Pumpkin Praline Tiramisu

This twist on an Italian classic combines lightly spiced layers of creamy mascarpone cheese and citrus-flavoured ladyfinger cookies in an everyday baking dish. Top with praline dust just before serving so that it keeps its crunch.

Gougères Stuffed with Herbed Salmon

Salted Caramel Demerara Thumbprint Cookies

Using Demerara sugar in place of icing sugar makes these cookies extra moist and adds a slight molasses-like taste. Fill the thumbprints quickly or else the caramel will seize. If this happens, simply reheat on the stovetop or microwave in a microwaveable dish until soft.

Lemon-Yuzu Meringue Tarts

Chicken and Biscuits

Chicken stewed with tasty root vegetables has long been a favourite coast to coast. In West Vancouver, Janey Purvis bakes her stewed chicken under a blanket of flaky biscuits. This dish never fails to win raves from family, friends and neighbours. It can be mostly made in advance and kept refrigerated for a day. Then just make the biscuits and bake with the stew.

Salmon Strudels

"What can we make ahead when we entertain?" is one of the most frequent questions we get. Here's the answer that satisfies every time: an elegant phyllo-wrapped salmon fillet gussied up with wild rice, mushrooms and spinach.

Ganache-Filled Chocolates

Tempering chocolate takes time, patience and a candy thermometer, but it gives beautiful results. The chocolates become smooth and shiny, and yield with a satisfying snap when you bite into them. Use the best quality chocolate you can find for these indulgent treats, and your favourite liqueur for the ganache centres. Frangelico, Kahlúa, Tia Maria and amaretto are good options.

Carrot Wedding Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Please everyone with this classic moist carrot cake with cream cheese frosting. It makes a most elegant wedding cake. A garnish of beautiful fresh flowers adds a splendid touch that's worthy of the occasion. Make one batch for the top tier of the wedding cake and a double batch for the bottom one.

Classic Pumpkin Pie

The crisp autumn air and the changing colours of the leaves mean it's pumpkin time, specifically, pumpkin pie time. Enjoy this classic fall dessert with a dollop of whip cream or a good ol' fashion scoop of vanilla ice cream.