Dad What Cooks

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

A quick recap email to see out 2024 and see in 2025. Wishing you happy holidays for the festive period.

Dad What Cooks 2024 wrapped up

It's been a heck of a year and a roller coaster ride for anyone who has a blog. Google did algorithm updates and I saw visitors to my dadwhatcooks.com fluctuate like I've never seen before.

Through highs and lows I kept plodding on and plan to do so for next year too. This is a labour of love for me and my hobby so I'm taking it as a really good learning exercise.

There have been some great highlights for me though which I'm pleased to have been a part of:

The local village duck race and being in charge of the BBQ catering.
Being invited onto the Startup Dad Podcast as a guest to discuss parenting and cooking.
Some tasty new recipes tried and tested and created some new content on the site.
Buying my first pizza oven and being able to experience restaurant grade pizza at home!
Starting this newsletter to become a more regular feature!

I'm so grateful for all this in 2024 and look forward to finding out what 2025 brings.

Ideas for house guests

This is the time of year that we have some down time and a window to spend with family and friends. There is always some things going on in the kitchen too. To help keep you prepared it's a wise move to have some snacks ready for when people drop round.

I've got you covered at Dad What Cooks with some sides and snacks you can serve up.

Snacks & Sides

Last minute gifts...

Stuck for some ideas of what you can buy for the man who likes to cook? Check out this list of 30 ideas (and maybe more) for anyone who likes to cook.

30 gift ideas for cooks

5 Christmas Films and Cooking

I thought as we get time to sit and watch films over the festive period, it would be a good idea to find some that relate to food and BBQ. Check out this list

Here are five Christmas-themed cooking or BBQ films that blend holiday cheer with food:

Chef (2014)
While not specifically a Christmas movie, this feel-good film about a chef who opens a food truck offers plenty of culinary delight. It has heartwarming family themes and features a lot of cooking, including delicious dishes. The holiday season is a great time for food-related movies, and “Chef” has a festive, family orientated atmosphere.
The Christmas Chronicles (2018)
This family-friendly movie follows two siblings who team up with Santa Claus to save Christmas. While the film isn’t strictly about cooking, it features a memorable scene where Santa prepares a feast of snacks, and the warmth of holiday meals and food traditions plays a role in the film’s magic.
Julie & Julia (2009)
Based on two true stories, this film chronicles Julie Powell’s attempt to cook every recipe in Julia Child’s cookbook. Though the movie spans throughout the year, its cosy kitchen scenes and delicious food will warm your heart, making it a great watch for Christmas if you’re into culinary passions.
BBQ (2017)
This Australian film is a comedy based around a man who discovers his love for BBQ after a health scare. Although not specifically about Christmas, its themes of food, family, and gatherings make it a lighthearted watch for the holiday season, especially if you’re a BBQ fan.
The Polar Express (2004)
While this film is primarily about a magical Christmas train journey, it includes iconic food moments, such as the delicious hot chocolate served to the passengers. The movie offers warmth and holiday spirit, making it a fun, family-friendly option with food themes.