6 dishes for the dad who has everything

If a spotty pair of socks won't cut the mustard, change your tack (or condiment) and prepare Dad a really good feed this Father's Day.

Source: Chris Chen

1. Loaf for the loveable oaf

What’s the best thing since sliced bread? Anneka Manning’s sliced apple bread! The loaf is particularly lovely with whipped honey butter, but you can serve fresh ricotta and honey if Pa is watching his weight.

Apple bread with whipped honey butter Source: Alan Benson

2. The gain in Spain

Roast lamb or cordero asado might be a Christmas classic in the Catalan region of Spain, but there’s no reason to delay your (and Dad’s) gratification until then. Prepare the shoulder with garlic, parsley, lard and a generous lashing of red wine in the morning and come lunchtime, tender, flavourful meat will be ready for the taking.

Source: Chris Chen

3. The best kind of B ‘n’ B

If your father prefers to be behind the barbie, spoil him with amazing produce and play bartender instead of cook. This recipe for braised and barbecued octopus is bound to put a fire in his belly.

Source: Brett Stevens

4. “I’ll have a cider that!”

When Dad says, “Don’t go to any trouble!” What he really means is, “I’d love something delicious, but I don’t want you slaving away.” To keep his stomach satisfied and conscience clear, choose a slow-cooked speciality, like this pork, rhubarb and cider casserole. The Dutch dish is wonderful with potatoes (boiled, mashed or rösti-style), and surfeit cider can go to your family’s leading man.

Source: Alan Benson

5. Papa Potato Head

Speaking of taters, these duck fat-roasted kipflers are truly terrific. Cooked with white beans, garlic and sage, they’re likely to outshine meaty mainstays.

6. Humble? Hardly.

Go one up on carrot cake with this tropical dream of a dessert. This hummingbird cake from The food dept. is made from pineapple, banana, coconut and pecans, spread thickly with cream cheese frosting and scattered with toffee nuts.

For more dishes Dad will love, jump on over to our Father's Day recipe collection and start bookmarking like nobody's business.