Cabbage Rolls

Our classic recipe for hearty cabbage rolls is a labour of love that won’t disappoint. Use two smaller cabbages rather than one large head, as the leaves will be more consistent in size. The best leaves for rolling are in the middle of the head, so save the outer ones for coleslaw or soup. Serve with a dollop of sour cream and a little fresh dill.

Classic Cabbage Rolls

Our classic recipe for hearty cabbage rolls is a labour of love that won't disappoint. Use two smaller cabbages rather than one large head, as the leaves will be more consistent in size. The best leaves for rolling are in the middle of the head, so save the outer ones for coleslaw or soup. Serve with a dollop of sour cream and a little fresh dill.

Nelson Island Prawn and Crab cakes with Mango Salsa and Spinach /Tarragon Fetticini

We have recreational oceanfront property on the Sunshine Coast in BC and have a abundance of fresh seafood available twelve months of the year. One trip several years ago we had only caught two redrock crab off our float and ramp system and about two dozen or so large BC spotted prawns. We decided to put these two ingredients together to make a tasty dish to go along with our city dinner. We have no stores nearby so must make do and improvise.

Pacific Salmon BBQ

Being blessed with living near the Pacific ocean, we have always been experimenting with different ways to serve salmon. We've tried pan frying, poaching, baking, etc. but always come back to the BBQ. With our BC weather, we have barbecued in the dead of winter, in the (mild) snowy season and throughout the year. After purchasing our newest & best barbecue (grill) ever 2 years ago, we feel we have perfected the ultimate salmon BBQ recipe. It's easy to prepare and the blend of herbs & spices lend a unique flavour "memory" of tangy & sweet without covering up the salmon's own natural goodness! We pretty much only eat our salmon this way now and especially incorporate it into any evening of happy entertaining, including New Years!

Union's Sticky Ribs

UNION is a neighbourhood restaurant with eclectic French cuisine. It’s inspired by the classic Paris bistro and the French vigour for good food. UNION offers a weekly menus of classic-inspired fare made from local ingredients. From Farm to Chef to Table.

One of their most popular dish is their Sticky Ribs.  Try the recipe or if you're in the neighbourhood, drop by – they'll love to see you.  And be sure to catch this finger-licking dish on a brand-new episode of  BIG FOOD BUCKET LIST on October 1st, 8 p.m. ET/PT on  Food Network Canada!  Food Network Canada is also available to stream live and on demand with STACKTV.

Porto-Style Tripe

Citizens of Porto are known throughout Portugal (and, indeed, Europe) as “tripe eaters.” Porto was home to the Portuguese navy and, for most of the 18th century, an important port for the British navy. Porto supplied the ships with huge quantities of salt beef, leaving the city with only the trimmings and innards, which evolved into this famous dish. The ingredient list might look daunting, but it's actually easy to prepare – it just requires lots of time and lots of pots. You can simplify it by eliminating some of the traditional meat ingredients. You can also substitute the calf's or cow's foot with veal shank. Tripe lovers will probably want to increase the tripe by up to double the amount. Porto-Style Tripe is always served with white rice.

Vegetable Wellington

Canadian Bison Burgers with Spicy Yukon Gold Oven Fries and Caesar salad

This is an elegant, health-wise version of a Canadian favourite that shows you don't have to sacrifice big taste for health. Bison is a red meat alternative that is becoming increasingly popular due to it's lower fat content and because it is naturally raised, hormone-free, nutrient-dense and tastes wonderfully flavourful. Alberta raises some of the best bison on earth, providing Canadians with a local source of this amazing food. Last year, I made a commitment to myself to live healthier and lose weight. So far, I have lost nearly 80 lbs, and attribute much of my success to being creative and finding healthy alternatives to higher-calorie favourites. In many cases, like with these bison burgers and oven fries, I find that the healthy version tastes even better than the original! I use Yukon Gold potatoes as they give the best result for oven fries, but they are also an inherently Canadian ingredient, being "invented" at the University of Guelph and produced locally all over Canada, including a farm not 5km from my residence here in BC. I love being able to buy local produce, and am often inspired by our delicious, full-flavoured local produce.The salad that accompanies this meal is a low-fat version of the traditional Caesar that is a fraction of the calories and offers a fresh, clean taste.


This entire meal is 598 calories, 20g fat, 43g protein, 71g carbs. Compare this to a conservative estimate of a typical restaurant-style 1/4 lb cheeseburger, fries with herbed mayo, and ceasar salad at 1200 calories and 77g of fat, and you can see that it's a pretty amazing reduction! As well, this meal tastes fresher, more flavourful and delicious than any from a restaurant...it's a win win!

Rich, Hearty Vegetarian Chocolate Stout Chili

I chose this dish because it is so rich and satisfying, that even the biggest meat-eaters wouldn't miss the meat. It's hard to find a good vegetarian Chili Recipe, and I believe this is the best out there. It focuses on complex flavors and it screams "Canadian". A big bowl of chili is the ultimate comfort food. I serve this will a dollop of plain yogurt or sour cream on top, and a sprig of fresh cilantro. And of course with one of my Honey Buttermilk Beer Buns (recipe follows) on the side. This is hands-down the best vegetarian chili out there!