Grilled Pork and Plums With Sticky Five-Spice Sauce

Plums might not be the first fruit you think to grill, but their gorgeous burgundy skin gets even prettier as the natural sugars caramelize. The sweetness pairs well with grilled pork and this aromatic sauce full of warming spices.

Miso Carrot Soup

Beat the spring blues with this sunny and bright orange soup. It's as flavourful as it is good for you. For a pretty presentation, sprinkle with thinly sliced green onions and drizzle with a little more sesame oil.

Cinnamon Raisin Gluten-Free Sandwich Bread

Commercial gluten-free breads can be a little dense, but this loaf delivers a fine texture that you won't believe. And with sweet cinnamon and raisins, it becomes the most delicious breakfast staple.

Orange Chicken Skewers & Sautéed Fennel

Cheese and Herb Gluten-Free Sandwich Bread

Thyme adds incredible depth of flavour to all sorts of dishes. Here, it's a fragrant partner to sharp Cheddar in the middle and on top of a delicious loaf.

Crab Spring Rolls

Fresh spring rolls filled with noodles, crab, vegetables and tons of herbs served with a sweet-and-sour sauce is a great communal recipe — everyone can take turns wrapping a couple. This type of roll, originally a Vietnamese specialty, is so popular that it has become ubiquitous in Thai restaurants.

Dungeness Crab Spring Rolls

It is worth every effort to use fresh crab for these delicate spring rolls. Ask staff at the fish counter to steam it for you if you are pressed for time (or don't have a large enough pot). Or you can use 1-1/2 cups (375 mL) prepared crab instead.

Fish Cakes With Lemon Mayonnaise

The atmosphere at The Economy Shoe Shop on Argyle Street in Halifax is über-fun and laid-back. They serve these home-style cakes as an appetizer, but they're substantial enough for a main course, especially when accompanied by a green salad and a fantastic local beer such as Propeller Bitter Ale.

Pork, Cilantro & Chive Dumplings

North African Pork Chops With Cauliflower Couscous

Ras el hanout offers great bang for your buck in the flavour department. Just a bit of this North African spice blend adds depth to everything from meats to grains to sauces. It can be purchased premixed from Middle Eastern grocery stores or in specialty spice shops. If you can't find it, you can easily make your own using spices you already have on hand.