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The Dads’ EPIC Party!

Hey guys! Melissa here, again!

So, The Dads finally threw their epic outdoor BBQ party! Sure it was thrown on Memorial Day weekend, but really their party was also a launch of their extensive home additions!

Needless to say, it was amazing! Their phones and emails were flooded the following days with praise of how great of a job they did and how much fun everyone had!

The Dads BBQ Party

First of all they added a new outdoor kitchen… Look at the Weber Summit grill with a Viking cooktop!

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They added lots of new outdoor furniture… I love the green!

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They added columns, fans and a new railing to the back porch…

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And a new outdoor bar… Look at that stock!

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(The tags on the chairs were cut of course, post photo.)

They had a special cocktail menu… My favorite was the Coconut Tree Martini! The Dads toasted the shredded coconut right before the party began, and it made it impossible to not want more! It was actually a cocktail designed by my step-sister, Casey (from my mother’s side). She made it for my 21st birthday and The Dads thought it would be a nice personal touch. They also hired their favorite bartender, Megan from City Cafe in Baltimore and her fiancé Tommy, who were super sweet!

Cocktail Menu The Dads

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The Dads Cocktail Bar

They hired their contractor’s brother for the catering called N&M in Pennsylvania. The Dads hired the caters to cook for 70% of the party and The Dads took care of the remainder 30%. They had expected up to 80 guests, so this was not an easy feat!

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The Dads' Grill

The food needless to say was divinity. Everyone seemed to really enjoy the passed ahi tuna from the caters, but the highlight for me was their crab fondue! I’m making you salivate, right?

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Their friend George was kind enough to bring in a huge amount of seasoned shrimp! I couldn’t stop eating them with my cousin, Stephanie!

George, Melissa & Jerry

The indoor table landscape was designed by their dear friend Leslie…

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Of course, Dave’s sister Carol was a huge help!

Did I mention they had 300 pounds of ice?!!!

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Well there’s a taste of what a party at The Dads is like!

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Want tips on how to throw your next upcoming shindig? Leave your questions in our comments! Or email harrisanddave@gmail.com!

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Our Secret Ingredient: Beef Demi Glace!

Do you want a richer gravy or a more flavorful sauce? Then you need to try our secret ingredient: Beef Demi Glace from William Sonoma. Just the littlest bit of this magical product with transform even a simple dish into luxurious one. Seriously. Don’t believe us? Try a spoonful in your next gravy. William Sonoma offers four flavors: Beef, Veal, Chicken, and Vegetable. Check out Harris’ review below to learn more!

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Quick Tip on Grilling: Non-Stick Grill Grids!

Instead of our usual Tuesday Two Minute Tutorial, today The Dads’ wanted to share with you one of their Quick Tips for Grilling!

At last, Spring is in the air! The flowers are blooming and the birds are chirping! And that means, its time for grilling and outside eating! 

Have you ever tried to grill vegetables or shrimp only to have them fall between the grates? Well we found the perfect (and most stylish) solution: Non-Stick Grill Grids from Sur La Table!

These are a must try if you haven’t already. We love them, as they are not only functional but also a beautiful addition to the grill. 

Dave demonstrates in his love for the product in this Quick Tip, one minute video below:

If you don’t have a Sur La Table in your area, you can also order the grids online here: 

http://www.surlatable.com/product/PRO-1310556/Red+Nonstick+Grill+Grids+Set+of+2

Happy Grilling!

The Dads: Harris & Dave

***Have grilling tips you would like to share? Add your tips or questions in our comments section under our post’s title or e-mail us at: harrisanddave@gmail.com!***

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Tuesday Two Minute Tutorial: Simple Syrup

We’re back! After some relaxing in Key West, we are very excited to share with you this week’s Tuesday Two Minute Tutorial: How to make Simple Syrup. Spring is in the air and we are ready for cocktails! Simple Syrup is an ingredient in so many of our favorites, but we can’t figure out why so many people buy it in the store.  Not only is it very inexpensive and quick to make, simple syrup can be stored easily in your fridge. And the best part? You will only need equal parts of sugar and water! Simply heat on the stove until the sugar has dissolved, then store in a Mason jar.  Watch the video below and you will be making mint juleps and mojitos in no time!

If you love this tip from The Dads’, be sure to “Like” us on Facebook or “Follow” us on WordPress by clicking the link in the right sidebar to receive our e-mails!

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The Dads’ Menu for an Intimate Dinner Party!

This week, we threw a dear friend’s very special birthday dinner!

The Dads' Party Table

Our friend, Xavier recently moved to the U.S. from Barcelona, Spain. So, this was his first birthday celebrated here in the U.S! We were delighted to be able to help make his night extra special!

Here was our menu plan for the evening:

5:00 PM

Guests arrive!

Happy Hour
· Bombay Sapphire Martinis
· Red Wine
· Antipasti Tray with Assorted Imported Meats, Cheeses, Olives, Peppers, etc. (See The Dads’ Antipasti Picture below!)

The Dads' Antipasti Platter

6:00 PM

Dinner (Serving 6)

First course

Fois Gras pate’
– Wine pairing: Ice Wine

Second course

Poached Pears in Port Wine (See The Dads’ Recipe in our “Recipe” Section!)
– Served on a bed of salad with Gorgonzola Cheese, Spanish Candied Walnuts. Dressing: Homemade Balsamic Vinegar infused with Pear and Cinnamon Vinaigrette.

Third course

Rack of Lamb with Rosemary Parmesan Pesto
– Served with Pewee Potatoes roasted with Pearl Onions and French Green Beans. (See The Dads’ Recipe in the previous post below!)
Wine pairing: French Bordeaux

Fourth course

Harris’ Yellow Cake with Decadent Chocolate Frosting (See The Dads’ Recipe in the previous post below!)

The Dads' Yellow Layer Cake

Needless to say, the evening was a success!

Be sure to look under our “Recipes” and “Videos” tab to find our Rack of Lamb and Poached Pears recipe! Also, we will be posting Harris’ recipe for Yellow Layer Cake very soon! Stay Tuned!

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Tuesday Two-Minute Tutorial: Peewee Potatoes and Pearl Onions

This week’s Tuesday Two Minute Tutorial is all about how to roast those tiny peewee potatoes that restaurants always serve. These can be great for any dinner from the most simple to the big holiday ones. We like roasting peewee potatoes with pearl onions. The onions get nice and caramelized, and give the potatoes great flavor. What an easy and impressive side! Check it out!

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Tuesday Two Minute Tutorial: How to french a Rack of Lamb

This Tuesday’s Two Minute Tutorial is all about how to french a rack of lamb. And we’re not talking about kissing a cut of meat!

Frenching is removing the membrane between the rib bones of the lamb. The result are those fancy, restaurant-style, lollypop lambchops. And it is so much easier than you might think! This is one of those tricks that can turn a simple meal into a meal fit for a queen!

We shared the video on how to cook a rack of lamb yesterday, but this tip is a go-to when you need to cook to impress!