Squash Couscous

Couscous, the final course at a special meal, is served to satisfy guests so that no one leaves hungry. This steamed preparation takes a little longer than the instant method familiar to most Canadians but the plumper al dente texture is well worth the effort.

Jerk Pork Stew

Serve this saucy, spicy Jamaican-inspired stew with mashed potatoes. You can buy cubed pork shoulder in many grocery stores. Or buy a couple of pork shoulders and trim, cube and freeze them in 1-lb (500 g) portions.

Three-Bean Lentil Soup

Mildly exotic with curry, this nourishing soup is brimming with healthful things such as fibre. You can also follow our variation below to cook it in the slow-cooker, a favourite method for Alecia Watson of Penticton, B.C. She says that when she fills the slow-cooker up with all the goodies that go into a homemade soup before she leaves for shift work, she knows there will be a potful of love — and soup, too — to feed her family.

Pumpkin White Hot Chocolate

Using a blender to mix the milk and chocolate gives this indulgent drink a lovely frothy texture. Just make sure to cover  the lid's vent with a kitchen towel  so none of the hot milk splatters while the motor is running.

Cream of Squash Soup with Pecan Garnish

Pear Spice Spelt Muffins

Spelt is an increasingly popular ancient grain. The flour has an inherent nuttiness and toasty flavour, which make it an ideal complement to the fresh pear and fall spices in this muffin.?

Orange- and Soy-Glazed Scallops With Coconut Basmati Rice

Infused with the sweetness of coconut, basmati rice nestles sweet-and-sour glazed scallops. Garnish with orange segments for an extra hit of citrusy flavour and a pop of colour.

Chicken and Vegetable Soba Noodle Stir-Fry

Soba noodles, which are made with buckwheat flour, are delicious hot or cold. In this dish, the chicken breast is sliced thinly, so a little goes a long way. If you find the chicken difficult to slice, try putting it in the freezer for 15 minutes to firm up a bit.

Pork and Chili Pepper Bowls

Made with just a few ingredients, the ease of this recipe will make it one of those weeknight dinners you'll turn to time and time again. It tastes great over a simple bed of steamed rice, but you can also serve it inside crisp lettuce leaves for a fresher take on pork bowls.

Twice-Cooked Apricot Ribs

These ribs create a laid-back dinner to take away or enjoy in your backyard.