What's better than hot, fresh, salty pretzels? Hot, fresh, salty pretzels shaped into letters that spell D-A-D! Or P-A-P-A or T-H-E M-A-N. This pretzel recipe is easy (the dough is ready-made) and kid-friendly.We've also included a quick and delicious honey-mustard dip.

Ingredients

• 1-pound loaf frozen white bread dough (such as Rhodes Bake-N-Serv)
• 4 cups warm water
• 1 1/2 tablespoons baking soda
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon water

• Coarse salt (Morton coarse kosher salt worked best for us)
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• HONEY-MUSTARD DIP
• 1/4 cup yellow mustard
• 1 1/2 tablespoons honey

Instructions

1. Thaw the bread dough according to the package directions but do not let it rise. Heat the oven to 450°. The dough will be easier to roll if it is at or near room temperature. Using a sharp knife (a parent's job), divide the dough into 8 pieces. Roll each piece into an 18-inch rope on a dry, unfloured surface. If the dough is very elastic and difficult to shape, roll it as best you can, set it aside for 10 minutes, and then try again. Shape the dough into letters, pinching seams tightly.

2. In a large bowl, mix together the 4 cups of warm water and the baking soda. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and 1 tablespoon of water. Lightly spray a baking sheet (2 if needed) with nonstick spray and set aside.

3. Carefully dip the dough letters into the baking soda and water mixture and place them on the prepared baking sheet(s). Brush them with the whisked egg and sprinkle with salt. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes or until dark brown. Brush the pretzels with melted butter, if desired. Makes about 8 letters. Serve warm with honey-mustard dip.

4. To make the dip, stir together the honey and mustard in a small bowl. Keep the sauce refrigerated until it's needed. (From Family Fun Mag…Great resource for families I might add!)

Best-ever Barbecue Apron

I just loved this idea. I made aprons with my children for all kinds of events! Even the most serious griller will love this gift from his children. Great for a Grandfather's gift as well!

Materials

• White canvas apron, in Dad's size, available at craft stores
• Masking tape

• Fabric paints of different colors
• Paintbrushes

1. Mark off sections of the apron with masking tape, so each child artist gets his or her own tableau.

2. Kids can sketch out ideas on paper beforehand or go straight to canvas. Themes might include food on the grill, family selfportraits, or Dad's favorite things. Allow the pain to set.

Sweet and Sour Barbecued Chicken

What man doesn't like a grill? What man doesn't like grilled sweet and sour chicken!? This is a great easy recipe to serve the Father King of your life. I pair it with grilled corn on the cob and a large tossed cabbage salad.

Ingredients

• 2 garlic cloves, crushed through a garlic press
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• juice of 1/2 lime
• juice of 1/2 lemon
• red pepper flakes (the more the better as far as I am concerned!)
  
• 1/3 cup light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

• 1/3 cup honey
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 whole boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut in half..pounded thin.
  

1. In a shallow bowl, whisk together the garlic, vinegar, lime and lemon juices, brown sugar, mustard, honey, and salt and pepper. Whisk in the olive oil (a fun job for kids).

2. Reserve two portions of the mixture for basting and for dipping sauce, then add the chicken to the dish and turn it to coat.

3. Grill the chicken for about 4 minutes per side or until the juices run clear. During the last minutes of cooking, baste the chicken with one portion of the reserved sauce to glaze it.

4. Garnish with chopped Italian parsley, if desired.