | Iron: 1mg


I hope you have a sunny Sunday celebrating the father figures in your life!