Tomorrow is Father’s Day, so I am happily spending part of my Saturday in the kitchen prepping a family feast.
Father’s Day Memories Growing Up
My mind drifts to memories of my dad and our traditions. From fast and furious games of checkers, where he always emerged victorious, to lively rounds of dominoes, where I occasionally claimed victory, and the spirited ping-pong tournaments where his skill remained legendary.
Even as the years passed and new challengers (aka three sons in-law) joined the family, his competitive spirit never waned, making each game a signature experience.
Father’s Day was also a time for family, homemade cards, and delicious treats. I still recall the sweet scent of vanilla custard churned into ice cream using our trusty White Mountain hand-crank machine. It was a labor of love that my dad undertook with care, adding rock salt to the ice cubes.
Later in the evening, his readings of classics like Little Orphan Annie by James Whitcomb Riley transported my sisters and me to magical worlds.
My sisters and me with our dad circa 1979.
Father’s Day 2024 with the McKinneys
Our traditions may vary from those of decades ago, but the essence remains the same—laughter, love, and delicious food. With all three of our kids living and working in the Twin Cities this year, we’re planning a special feast featuring two of my husband’s favorite foods—pizza and pie.
Inspired by one of our favorite Italian eateries from the late ’80s, I’ll be kneading up a Pizza Rústica. Laden with sweet and spicy sausage, salami, mushrooms, onions, and fresh basil, this is a double-crusted pizza pie delight. And the best part? It can be made ahead and served cold, perfect for a leisurely Father’s Day dinner.
No Father’s Day celebration would be complete without a sweet treat, and for my husband, that means Key Lime Pie. Inspired by Coastal Living’s recipe, I’ll infuse the graham cracker crust with a pinch of salt for the perfect balance of sweetness and savory. Each bite of the zesty filling will transport him to family vacations in Florida. No artificial coloring here—just pure, unadulterated flavor that speaks to the essence of summer.
Happy Father’s Day!
Two Links Du Jour:
Key Lime Pie from Coastal Living, a quarterly publication from Southern Living
Pizza Rústica from Antonio Cecconi – Don’t let this thrift store Betty Crocker Italian cookbook fool you; the recipes are the real deal. The author and chef now teaches cooking classes at Villa Belleza Winery in Pepin, Wis.
Two Minutes Du Jour 
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