Vietnamese Chicken Noodle Soup

Arrange bean sprouts, basil, chilies and limes on a platter with small bowls of hot sauce and fish sauce to serve with this aromatic soup. Then diners can garnish and season their bowlfuls according to taste.

Egg Crêpes with Smoked Salmon and Lemon Crème Fraîche

Whether you have turkey to tend or presents to unwrap, the Christmas morning crunch is lightened by these gluten-free crêpes that take only a few minutes to reheat and assemble. Instead of the crème fraîche, you can use a generous 1/2 cup (125 mL) of sour cream.

Greens with Tarragon Vinaigrette

Well-dressed salad is a light and refreshing opening course for a rich raclette main course. The salad is just fine on its own or with the Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Vegetable Skewers.

Rice with Peas and Bamboo Shoots

Malaysian Chicken Curry

Peppermint Patty Sandwich Cookies

The combination of peppermint and chocolate is a holiday winner. The dark chocolate dough is ideal for cutting into all sorts of holiday shapes, such as holly. (From "Festive Cookies" in the December issue of Canadian Living.)

Broccoli and Pancetta Saute

Instead of the same old boiled broccoli, try a slow saute. A kick of garlic and pancetta brings this healthy green back to life. With 1 cup (250 mL) cooked broccoli serving up more vitamin C than a glass of orange juice, there's no more delicious way to boost immunity.

Barbecue Side-Burner Rice

Cook this on the barbecue side-burner or in the microwave oven.

Lamb Stew with Squash and Mint

Leg of lamb becomes meltingly tender as it braises in a slow cooker. You can save yourself some work by buying cubed lamb if available. Serve over broad egg noodles with a generous sprinkle of parsley.

Smoked Souvlaki

A sandwich for supper? Why not - especially when the fixings for a satisfying meal are quick to put together.