Thanks to wholesome lentils and umami-rich mushrooms and soy sauce, even meat lovers will enjoy this vegetarian take on a traditionally meaty comfort-food classic. For faster prep, pulse together the mushrooms, onion and carrot in a food processor until they're finely chopped.
Pork tenderloin makes a leaner yet flavourful substitute in this lighter take on pork chops and gravy. If you like, use shiitake, oyster or portobello
mushrooms in place of the cremini mushrooms.
Juicy fresh cherries star in this simplified alternative to pie. Make the fruit filling at the last minute, otherwise the sugar will draw out the cherry juices, making assembly messier.
Brisket becomes ultra-tender when braised in red wine and beef broth. It makes the perfect centrepiece for a holiday meal. If the brisket has the fat attached (which is ideal for maximum moistness), place it fat side up in the roasting pan.
Perhaps the most Canadian dessert of all is the iconic butter tart. The first published recipe appeared in The Women's Auxiliary of the Royal Victoria Hospital Cookbook in the 1900s, but its origin is believed to date as early as 1663, when the king of France sent 800 unmarried women (filles du roi) to New France to o set the gender imbalance in the colony.
Experts in everyday elegance, Danish people add cherry compote to rich, creamy rice pudding. It’s a match made in heaven.
The simple, flavourful sauce of slightly thickened pan juices, or jus lié, mixed with wine and stock adds a touch of sheer elegance to this special occasion dish. For drama, choose a roast with at least three ribs.
