Hoisin Pork Ribs

Carb-conscious Brian Costello, senior special sections editor of The Hockey News, loves these sticky, meaty ribs and prefers them to the usual battered-and-fried snacks. Single-rib portions make for easy handling in the corner -- of the couch.

Vietnamese Beef Pho

OYSTER MUSHROOM BANH MI

Stir-Fried Vegetables

Mapo Tofu

Gingerbread Dough (for gingerbread party houses)

Slow Cooker Black Bean Spareribs

My mother, Shu-Lai Fong, makes famous pressure-cooked black bean spareribs. They're the inspiration for this recipe, which is just as delicious but uses a slow cooker. You'll find bite-size bone-in pork spareribs at most Asian grocery stores, or you can order them at your butcher's counter.

Chicken and Swiss Chard Stir-Fry

This deliciously healthy stir-fry is packed with flavourful veggies. Serve with lime wedges for an extra dose of acidity.

Chicken With Noodles, Shiitake Mushrooms and Snow Peas

Japanese udon noodles are usually served in a mild-flavoured broth, but here they star in a tasty sauce. Linguine makes a good substitute; just cook it for about 2 minutes less than package directions, since they finish cooking in the sauce.

Autumn Harvest Granola

Don't let this long ingredient list fool you. Homemade granola takes only a few minutes to pull together before popping it into the oven. Use lightly greased kitchen shears as a quick and easy way to cut up dried fruit.