On Father’s Day, chef Curtis Stone welcomes a full day away from the stove as his sons take over in the kitchen.

“My boys usually cook eggs and bacon and draw a big love heart in Sriracha because they know I like hot sauce,” says Stone. The slow but meaningful morning sets the tone for the rest of the day and is part of what makes the holiday so special for him.

“Father’s Day is really about spending quality time together and appreciating those small family moments,” says Stone. “The food is wonderful, of course, but it’s the memories and traditions that make the day truly special.”

One of those memories now hangs in his office. “My kids wrote me a letter saying, ‘You’re the best dad in the world because…’ and then listed all the fun things we do together,” he shares. It is a simple gesture, but one he can look at daily and be reminded of that unconditional love.

Even though Stone says his boys have developed a definite interest in cooking, they also use Father’s Day as an opportunity to spoil him by taking him out to dinner. It is another meaningful family tradition.

For those planning to treat their father to a home-cooked meal, Stone suggests a crab curry served with rice, naan, pickles, papadums, and raita for a “comforting and celebratory” meal, “which is exactly what Father’s Day should be,” he says.

“It’s the kind of meal that’s meant to be shared around a table,” says Stone. “It’s relaxed, flavorful, and indulgent without being too serious.” The same spirit carries through to his citrus-forward dessert suggestion: a lemon tart topped with fresh raspberries.

Whether you’re treating Dad to a dinner out or rolling up your sleeves in the kitchen, Stone says the result is the same: “There’s something really special about slowing down, eating with family, and enjoying everyone being together.”