Baked Zucchini Fries

Kids will love this take on fries, even though they're secretly made from an unexpected vegetable. Marinara Dipping Sauce makes a tasty alternative to ketchup. Kids can help by cracking the eggs, shaking the flour mixture and dipping the zucchini sticks. Have them use one hand for dry ingredients and the other for wet, so the breading sticks to the zucchini and not their fingers.

Pea & Pancetta Soup with Lemon Garlic Croutons

Broccoli and Ham Macaroni and Cheese

This updated recipe gives your kids' favourite meal a nutritional kick: Black Forest ham adds protein and broccoli boosts folate and vitamin C intake.

Italian Stuffed Burgers

These mouthwatering burgers are adapted from the meat loaf recipe of Rosa Paris of Toronto. Rosa is from the small town of Modugno in southern Italy, and this burger reflects the rich flavours of her native cuisine.

White Fish Cakes With Lemon-Chili Mayo

Using a food processor ensures that these cakes come together in minutes – perfect for even your busiest weeknight. If you bake some crisp oven fries as a side dish, you may want to double the dip.

Slow Cooker Mussels in Tomato and Fennel Sauce

Slow-simmering this sauce all day creates a flavourful base for cooking the mussels. The high setting on your slow cooker is great for steaming mussels without running the risk of overcooking them. This dish makes a great main for two or a starter for four. Serve with crusty bread, if desired.

Cajun Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

ON THE TABLE IN 30 MINUTES

Ham and Cheese Western Sandwiches

An Italian twist on the toasted western, this sandwich uses provolone cheese, prosciutto and oregano. Topped of with fresh peppery arugula, this one will be a hit with the kids and adults.

Herbed Cheese-Stuffed Chicken

This dinner is quick enough for weeknights but elegant enough for entertaining. The chicken can be stuffed using a spoon, but a disposable piping bag is much easier. Save the chicken filets, which are super tender for a stir-fry or chicken fingers. Serve with a side salad and sauteed vegetables.

Swedish Meatballs With Rich Gravy

No Nordic holiday spread is complete without meatballs. Preparing them a day ahead means you'll have very little to do at the last minute and can enjoy the party right along with your guests.