Butter Tart Salmon

This recipe was inspired by my love for butter tarts. How wonderful it would be to incorporate this Canadian favourite into an entree. Using some of my favourite comfort foods, I created this unique savoury rich torte. This multi-layered dish is a delicate balance of sweet and salty. Chilled chardonnay, crusty baguette (lathered with real butter of course) and a crisp mixed green salad would be ideal accompaniments to complete this meal.

BEEF WELLINGTON

Abitibi Game Pie

Come winter or late fall, there is nothing like sharing a savoury meat pie from Abitibi with family and friends. Commonly called tourtière, cipaille or tourte, there seem to be as many recipes as there are amateur of this hearty fare. The tourte, the bird that gave it its name, is unfortunately extinct, but the tradition of this delectable, easy to prepare in advance dish, is very much alive. Deer, caribou, moose, bear, boar and especially hare make it a very special treat. The fortunate cook, who has hunters in the family or generous friends to donate a little game, is blessed. Even more, if they are willing to help deboning and dicing the meat. However, it can also be prepared with farm raised deer, caribou, boar, rabbit and adding shoulder or loin of pork, as some game is very lean. The important thing to remember is (that the recipe calls for) half part game, preferably a variety of three different kinds, to half part diced potatoes. With some home-made tomato ketchup and a nice green sassy salad, like chicory with old style mustard and cider vinegar dressing, the hostess can sit back and enjoy the hunters' long tales.

Curried Bison Stew with Sleeman's Beer

Serve 3/4 cups rice and ladle stew on top making sure each serving has equal portions of carrots and bison, sprinkle with ~ 1 teaspoon of cilantro. Serve immediately. NOTE: When I cook this dish, a salad is served before the main course and the side dish for the main course is steamed broccoli. Dessert is Chocolate cake with mixed fruit and French vanilla ice cream.

Tri-Colour Quinoa Lasagna with Local Seasonal Vegetables

Roasted and stir-fried vegetables are layered between flavoured quinoa to create a healthy and colourful take on vegetarian lasagna. My middle daughter is the lone vegetarian in a household of meat lovers. I find lately I've been incorporating more and more vegetarian options into our meals. It's easier on the family budget, the environment and our collective waistlines! That being said, I do find it more difficult to find a vegetarian meal that is "company worthy". This recipe, created with local veggies, is substantial enough to satisfy meat eaters and impressive enough for a casual dinner with friends. While I love how nutritious quinoa is, I sometimes find it a bit bland. Mixing the quinoa layers with 3 different sauces adds a flavour boost. Use the vegetables listed or try ones that are in season in your local area. If you select items that are fresh and colourful you can't go wrong. While the ingredient list looks long don't be daunted, most of the work is building the lasagna layers and the preparation is not complicated. Serve with a dollop of sour cream and a light green salad for a delicious, healthy and budget-friendly (under $40 including salad) dinner with friends.