Our Finest Buttermilk Scones

A classic plain scone like this can play many roles. It can be a slightly sweet sidekick with soups or stews, a tasty base for fruit shortcakes or a toothsome snack with tea or coffee. It's also delightful split and spread with jam at a holiday brunch, and the perfect starting point for three tasty variations (see below).

Saucy Beef Simmer

Like many other stews, this one has chunks of tender beef and onion, but it's enhanced by a touch of Greek spicing: oregano and the subtle yet homey flavour of cinnamon. It takes a while to simmer, so you'll have plenty of time to make Tender Baked Potatoes or Golden Roast Potatoes and corn or green beans to go alongside.

Sausage and Shrimp Gumbo With Okra

Gumbo is a Creole specialty of New Orleans that typically contains sausage, chicken, ham, shrimp, crab or oysters. Its stew-like consistency makes for a hearty dish. To give it an authentic twist, top with a pinch of filé powder, made from ground dried sassafras leaves, if you can find it. But don't worry if you can't: This gumbo is equally delicious without it.

Ragout de Boulettes

"Meatball stew" doesn't convey the spicy goodness of these lean pork meatballs simmered in broth. They are perfectly delicious with a sprinkle of parsley and a bowl of fluffy mashed potatoes or buttered noodles. This is a recipe from the family collection of Andr?eauchamp of Ottawa, but variations on the theme are found in Canada wherever French is spoken. Ragout de Boulettes reheats beautifully and travels well to chalet or potluck suppers.

Bannock

Bannock, a quick biscuit–type bread, is a specialty of aboriginal cooks throughout North America, including in Nunavut. For the fluffiest results, toss the ingredients together as few times as possible. When cooking, use two spatulas to turn – one to lift and the other to support – to keep the hot oil from splashing. Enjoy bannock with tea, or serve with soup or stew to soak up the juices.

Canned Tomatoes

Tomatoes in glorious abundance, loaded down on our garden vines and mounded up in big baskets at the store and roadside stands — now is the time to update an old-fashioned skill of canning this precious harvest. Nothing can beat the convenience of tomatoes processed in jars: just season for a side dish, simmer into a sauce, or toss into a soup or stew. Here's how to process a cannerful of tomatoes you'll more than appreciate in February.

Thai Tofu and Squash Curry

A vegan dish is one that contains no animal products, and this curry is a full-flavoured example of the genre. Squash and red pepper provide brilliant colour and textural contrast to firm tofu in this one-pot dish. We use firm tofu in stews because it holds its shape well when stirred. If you aren't into fiery foods, you can use Thai Kitchen red curry paste (which we find milder than other brands), reduce the amount or use mild Indian curry paste. Serve over rice or noodles.

George's Skinny Pancakes

In spite of my dad's overwhelming affinity for all things healthy, he's got a fantastic sweet tooth, curbed only by hunks of chocolate cake and my late grandmother's Hungarian skinny pancakes, or palacsinta. He would hover near the stove as she turned out stacks of these airy, milky, thinner-than-crêpes treats, sneaking every other one to slather with jam (plum or cherry) and stuff in his mouth. Sprinkle these with cinnamon sugar and roll them up, or spread them with jam. They can also be enjoyed along with savoury soups or stews, such as paprikash or goulash, to scoop up the juices. – Rheanna Kish

Cassoulet-Style Gratin

The Ultimate Chicken and Dumplings

This one-pot meal is loaded with juicy chicken, smoky bacon, hearty potatoes and tender-crisp veggies. We like to call it comfort in a bowl.