Father's Day feast

It's the little touches that matter the most so whilst it's lovely to buy a special gift for your dad, making a nice meal, perhaps their favourite meal, is the perfect way of celebrating Father's Day.

A good place to start is with their favourite foods. What does your dad, or husband (if helping little ones make your other half's Father's Day special), like to eat? Are they a steak and chips kinda guy or does a nice roast dinner hit the spot?

And as it's a special occasion, a sweet treat is a must too. It could be something you make, if you have time and if you have some kitchen helpers to oversee the decoration, or you could pick something up ready-made at the supermarket.

I visited my local Co-op for inspiration, as when I popped in a few weeks ago for some BBQ ideas, I found there was a great selection of fresh food and meals to choose from. There's lots to choose from, for a three course meal or something more relaxed - say, pizza and a movie all sat together in the lounge.

I won't be spending Father's Day with my Dad - instead we are having a weekend together this weekend so celebrating early - so when 21st June rolls around, I'll be helping Ethan treat his Daddy with a nice meal made up of his favourites.

So, what does my hubs love to eat?

His all-time favourite meal has to be lasagne. Rich sauce. Cheesy top. Fresh salad and garlic bread on the side.

Mmm.

Washed down with a cold beer or cider.

Perfect.

And whilst you can pick up a nice lasagne ready-made, you can't beat my home-made lasagne. Just ask hubs. He knows his lasagne!

What makes it so special?

I use fresh vegetables, use lots of layers of pasta and have a secret ingredient. Cinnamon. Trust me, it works!

Here's a quick shopping list for you in case you want to have a go - it's enough to feed a family but also tastes AMAZING heated up the next day:

- 500g lean beef mince
- 8 sliced mushrooms
- 1 chopped red onion
- 1 red pepper
- 1 grated carrot
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1 tin / carton passata
- 2 tbsp tomato purée
- 1 beef stock cube
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 2 tsp thyme
- Fresh lasagne sheets
- 1 jar white sauce (this is where I cheat)
- Grated cheese, as much as you like

Method: I tend to prepare the cook my vegetables in a separate pan whilst browning the mince. I add the garlic to the vegetables once they have started to soften and brown then as the mince turns, I sprinkle with the cinnamon and thyme, then add dashes of Worcestershire sauce.

You can then mix it all together, add the passata and stock cube followed by the purée and leave to simmer for around 15 minutes until the sauce thickens.

It's then time to layer up your sauce with the lasagne sheets before topping with the white sauce and cheese. Pop in the oven for 30 minutes, covered in tin foil, then remove for a further 15 minutes.

Try to not eat it all at once!

Take a look here if you want to see my lasagne or recipe in more detail.

And for afters? Seeing as it's Father's Day, we'll serve something like sticky toffee pudding. Again, it's hubs' favourite and a great option to share too. If you get in quick enough!

What would your dad or husband most like to eat on Father's Day? Will your little ones be making breakfast in bed perhaps, or helping you make a nice meal at home?

Cheers to dads every where!