Bruschetta, Bacon Jam & Dad: The Perfect June Trio

rkokonaski
May 31
4 min read

Hey friends,

June is here—and you know what that means: longer days, sunnier skies, and the official kickoff to summer! Whether you're planning a backyard BBQ, sneaking in early morning walks, or simply enjoying an iced lemonade on the porch, there's something about this month that feels like a fresh breath of air.

And let’s not forget, June is also the time to celebrate one of the most important guys in our lives—Dad. Whether he’s your grill master, car fixer, advice-giver, or your biggest supporter, Father’s Day is the perfect excuse to spoil him a little.

If you’re like me, trying to figure out what unique gift to get Dad is nearly impossible (who wears ties anymore?) That’s why I’ve decided that homemade gifts are the way to go. They’re thoughtful, personal, and let’s be honest—who doesn’t love food?

This year, I thought of putting together a simple, rustic gift box filled with things Dad can actually enjoy: a jar of savory Bacon Jam (yes, you read that right) and the fixings for fresh, summery Bruschetta. Think crusty bread, juicy tomatoes, and a spread that tastes like a bacon hug. Perfect for a snack board, brunch side, or—let’s be real—eating straight from the spoon.

🍅 Easy Summer Bruschetta Recipe

You’ll need:

1 baguette, sliced
4 ripe tomatoes, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt & pepper to taste
Optional: a splash of balsamic glaze

Instructions:

Toast your baguette slices until golden and crisp.
In a bowl, combine diced tomatoes, garlic, basil, olive oil, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes to let the flavors get cozy.
Spoon the mixture onto the toasted bread, drizzle with balsamic glaze if you’re feeling fancy, and serve immediately.

Pro tip: Make a double batch —this gets gobbled up fast.

🥓 Bacon Jam: The Star of Dad’s Snack Board

This rich, smoky spread is magic on burgers, toast, or crackers paired with cream cheese. This jam is a show-stopper —he’ll ask for more.

You’ll need:

1 lb thick-cut bacon, chopped
1 large onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup brewed coffee (yes, coffee)
1 tbsp maple syrup
Black pepper to taste

Instructions:

In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until just crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
Pour off most of the bacon fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan. Add the onion and cook until caramelized (10–15 minutes). Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
Return bacon to the pan. Stir in brown sugar, vinegar, coffee, maple syrup, and black pepper. Simmer on low, stirring occasionally, until thick and jammy—about 30–40 minutes.
Let cool, then pulse in a food processor for a smoother texture (optional). Store in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

👨‍👧‍👦 Things To Do With Dad This Father’s Day

Food is love—but time together is the real treasure. Here are a few simple, low-pressure ideas to make Father’s Day feel extra special:

Go for a morning walk or hike. Coffee in hand, good conversation, and fresh air—it’s an underrated combo.
Fire up the grill together. Let Dad teach you his BBQ tricks, or surprise him with your own bacon jam burger creation.
Take a mini road trip. Drive to a nearby town, grab lunch somewhere new, and explore without an agenda.
Play his favorite game. Whether it’s cribbage, cornhole, or a few rounds of cards, share a little friendly competition.
Work on a project together. Fix something, build something, or help organize his garage. He will LOVE and appreciate the help.
Create a backyard movie night. Set up a projector, grab some snacks (hello bruschetta and bacon jam crostini!), and watch one of his favorite films under the stars.
Just hang out. Sometimes, it’s about simply being present—watching the game, sharing a cold drink, and catching up.

🎁 Father’s Day Gift Box Idea

Package it all up in a rustic wooden crate or a simple gift box:

A small jar of bacon jam (tie it with twine for a cozy touch)
A fresh loaf or baguette
A handwritten recipe card
A bottle of his favorite beer or a small-batch hot sauce
A “coupon” for one of the activities above

And there you have it—thoughtful, tasty, and made with love 💓.

Whether you're celebrating your own dad, your partner, or a father figure in your life, I hope this little gift idea adds a dash of joy to your June. Keep it simple and sweet, and don’t forget to sneak a bite of that bacon jam for yourself.

Wishing you sunshine, slow mornings, and something cold in your glass.

Cheers to summer,