Rhubarb Ginger Yogurt Parfaits

This sweet granola has a surprising yet gentle hint of ginger and is the perfect partner for the tangy rhubarb topping. Set out the yogurt, granola and compote with small bowls or pretty glasses so guests can make their own parfaits. When combined with plain yogurt, these parfaits may be a bit tangy for young palates, so have a little honey or maple syrup on hand for drizzling.

Baked Brie with Apples & Cranberries

I love to serve this dish when friends come over for a girls night out, movie night etc. Also, I am asked to bring this dish to every party I go to, everyone just loves it. I have a beautiful pottery dish that works well with this dish, and an other pottery dish that I use for the bread. It is perfect for fall and winter. I use maple syrup instead of brown sugar if it is on hand.

Maple Crusted Cedar Plank Salmon

I love to barbecue, and this is my family's favourite way to eat salmon. We always buy a few extra maple sugar leaves from the farmer's market to use on the salmon. We also make our own maple syrup from our trees, so this makes it more personal. I serve the sweet salmon with a tart cranberry icewine compote, which sets the flavours off nicely. The icewine is made not far from us, in Prince Edward Country, Ontario, so that is local as well. Finally, we grow fiddleheads on our property, which are just coming into season now, so I think this makes a perfect side dish.

Roasted Pork Loin and Vegetables

This is a wonderful late summer or early fall recipe using fresh vegetables and berries, with the added touch of our local dark rum and truly Canadian maple syrup. You can vary the vegetables depending on what is available at the time, just use about a half pound of vegetables per person. Also, we like the tarragon, but a combination of fresh herbs could be used with the vegetables. This recipe will serve 6 ? 8 people. Easy to prepare,it is fancy enough for company but simple enough and quick enough for a family supper. Because the vegetables and roast cook together and the sauce it quick, it can be cooking while you enjoy your company. Begin by preparing the pork and vegetables and then while they are cooking, prepare the barbeque sauce.

Cedar Planked Salmon with Maple Curry Glaze

This dish is a favorite at our home for entertaining - it is delicious, easy to make and guests are always impressed with the presentation (we bring the plank directly to the table and serve off of it!). My husband, who is currently serving in Afghanistan, was home on leave recently and it was his homecoming request for dinner! Since we are currently living in New Brunswick, we love that fresh atlantic salmon is readily available and the maple syrup here is some of the best in the world! In the spring time, I love to serve this dish with steamed fresh fiddleheads tossed in garlic butter and jasmine or basmati rice (or wild rice when we were living near Winnipeg). At other times of the year, I serve garlic sauteed spinach. If you aren't a curry lover, just leave it out and the dish is still great! Cedar planked Salmon is fantastic on the grill but can also be prepared in the oven. Enjoy!!

Pure MmmMaple, Molasses and Sweet Mustard Glazed Pork Tenderloin

Pure Canadian maple syrup, pure fancy molasses and sweet mustard blend with the flavour of the two-pepper rub on pork tenderloin for an "mmm..." sweet and spicy finish. Casual entertaining proves far more enjoyable if preparation is fairly simple, allowing the cook an opportunity to benefit along with the guests. Pork tenderloin, properly skinned and cleaned, makes the perfect surface for a dry rub. Rubbed with a simple mixture of freshly ground pepper, cayenne and a dash of salt, the tenderloin can be prepared as far ahead as the night before or just before guests arrive. Initially grilled on high for 10 minutes, it is then brushed with a prepared glaze and finished grilling. Once done, it is removed from the heat and tented with foil for approximately 5-10 minutes. To serve, slice pork and fan around a platter. Drizzle remaining glaze over the meat. Serve with garlic mashed potatoes, steamed honey dill carrots and a fresh garden salad on the side. Alternately, plate individually (pictured).

Lake Brome Duck Breast with Cranberry and Kumquat Chutney

Menu:
Lake Brome Duck Breast with Cranberry and Kumquat Chutney
Oven Roasted Nova Scotia Organic Fingerling Potatoes
Organic Nova Scotia Carrots in Maple Syrup Glaze
Salad of Organic Nova Scotia Micro Greens and Sprouts with Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette and Honey Goat Cheese Puffs

Inspiration: The inspiration for this meal comes from the 100 mile challenge featured on Food Network. I am currently involved with a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) farm here in Nova Scotia and am quite passionate about eating Slow Food, which is locally grown. I want to reduce my carbon footprint by using as many ingredients as possible that come from the province where I live in rather than from afar. It is nice to know, not only where your food comes from, but who grew it as well. Our children are quite excited each week to see our food box arrive, and always wonder what our farmer has sent us. Part of what I like about this recipe is that although it appears complicated, it really is quite simple and requires nothing out of the ordinary for most kitchens these days, with the exception of the kumquats. I have also included the recipes for the side dishes I like to serve with this meal. Preparation time includes preparing and cooking the side dishes as well. There are substitutions for the vegetables, for example using new baby potatoes or baby carrots, and substituting a peppery arugula for the micro greens. Food doesn't have to be pretentious or difficult to taste good. This recipe calls for one duck breast for each person, which for some appetites may be alot. The recipe could be stretched to serve 8, if the breasts are on the larger side. Wine Pairing: Jost L'Acadie Blanc Chardonnay (The Flight of the Silver Dart Commemorative) or Domaine de Grand Pre L'Acadie Blanc

Presentation: When presenting this dish, place a spoonful of the chutney in the centre of a warmed plate. Slice the duck thinly crossways and fan half over either side of the chutney. I place the carrots at one end of the plate with a bit of the glaze and the potatoes at the other, and drizzle balsamic glaze on each plate.

Peach Melba Ice Pops

When you've got one of these frozen treats in hand everything is tickety-boo.

Soy-Maple Glazed Salmon and Swiss Chard

Spicy Maple-Glazed Chicken Drumsticks with Crispy Chickpea Salad

The crispy spiced chickpeas are great for nibbling on between meals. Double the batch and stash some for the extras in your lunch bag for an easy protein-packed snack.