Whole Grain Rotini With Lamb Ragout

Whole grain pasta is rustic enough to stand up well to a thick lamb-andtomato sauce. Topping it with creamy ricotta and fresh mint adds a touch of elegance. Serve with cracked black pepper and a simple green salad.

Grilled Cajun Shrimp With Summer Vegetable Orzo

Shrimp cooks quickly, making it the ultimate last-minute meal. To defrost frozen shrimp in a hurry, run it under cold water.

Mediterranean Vegetable Panini With Feta Pesto

Whole grilled artichokes from the jar have a lovely earthy flavour and firm texture. If unavailable, use drained, rinsed jarred marinated artichokes. Leftover pesto can be refrigerated for up to five days.

Chicken and Olive Rotini Toss

Rotisserie chicken can be a godsend on busy weeknights. Buy extra so you can transform some into this ultrasimple pasta dish. It's also tasty made with sliced grilled chicken breast or thighs instead.

Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Vegetable Skewers

These tasty delights are only part of our show-stopping, Oscar night menu "And the Winner is...Raclette!" A full, make-ahead schedule in the March 2006 issue of Canadian Living will leave you plenty of time to enjoy the night's festivities with your guests. Serve with Lemon Chive Aioli (recipe below).

Ratatouille Cheddar Bake

With all the sweet flavours of vegetables that ratatouille brings, this is a no-fail winner — and a delicious way to introduce eggplant to the household.

Pan-Fried Tilapia with Ratatouille Sauce

Lean and well-balanced, this simple seafood supper will become a favourite in your weeknight dinner repertoire. Add a side of fluffy Whole Grain Couscous (see recipe link below) to round out the meal.

Grilled Vegetable Quinoa Salad

Grilled Vegetable Antipasto With Fresh Tomato Relish

Traditionally served before an Italian meal, an antipasto platter is a stunning (and easy) way to showcase seasonal vegetables. A quick tomato relish, vaccented with tart vinegar, adds contrast when served over top. This recipe also makes a healthful side dish for grilled poultry and steak.