Great Canadian Cheese Platter

Canada produces excellent cheeses from coast to coast. Though most are from large, high-quality factories, there are many small-scale cheese makers perfecting artisanal cheeses. Fig and Wine Conserve, Red Onion Marmalade or Sweet Ginger Almonds all make great additions to your cheese board, as well as fresh fruit. As a rule, buy 1 to 1-1/2 oz (30 to 45 g) of each type of cheese you're serving per person.

Middle Eastern Couscous Bowl

When you have leftover roast chicken from Sunday dinner, this is an easy and utterly tasty way to make it shine. This bowl is great for using up leftover cooked couscous too (if you don't have any, just prepare it according to the package directions). If you don't have raisins in the pantry, substitute sliced dried apricots, and add a crunchy garnish of toasted sliced almonds.

Chocolate Fondue

Choose fruit that's easy to hold as you dip slices into this luscious mixture. Apples, pears, strawberries and pineapple are ideal. Of course, the Mini Almond Cakes are perfect for this. Even though the menu is hands only, small skewers or toothpicks will make dipping easier and neater. The chocolate will stay soft enough for dipping for up to an hour; if it begins to set, microwave it at high for 15 to 20 seconds.

Creepy Witch's Finger Cookies

Gross everyone out with these creepy cookies.

Mandarin Salad

Mandarin Salad

Lemon Dacquoise

Syrup-poached lemon rind is a lovely garnish for this crowd-pleasing dessert.

Rhubarb Strawberry Phyllo Tart

Juicy rhubarb, kissed with spices, nestles in a crisp phyllo crust to make a stunning tart.

Peanut Butter Fudge Balls

Bacon and Onion Cheese Balls

Prepare these one-bite appetizers ahead of time and they'll sit conveniently in your refrigerator until guests arrive. The coating of nuts over the creamy cheese will keep your guests' hands clean as they mingle. 

Fresh Cherry Macaroon Squares

Perfect by themselves or as dessert with a scoop of ice cream, these are best the day they are made.