Plum Snacking Cake

Ripe plums will give this cake the best flavour, but you also want to ensure that they're still firm enough to hold their shape during cooking. When selecting fruit at the market, look for deep, even colour and flesh that yields slightly to palm pressure.

Grilled Balsamic Vegetables

This rustic dish is perfect for entertaining because you can serve it at room temperature or straight from the grill. It also makes a great filling for a vegetarian sandwich. Just spread 1 oz (30 g) chèvre or herbed cream cheese over a crusty roll or piece of baguette and sandwich the grilled vegetables.

Neapolitan Mostaccioli Cookies

Mexican Grilled Cheese Sandwiches With Pico de Gallo

Our super-fresh twist on grilled cheese is bursting with creamy guacamole, gooey cheese and spicy chorizo. Pico de gallo, or salsa fresco, is an uncooked salsa that takes just minutes to make. Spoon some of it into the sandwiches and serve the rest on the side with tortilla chips for dipping or tossed with greens.

North African Dukkah Chicken Satay With Grilled Zucchini Ribbons

Dukkah is a blend of spices, nuts and seeds that makes a flavourful crust for grilled chicken and helps lock in moisture. Look for it in Middle Eastern grocery stores.

Pecan-Crusted Chicken Cutlets

Pork Tacos With Red Cabbage Slaw and Guacamole

Simple guacamole is the perfect complement to juicy pork tenderloin and crunchy slaw. To make the guacamole in advance, leave the pit in with the mashed avocado and place plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent browning; remove the pit right before serving.

Sweet-and-Sour Baked Chicken with Carrots

Chicken legs are sold in family-size packs, which usually cost less per kilogram than smaller packages.

Chickpea Croquettes with Parsley & Tahini Dip

Inspired by falafels, these croquettes can also be served in a pita garnished with lettuce, tomatoes and cucumber.

Creamy Chocolate Pomegranate Squares

Pretty pomegranate seeds make these squares feel festive. If you're serving them with other cookies, bars or squares, cut them into smaller pieces, as they're quite rich.