Mexican Black Bean and Tuna Salad in Pita Pockets

When packing this sandwich, put the tuna mixture in an airtight container. Cut the pita in half and pack it in a resealable plastic bag and put some leaf lettuce in another one. At lunchtime, your child can assemble the sandwich, and this way the pita bread wil not get soggy.

Baked French Toast With Caramelized Pear Sauce

This all-in-one saucy French toast bake is a sweet breakfast treat for a crowd of hungry guests. For the best texture, use pears that are ripe yet still firm.

Mexican Grilled Cheese Sandwiches With Pico de Gallo

Our super-fresh twist on grilled cheese is bursting with creamy guacamole, gooey cheese and spicy chorizo. Pico de gallo, or salsa fresco, is an uncooked salsa that takes just minutes to make. Spoon some of it into the sandwiches and serve the rest on the side with tortilla chips for dipping or tossed with greens.

Crispy Fish & Avocado Cream Tostadas

Mac N Cheese

This delicious homemade Mac N Cheese is a family favorite. Serve it right out of the oven. You can double the batch and freeze it for another night. Makes great leftovers for lunches the next day.

Chocolate Cranberry Twist

Lemongrass Chicken Banh Mi

I love Vietnamese food and have fond memories of bonding with my mother over hot bowls of pho and crisp fresh rolls. Banh mi, my favourite dish, is stuffed with aromatic grilled meat, savoury condiments and crunchy pickles. The crowning touch of this sandwich is the beautifully crisp Vietnamese roll, which you can buy in many Asian supermarkets. If you can't find one, substitute a crusty sub roll. – Irene Fong, Food specialist

Salmon Chowder

On a blustery day, nothing says comfort like a bowl of creamy chowder. Add crusty bread to soak up every last drop.

Chorizo and Rice Stuffing

Just a touch of heat from the sausage adds zip to this colourful mixture inspired by the Frizado family of Whitby, Ont.

Eat-the-Bowl Rainbow Chili

When sending this for lunch, wrap the bread bowl separately. Warm the chili in the morning before packing in a vacuum bottle. Then all your child has to do is scoop it into the hearty bowl and sprinkle with the cheese that you've packed separately.