Brussels sprouts are simple, tasty pleasures suitable for any occasion.
Indulgent and luscious, this bread pudding is an ideal centrepiece for brunch or the ultimate sweet afternoon treat. The best part is that it uses up two perennial holiday leftovers: day-old bread and decadent chocolates.
When it's time for réveillon (a special feast on Christmas Eve in Quebec), this is the pie that welcomes everyone to the table. The super-flaky crust is loaded to the brim with a subtly seasoned meat filling.
Creamy coconut milk and rich white chocolate, which come together in this velvety-smooth and perfectly sweet custard, are a match made in heaven. For easy slicing, let the tart chill once you've added the custard. Use a vegetable peeler to easily shave the chocolate garnish.
A hearty mushroom filling adds elegance to boneless skinless chicken breasts, giving you more bang for your grocery buck. To avoid overcooking broccoli, drain while it's still a touch underdone—it'll keep cooking as it sits. Cost: $5.85/serving
This loaf, with its lovely wheaty flavour, even crumb and rustic artisanal look, will make even novices into confirmed bread bakers. You do have to begin the day before to mix the flour, water and yeast starter, but all three loaves – multigrain, whole wheat and white – are worth it. For all three, we used Robin Hood Best for Bread flours.
