Preppy Kitchen’s John Kanell Talks to Homeworthy About Fatherhood, Food, and the Perfect Father’s Day

This Father’s Day, we caught up with John Kanell, the New York Times bestselling author and founder of Preppy Kitchen, to chat about cooking, parenting, and that age-old dilemma—what to give dad? John shares his dream Father’s Day meal, the one recipe he hopes to pass down to his kids, and how to help any dad feel more confident in the kitchen. Celebrate Father’s Day with one of John’s delectable recipes—like John’s favorite dessert, chocolate éclairs!

HOMEWORTHY: If you could pass down just one recipe to your boys, what would it be and why?

JOHN KANELL: If I could only pass down one recipe to my boys it would be for Avgolemano, a magical Greek lemon chicken soup. It’s a recipe my mother learned from my paternal grandfather. She would make it regularly, but my brother and I often requested it when we were under the weather. It is delicious, medicinal, and quite nostalgic for me.

HOMEWORTHY: What’s your dream Father’s Day menu? Where’s it being enjoyed? Indoors or out? Brunch or dinner? Set the scene for us!

JOHN KANELL: My dream Father’s Day menu would involve an alfresco lunch. A lovely grilled sea bass with citrus salsa from my book Preppy Kitchen Super Easy paired with grilled veggies, pasta salad, freshly made lemonade and an angel food cake for dessert. Summery, light, delicious, and not fussy at all.

HOMEWORTHY: Are there any Father’s Day traditions you’ve started (or hope to start) with your kids?

JOHN KANELL: The boys make us handmade cards, which we love. Waffles with berries and whipped cream are a must for breakfast and generally we try to spend a leisurely day together as a family. 

HOMEWORTHY: Shopping for Father’s Day can be tricky. What are some thoughtful gifts that hit the mark (especially for a dad who loves time in the kitchen?)

JOHN KANELL: Dads can be tricky to shop for, we all have different interests and needs. Some expert barista tools for the coffee lover, a round of golf for those who enjoy the game. Barbeque tools, cookbooks, kitchen gadgets for the cooks, or a cool cocktail set. 

HOMEWORTHY: What advice would you give to dads who feel intimidated in the kitchen but want to get involved? 

JOHN KANELL: I think we’ve all had an epic fail in the kitchen that makes us question if we should be in the kitchen at all. There are a few purchases you can make to boost your confidence. A scale will give you the perfect amount of ingredients for recipes every time with no more measuring cups to wash up. A Vitamix will make soups, smoothies and your protein shakes with ease. I love my Javelin instant read thermometer– it’s great for everything from temping meats to making caramel.

HOMEWORTHY: What’s the most surprising lesson fatherhood has taught you — either in or out of the kitchen?

JOHN KANELL:  I’ve been surprised by how quickly time passes. All these fleeting moments zoom by so quickly; I’m trying to be as mindful as possible, and appreciate all the special things that happen every day. In the kitchen I’ve been surprised by how eager the boys are to help. They’re not always going to ask if they can do dishes so I’m definitely soaking it all in while it lasts.

HOMEWORTHY: Is there a food or flavor that instantly reminds you of your kids?

JOHN KANELL: Chocolate Cake reminds me of Lachlan as it’s his favorite. George is currently obsessed with mango, so perhaps a mango sorbet for him.