In June and We Celebrate Father’s Day.

Father’s Day is fast approaching.  We will celebrate these fine men that we call Father, Dad, Stepdad, Granddad (Nonno in our house) and sometimes Big Brother on Sunday, June 16th this year.  A few year’s ago I wrote about a very special menu we had one Father’s Day in our house which included among many other things, Bistecca Fiorentina. After several requests I repeated it a few more times on our web page and also at home.  What could be more simple and more delicious.

Another year I switched it up a little and it was another hit.   So, again, this year I am doing Lamb Chops Fiorentina!  Is there such a thing, I don’t know?  But that’s what our menu will be along, of course, with a small pasta dish to satisfy the men in our family. We all enjoy a good thick lamp chop.  We’ll use Loin Lamb Chops.  These are the chops that resemble T-bone steaks.

So our recipe goes like this:

Loin Lamb Chops – 1 ¼ – inch to 1 ½- inches thick, at least (the number of chops depends on how many you are feeding and their appetite size!)

Coat each chop with olive oil – for this, you have to use a good quality. Then sprinkle each chop with, salt, freshly ground black pepper and garlic powder. Sprinkle both sides and message each chop so that the mixture is firmly embedded. Place on a dish and let rest for an hour in the refrigerator or so but remove and let come to almost room temperature before you place on the grill.

Get your grill good and hot and cook the chops, turning only once until you get to the desired doneness.  Turn only with tongs so that you don’t pierce the meat and release the juices. Remove from the heat and let rest lightly covered on a plate for a few minutes. Just before serving top with Arugula Chimichurri.

Arugula Chimichurri.
– 2 Cups Arugula
– 1 cup Fresh Parsley
– ½ Cup fresh Basil
– 2 -3 Cloves Garlic
– Pinch of Salt
– 1 Small Shallot – optional for a little sweetness
– ½ Cup Olive Oil – or slightly more
– 1/3 Cup Red Wine Vinegar or Champagne Vinegar

In your food processor combine the arugula, parsley, basil, salt, shallot (if using) and garlic.  With the motor running slowly add the olive oil and vinegar until thoroughly combined and set aside.  If too thick for your likeness, add a few more Tbs of olive oil a little at a time until you are satisfied. If your family likes a little heat, as ours does, toss in ½ to ¾ tsp red pepper flakes.

This goes well with a nice Caprese Salad with the Market’s home-made mozzarella and your favorite grilled vegetables.

For dessert I have a feeling that it will be something chocolate, maybe topped with raspberries and whipped cream, too while we sip Prosecco.

I have several Fathers I am blessed to remember on Father’s Day. First and foremost is my awesome husband, Charlie,  a wonderful provider and loving Father to 4 and loving Grandfather (Nonno to 9)  (and now a Great-Grandfather (BisNonno to 2) for our family.

And, then I always remember my Father.  I was the third child in a family of four

(3 girls and finally a boy).  But I was my Father’s favorite and I can say that without reservation. I adored him and we had many special days together that my sisters and brother for various reasons did not.  I will write more about my Dad at another time.

I also remember my Father-in-law.  He was a hardworking man.  A laborer who in his own special and gruff way took care of his family as well as the families of his siblings, who he helped immigrate to America.

But it is my Grandfathers that I am most thankful for even though I didn’t have them in my life long enough to get to know them very well.  Were it not for these brave men with a vision and a determination for a better life for themselves and their families, I would not have the privilege of being born here in America. They

came here with very little money and a dream and in some instances only with the clothes on their back and a few things in a cloth bag. With grit and tenacity, they became successful and raised successful children. They did contribute to their new homeland.

Never to be overlooked are those brave Dads serving in the Military.  They are separated from their loved ones. For these men, we should all be grateful and thankful.  God bless them.

Happy Father’s Day to all the men out there
who work diligently to be good Fathers.
The job you have and the role you play
will always be your most important one.

Charlie, Anita, Andrea, Claudia
The Entire Augello Family
The E. 48th Street Market Staff