Cheesy Salmon Casserole

Everyone has a favourite go-to macaroni casserole, but this Salmon Cheddaroni from our archives might just become your new weeknight comfort meal. An easy bread-crumb topping creates a crispy crust, making every bite as tasty as the last. Serve with steamed vegetables. Cost: $2.30/serving

Classic Lobster

Belgian Endive and Ham Gratin

Belgian endives have a luxurious buttery taste when cooked. Depending on what Canadian washed-rind cheese you use, you can have a mild or assertive sauce. St. Paulin gives a mild result, while Oka has a bit more sharpness. Full-flavoured Canadian Raclette cheese is perfect. Le 1608 de Charlevoix or Le Migneron from the same region, both of which have a rich flavour and somewhat pungent smell, also work well. Canadian Gouda is excellent, too.

Charlotte Russe

Although this pretty show-off spring dessert looks elaborate, it's easy to make. We have suggested serving raspberry sauce, but you can substitute sweetened strawberries or blueberries for an equally delectable sauce.

Russian Salad

Cost: $4.45 per serving

Individual Smoked Salmon Dill Quiches

The small tart pans used to make these mini-quiches are available at specialty cookware shops.

Anise Cheesecake Squares

This cheesecake, baked in a rectangular pan, suits buffets to a T. Just cut the squares and arrange on a festive platter. To dress up the squares, a little oval of whipped cream wouldn't be amiss, especially if you call on the licorice flavours of the cheesecake by adding a splash of sambuca. Then add a sprinkle of candy-coated fennel seeds (available in South Asian groceries) or thinly sliced pastel and black licorice allsorts. Or focus on the chocolate and serve with a pitcher of Silky Bittersweet Chocolate Sauce.

Broiled Salmon With Sweet Corn and Barley Risotto

Pot barley takes a bit longer to cook than the arborio rice commonly used in risottos, but it doesn't require constant stirring and is packed with fibre. Chervil is a mild aromatic herb with a subtle anise flavour; use parsley if you can't find any.

Seared Salmon With Cauliflower Colcannon

This updated take on colcannon gets a nutrient boost from kale and substitutes less-starchy cauliflower for some of the traditional white potato. We've used a food processor to create a superfine purée, but you can use a food mill for an even smoother texture. This dish has a fair amount of fat, but most of it comes from the salmon and olive oil, which both contain heart-smart unsaturated fats. The salmon also provides heart protective omega-3 fats.

Slow Cooker Tacos Al Pastor

Inspired by the traditional Mexican tacos served with spicy thin pork slices and pineapple, this slow cooker version features pork shoulder broken into tender bite size chunks. If you don't want to serve these as tacos, try serving the pork on top of steamed white rice instead.