Bug Balls and Worms (Pasta with Meatballs)

No graveyard feast would be complete without some scary critters walking over every plate of tasty red pasta. We made our bugs using carrot stems and pimiento-stuffed olives. So go ahead, get creative and have fun making your own frightening creatures.

Beef and Bean Burritos with Onion Relish

Pull out one of these spicy, filling homemade roll-ups for a microwaveable lunch with a salad or serve them with rice for a hearty dinner.

Hearty Red Lentil Curry with Eggs

Red lentils are a budget-friendly source of fibre and protein, and they cook from dried in no time. Serve with hot sauce for drizzling over top and warm naan for dipping into the soft egg yolk. Cost: $3 per serving

Peter Gzowski's Favourite Beef Stew

Back in 1992, Ottawa-based Trillium Cooking School owner Pam Collacott and Canadian Living food editor Elizabeth Baird assisted Peter Gzowski at the Ottawa International Wine & Food Show where, as master teacher, he prepared Peter's Favourite Stew. Previous to the cooking class, The Canadian Living Test Kitchen has taken his charming instructions (no measurements) and converted them into the tested recipe you see below. Later, at the behest of one of Peter's fans, we also tried the recipe with caribou and found it worked exactly the same as beef, and, what is so important, was received with acclaim by members of the test kitchen and our guests. Of course Peter poo pooed the idea of measuring and suggested times, but when you want to reproduce the taste that won his stew so many fans, you can't go wrong with a well tested recipe.

Vegan Cream of Mushroom Soup

Fisher's Loft Salmon With Chickpea Mash

We've adapted this recipe from the original, created by Roger Pickavance, consulting chef at the Fisher's Loft Inn in Port Rexton, N.L. Serve with Sauteed Spinach or another cooked in-season vegetable.

Garlic and Bacon-Stuffed Leg of Lamb with Rosemary

Rosemary and lamb are a match made in heaven. Editor-in-chief Susan Antonacci loves to serve lamb, and here she shares one of her favourite recipes – a perfect welcome to spring.

Shrimp Phyllo Spring Rolls

Serve these spring rolls with hoisin or plum sauce for dipping and a sprinkling of chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro for a Thai-inspired garnish.

Lee's Vegetarian Lasagna

Fresh sheets of lasagna, available in the deli section of most grocery stores, make quick work of this tasty and ooey, gooey lasagna that is simple enough for a weeknight meal, or hearty and satisfying enough for a weekend get-together. Use your favourite canned or bottled tomato sauce for added convenience. But for best results, homemade tomato sauce takes this lasagna to the next level.

Beef and Black Bean Enchilada Bake

This tasty recipe is a quick fix when tacos just won't do. There is no rolling involved and each slice has a generous helping of thick enchilada sauce. Substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef if you wish. Serve with a dollop of sour cream and sliced green onion.