Janice Beaton Fine Cheese's Macaroni and Cheese

Janice Beaton loves good cheese, which led her to open Janice Beaton Fine Cheese just three years ago in Calgary. Besides the large selection of carefully chosen Canadian and European cheeses and other fine-food products, the store also widely promotes local products, such as organically grown heirloom-seed tomatoes. Recent and popular additions to the store are in-house prepared frozen foods, the most in-demand item being this macaroni and cheese, made with blends of cheese from the store. Beaton always likes to include a sharp and tangy cheese in the mix for extra flavour and combines at least two different cheeses, although she says using all old Cheddar or Gruyère will make a fine dish, too. She encourages you to experiment with favourite cheeses; just remember to use ones that melt well.

Lamb & Herb Pies

Raclette

Classic meets modern in this selection of Raclette ingredients that you can prepare ahead, leaving plenty of time to enjoy the first course with guests. There's about 3 oz (90 g) of cheese per person, but heartier appetites (and cheese lovers) may want to have 5 oz (150 g), which would increase the total to 2-1/2 lb (1.25 kg).

Pulled Pork Pot Pies

Elizabeth Baird's La Crémaillère’s Seafood Cornets with Vodka Vinaigrette

A delicate dance of flavour and elegance — this dish marries fresh ocean bounty with a spirited, silky vinaigrette in a crisp, golden cone.

Coq Au Vin

This classic dish is ideal for entertaining because you can sit and sip with guests while it simmers. Serve the same type of wine for drinking as you used in the sauce.

Spinach and Feta Pie

The key to this rustic vegetarian pie filled with classic Greek flavours is the pastry: it's made with extra-virgin olive oil. You can make the pie up to five days ahead and serve it warm or at room temperature.

Chunky Tourtière

Many tourtières have a medley of meats, often including game. Our version with pork, chicken and veal is milder flavoured but still rich and delicious.

Homemade Mayonnaise

Making mayonnaise from scratch is easier than you think! For best results, bring the ingredients to room temperature before you start blending. No food processor? Omit the egg white, using only the yolk, and make this mayonnaise using a bowl and a whisk.

Lobster Thermidor

This dish is thought to have been created in 1894 by Chez Marie, a Paris restaurant, for the opening of Victorien Sardou's play Thermidor. Others say it was first tasted by Napoleon during Thermidor, the 11th month of the calendar invented during the French Revolution.