Henka's tips for Father's Day

What is your fondest Father’s Day memory?

- My fondest memories are of bringing homemade food to my own father – whether it was pancakes, crêpes, or something else. The joy of surprising him is, to me, the warmest memory of all. A truly special moment.

Have you ever received kitchen tools as a Father’s Day gift?

- I have, and I’ve been really happy with them. The funniest thing is that they’ve often been little kitchen tools made or put together by my child. For example, I’ve received a pasta measuring tool. Gifts like that are truly heartwarming.

What kitcheware should every father have in his kitchen?

- A good frying pan and high-quality knives – preferably both! If you already have those, the next thing I’d get is a good cutting board. Those are the three absolute kitchen essentials.

Does your daughter have a go-to recipe she makes for you?

My daughter loves cooking, so her favourites keep changing. Sometimes she’s made banana pancakes, other times quark pancakes for Father’s Day breakfast. She’s constantly trying new things, often recipes she’s found on TikTok. It’s absolutely wonderful to know that every Father’s Day might bring something new!

What kind of kitchenware do you think is truly built to last?

- You can often tell the quality as soon as you pick up a product. The weight, materials, construction, and details reveal a lot about how it’s made. It’s a bit like jewellery: you can recognise what’s genuinely high quality.

Do you have a favourite pan or knife at home that holds special sentimental value?

- The HEIROL Steelsafe Pro frying pan is one of my most trusted kitchen companions. I may even still have some of the very first prototypes. I’ve been using the pan for perhaps ten years, and it still works brilliantly. I see no reason to part with it.

I’ve also become enthusiastic about stainless steel pans. When I started experimenting with them, I realised just how good they are. Even an old fox can still learn new tricks!

What is the first dish you remember making together with your daughter?

Pancakes! We still have pictures of us making pancake batter on the floor, with my daughter wearing a little chef’s hat. There was a mess absolutely everywhere, but it’s a really wonderful memory.

We also used to make sushi together and go mushroom picking in the forest. My daughter still loves dishes made with mushrooms.

What is the best thing about cooking together?

The joy of doing things and learning together. When I cook with my daughter and she’s the chef, I’m no longer the one giving instructions. I do as she says and follow her recipe. It’s really fun!

The most important thing is to enjoy doing things together. Eating together is lovely, but so is the cooking itself.´

If your family were to prepare the perfect Father’s Day meal for you, what would you wish for?

I’d choose Finnish venison, a good béarnaise sauce, and a generous pile of oven-roasted root vegetables. In autumn, root vegetables are wonderfully sweet.

A good frying pan helps you get a beautiful sear on the meat, an oven dish is essential for the root vegetables, and you need a suitable saucepan to make the sauce. With those, you’re already well on your way!

What would your perfect Father’s Day look like?

I’d get to sleep in as long as I wanted, and then the whole family – my wife, daughter, and two dogs – would come and wake me up with a proper surprise attack in bed.

For breakfast, I’d want coffee, scrambled eggs, properly crispy bacon, white bread, and muesli with yoghurt. Although, with two dogs and bacon in the mix, I’m sure the bed would end up in quite a state!