A Day just for Dads

Remember the poem about what little boys are made of? Frogs and Snails and Puppy Dog Tails. Well, those little boys grow up and then you can add gizmos, gadgets and anything grilled to that list. As you may have guessed, I am talking about the perfect Father's Day gift. The type of gizmo or gadget that will put a twinkle in Dad's eye really depends on his interests. Some Dad's prefer electronic gizmos. Others want cool car stuff and, of course, the handyman Dad wants an awesome new tool.

If the dizzying array of gadget choices leaves you a little confused, don't forget the other no-fail gift - a great meal. Remember, men love steak and your Dad is no exception. The cliche' may be steak and baked potato, but I say that a juicy, delicious steak deserves a sunny side of moist and delicious sweet potatoes. These Hoisin Kabobs with Grilled Flank Steak and Sweet Potatoes will jazz up your Father's Day celebration. Summer officially starts on Dad's big day, so get out the grill and prepare for the WOW, when you serve these kabobs.

Of course, you may want to take you Dad out on the town for a meal, but I've got you covered there, too. Almost every major steakhouse now offers Sweet Potatoes as a side dish. I've already talked about Outback Steakhouse's delicious sweet potatoes, but did you know that you can also find 'em on the menu at Texas Roadhouse, and the Lone Star and Longhorn steakhouses, and even the ultra posh Ruth's Chris. So wherever you end up next Sunday, take a closer look at that menu and give sweet potatoes a try.

Trust me, he will love his perfect meal a lot more than one of those talking deer heads and light up neckties. You can save those for Christmas.

Happy Father's Day!!

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Hoisin Kabob with Grilled Flank Steak

Ingredients:

6 flank steaks, 6 oz each
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons fresh minced ginger
2 tablespoons minced garlic
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 1/2 tablespoons molasses
1 teaspoon dried minced onions
1 teaspoon hoisin sauce
4 medium NC sweet potatoes, peeled
8 metal skewers

Ingredients:

6 flank steaks, 6 oz each
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons fresh minced ginger
2 tablespoons minced garlic
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 1/2 tablespoons molasses
1 teaspoon dried minced onions
1 teaspoon hoisin sauce
4 medium NC sweet potatoes, peeled
8 metal skewers


Preparation:

Make marinade by combining oil, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, lemon juice, molasses and onion. Mix well and measure out 1 cup. Add hoisin sauce to 1 cup marinade and blend well.
Cut sweet potatoes into 1 inch thick slices, then cut each slice into quarters. Place sweet potatoes in a glass bowl with hoisin marinade. Cover and microwave 2 minutes on high. Let cool slightly, then arrange on skewers, threading them sideways. Allow 6-8 pieces per skewer.
While grilling the flank steaks to taste, grill sweet potato skewers around the edges of the grill turning frequently to brown all sides. Allow about 10 minutes to cook through. Test for doneness with a toothpick.