Sweet Squash Halwa

Halwa is a traditional Indian sweet often made with carrots, but this butternut squash version is equally sweet and delicious. Serve the halwa in golden candy cups and top with bits of gold leaf, if desired, for an elegant look. To save time, shred the squash in your food processor.

Superfood Platter

Quinoa—everyone's favourite superfood—and beans are two pantry staples that pair up to make a fantastic meat alternative any night of the week. Kale is full of vitamin K, which promotes bone health, and vision-sharpening vitamin A. Serve this as a main dish for four or as a side dish for six.

Roasted Pear and Greens with Pear Vinaigrette

This salad is lovely with a small wedge of blue cheese or aged Gouda on each plate.

Squash and Quinoa Pilaf

This side dish is packed with all the flavours of fall, making it the perfect side dish for your Thanksgiving turkey.

Amaretto Cheesecake

This is a favourite of Canadian Living web food editor Christine Picheca's mom, Angie. Use a rolling pin to crush the amaretti cookies for the crust; a food processor makes the crumbs too fine.

Lemon Parmesan Linguine

This dish can become the foundation for year-round dinners. Add fresh herbs during summer and dried thyme or oregano when it's cold. Stir in a grating of hard cheese, such as Parmigiano-Reggiano, grana Padano or Pecorino Romano. You can use shelled edmame (Japanese green soybeans) instead of green beans. A grated carrot salad adds colour to the menu.

Jewelled Pomegranate Rice

A little turmeric gives this spiced pomegranate rice its pretty yellow hue that will brighten up any plate. Pomegranate adds freshness and helps turn this side dish into any meal's main event.

Vegan Gratin Style Macaroni

Chocolate Chestnut Finger Cookies

Canned chestnut pur?adds European chic to elegant finger cookies. If you want to freeze the fingers, do so before dipping them in chocolate.

Frozen Christmas Pudding

Combine classic Christmas pudding flavours with ice cream, et voila; an updated, simple-to-prepare dessert. The best part? You can make it up to five days ahead. If you prefer, serve it with Orange Grand Marnier Sauce.