Vegetable Bean Casserole

Vegetarians tired of plain pasta and tomato sauce will be thrilled by this hearty combination of pasta, beans and vegetables. Zippy Romano cheese adds lots of flavour. Serve with a crisp cucumber and red onion salad.

Soy-Braised Beef

Chinese dishes braised in soy sauce are called red-cooked. This one is a satisfying dish for casual fall or winter entertaining. Serve with noodles or steamed rice.

Honey-Baked Brie With Strawberry Salsa

The combo of warm, rich Brie and mildly tangy fresh strawberry salsa is a marriage made in heaven. For the most flavourful cheese, remove the top rind so that the sweet honey can permeate the creamy interior.

Gluten-Free Strawberry Crumble

Shredded coconut in the crumble topping adds tropical flair to an otherwise classic recipe. Many people with celiac disease can still consume oats, but to be absolutely sure yours haven't been in contact with gluten from other products, look for bags labelled "pure uncontaminated oats." You'll find them in health food stores or the natural foods aisle of your supermarket.

Chocolate Silk Macadamia Nut Tart

No-Bake Apricot Nuggets

More fudge than cookie, these nuggets were a discovery food writer Linda Stephen made in New Zealand. Kids will love crushing the vanilla wafers to make crumbs – simply place in a resealable plastic bag and crush with a rolling pin until crumbly.

Mocha Snacking Cake

With rich, dark coffee and chocolate, this tender, moist cake is terrific on its own, dusted with icing sugar or dressed up with ice cream, or whipped cream and berries. If you don't have strong brewed coffee, make it with 2 tbsp (25 mL) instant coffee.

Plum and Rhubarb Cobbler

Don't forgo the vanilla bean. It's the perfect accent for this vibrant tangy-sweet dessert.

Upside-Down Buttermilk Pear Cake

Leek & Mushroom Puff Pastries

These delicious bites come together with a luscious ricotta cream.