Pozole

Pozole is a Mexican broth-based soup made with meat and hominy, a type of corn. Traditionally it would require many hours to prepare, but this version takes much less time and still tastes wonderfully authentic. Pozole is served with a garnish tray so everyone can add his or her own final touches.

Veal and Spinach Cannelloni

This recipe is a bit labour-intensive, but it makes two pans – one to eat tonight and another that freezes beautifully for another time.

Abitibi Game Pie

Come winter or late fall, there is nothing like sharing a savoury meat pie from Abitibi with family and friends. Commonly called tourtière, cipaille or tourte, there seem to be as many recipes as there are amateur of this hearty fare. The tourte, the bird that gave it its name, is unfortunately extinct, but the tradition of this delectable, easy to prepare in advance dish, is very much alive. Deer, caribou, moose, bear, boar and especially hare make it a very special treat. The fortunate cook, who has hunters in the family or generous friends to donate a little game, is blessed. Even more, if they are willing to help deboning and dicing the meat. However, it can also be prepared with farm raised deer, caribou, boar, rabbit and adding shoulder or loin of pork, as some game is very lean. The important thing to remember is (that the recipe calls for) half part game, preferably a variety of three different kinds, to half part diced potatoes. With some home-made tomato ketchup and a nice green sassy salad, like chicory with old style mustard and cider vinegar dressing, the hostess can sit back and enjoy the hunters' long tales.

Brined Turkey With Potato & Parmesan Stuffing

Herb and Garlic Turkey with Pan Gravy

As well as looking interesting, the herbs stuffed under the skin add flavour. Save the herb stems to add to the cavity.

Chicken and Biscuits

Chicken stewed with tasty root vegetables has long been a favourite coast to coast. In West Vancouver, Janey Purvis bakes her stewed chicken under a blanket of flaky biscuits. This dish never fails to win raves from family, friends and neighbours. It can be mostly made in advance and kept refrigerated for a day. Then just make the biscuits and bake with the stew.

Mille Feuille with Double Salmon and Crème Fraîche

Beef Stew with Potato Crust

November nights are meant for enjoying the rich flavours of a stew made from root veggies and tender beef and topped with an epic potato crust.

Boeuf Bourguignon

The secret to meltingly tender beef is all in the right cut: a well-marbled cross-rib pot roast. Bourguignon means as prepared in Burgundy, a district synonymous with Pinot Noir wine. So it makes sense to use a Burgundy or New World Pinot Noir both for braising and serving.

Roast Bison or Venison with Red Wine and Onion Jus

Game meat is always leaner than domestic meat, so special care must be taken when roasting to prevent it from drying out. Larding it with bacon or pork fat is a traditional method, and it's important to never cook it past medium.