Mixed Rice Stuffing With Caramelized and Crispy Shallots

Rice replaces bread in this hearty gluten-free stuffing. Slowly caramelized shallots add layers of flavour, while a sprinkling of crispy fried shallots delivers a satisfying crunch. The rice mixture is best made the day of, but if you'd like to do some prep work ahead of time, chop the veggies and caramelize the shallots the day before.

Vegan Cheesy Penne and Broccoli

Memories of childhood flood back with this creamy baked comfort casserole. Packing in protein, calcium, and balanced food groups, it tastes like a rich-indulgence, and is nutritious, too. Not only is it vegan, but it's deliciously gluten-free. Easily doubled or tripled, it is perfect as a main dish for a cozy comforting afternoon-in with a friend, or a side to your favourite meal.

Tofu-Stuffed Eggplant with Mushroom Ragout

By Laurie Sadowski, winner, Vegetarian Protein category.

This fresh-tasting vegetarian dish impressed us because it is suitable for not only vegetarians but also vegans, as well as people who eat gluten- and dairy-free diets, making it perfect for gatherings of those with food allergies and intolerances. Nutritional yeast, such as that from Bob's Red Mill, can be found in health food and some grocery stores.

Dark and Delicious Vegan Chocolate Cake

Everyone should be able to eat chocolate cake! A few simple substitutions is all it takes to make our classic recipe free of dairy, gluten, eggs, white sugar and vegetable oil, without sacrificing the intense chocolaty taste and moist, fluffy texture you've come to love. Most high-quality semisweet chocolates are dairy-free; read the label to ensure the brand you've selected doesn't contain any milk products. 

West Coast 3 C's Quiche

I love brunch. This is my favourite meal by far, and I love the ease of having something like a quiche already prepared. The flavours are always richer and more enhanced after the quiche has had a chance to sit overnight as well, which is another benefit to advanced preparation. I thought about my favourite Canadian ingredients and it really has to include crab, chanterelles, and corn. There is just something about the sweetness of the crab, the burst in your mouth juiciness of corn, and the earthiness of sauteed chantrelles with garlic that is just plain perfect. The gouda I love is from Gort's Gouda in Salmon Arm B.C., where my mom lives. It's organic and is outstanding. While the crab and the chanterelles are definitely the bell ringers on this grocery bill, the other ingredients are low cost. I buy my crab and fresh B.C. chanterelles at my local Costco for under $25 combined, which makes it even more affordable. I made this with a potato crust as I can't eat gluten, but a pastry crust would work just as well. I'd pair this with a tangy raspberry hazelnut vinaigrette mixed with fresh, tender leafy greens to round out the meal.

Warm Lentil Salad With Shrimp

Fresh tarragon is an often overlooked herb, but it pairs perfectly with lentils, shrimp and asparagus. This salad is also wonderful cold; just cook and cool the shrimp before tossing with the salad.

Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes

Our set-and-forget version of this classic Easter dish is a win-win: Your oven is free to make the holiday ham and the slow cooker's gentle heat creates incredibly tender and creamy potatoes. You'll need at least a six-quart slow cooker for this recipe.

Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry

Squash and Quinoa Pilaf

This side dish is packed with all the flavours of fall, making it the perfect side dish for your Thanksgiving turkey.

Beef Nacho Bowls

Want a lighter take on nachos that's super simple to prepare? Fresh veggies form the base for this updated version, with just enough chips sprinkled on top for a pleasing crunch.