With the weather being nice and warm outside, why not let the kids help prepare dinner for dad on Father’s Day and make it a fun night out by the grill.

During the day, let the kids make decorations like handprints on a paper tablecloth, blow up balloons or make some simple paper lanterns. Then let them help you with dinner preparations. A great Father’s Day dinner from the grill includes delicious grilled steaks, pasta salad and Texas toast. Finish it all off with scrumptious brownies a la mode. 

Pasta Salad
Makes 5 servings

• 1 16-ounce package corkscrew pasta 
• 1 cucumber                                                     
• 3 carrots                                                      
• 1 bunch broccoli                                              
• 1 15 1/2-ounce can garbanzo beans                              
• 3 tablespoons salad supreme                                    
• 1 16-fluid ounce bottle Italian herb dressing   

Cook noodles and combine with everything else.

Now it’s time to prepare the marinade for the steaks.

Marinated Steaks
Makes 4 servings

• 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar                                       
• 1/4 cup soy sauce                                              
• 3 tablespoons garlic minced                                    
• 2 tablespoons honey                                             
• 2 tablespoons olive oil                                        
• 2 tablespoons ground black pepper                              
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce                                
• 1 teaspoon onion powder                                        
• 1/2 teaspoon salt                                              
• 1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke                                      
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper                                         
• 4 beef steaks - cut of your choice - rib eye is one of our favorites - but whatever you prefer

1.  In a medium bowl, mix the vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, honey, olive oil, ground black pepper, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, salt, liquid smoke, and cayenne pepper.

2.  Place steaks in a shallow glass dish with the marinade, and turn to coat. For optimum flavor, rub the liquid into the meat. Cover, and marinate in the refrigerator overnight or up to two days. 

Now it’s time to cook those steaks on the grill. Of course Mom or Dad should be taking care of this.

3.  Preheat grill for medium-high to high heat.

4.  Lightly oil the grill grate. Grill steaks 7 minutes per side, or to desired doneness.

Texas Toast
What would dinner be without some sort of bread? Dad is sure to love this hearty Texas Toast. Kids can help spread the butter and sprinkle the seasoned salt.

• 1/4 cup butter or stick margarine, softened                
• 4 slices thick-cut white bread, about 1 inch thick             
• 1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt                                     
  

1. Set oven control to broil.

2. Spread butter on both sides of bread slices. Sprinkle with seasoned salt. Place on rack in broiler pan.

3. Broil with tops 4 to 6 inches from heat 2 to 4 minutes, turning once, until lightly toasted. Cut each slice diagonally in half. Serve warm or cool.

Dessert
Help the kids mix up a boxed brownie mix and bake them just before you sit down for dinner. Allow the brownies to cool while you eat, then get the kids to make dessert by placing a piece of brownie in a bowl, top it with some vanilla ice cream. Drizzle chocolate syrup over the ice cream and dessert is ready.

There you have it…the perfect Father’s Day dinner that Dad is sure to love, especially since the kids were busy making most of it.

Want more family friendly recipes and crafts ideas?  Visit Dine Without Whine for weekly menu plans your entire family will love and Kinder Info for tons of craft and activity ideas that are sure to keep your little ones entertained. 

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