Chicken with 40 Cloves of Garlic

This skillet version of a classic French oven-braised roast chicken is delicious with green beans and buttermilk mashed potatoes or a whole grain baguette. To ease the chore of peeling 40 cloves of garlic, lay them in groups of 4 on a cutting board and press down with the flat side of a chef's knife to loosen the skins.

Acadian Seafood Chowder

Our Acadian ancestors prepared many of their dishes with fresh, salted or dried seafood. The dishes had to use what was available locally from the sea and land and be fairly easy to prepare. My inspiration for the Acadian Seafood Chowder comes from the culinary creative legacy of these early acadian ancestors. The chowder is served in large clear glass soup bowls accompanied by cheese/garlic butter toped grilled french baguette slices and a glass of canadian riesling wine.

Carrot Lentil Soup

Lentils are very high in folate and fibre and are a good source of vegetable protein. Serve with a whole grain baguette and a salad of half spinach and half romaine tossed with Lemon Pesto Buttermilk Dressing. Buttermilk sounds as though it should be high in fat but, in fact, has only 1% milk fat and delivers as much calcium as milk. Any leftover soup makes a tasty lunch the next day.

Cheese Pate

This can be prepared to serve in a dip bowl, or it can be rolled in waxed paper in 11/2 inch rolls about 6 inches long, chilled (or frozen for future use after 1/2 hour thawing). You can garnish it with red/ green pepper designs such as holly leaves with berries. Served with a knife spreader with crackers, melba toast, or baguette slices. I love the combination of flavours, and the buttery taste of the cheese. Always a hit!

Butter Tart Salmon

This recipe was inspired by my love for butter tarts. How wonderful it would be to incorporate this Canadian favourite into an entree. Using some of my favourite comfort foods, I created this unique savoury rich torte. This multi-layered dish is a delicate balance of sweet and salty. Chilled chardonnay, crusty baguette (lathered with real butter of course) and a crisp mixed green salad would be ideal accompaniments to complete this meal.

Roasted Chicken Roulade with Herbed Goat Cheese and Asparagus

The inspiration for this dish was a simple seasonal meal with great flavour. I wanted to make a dish that was easy to prepare with at least some components that could be made ahead of time. A Saturday morning trip to the local farmer's market was what inspired the ingredients in this recipe; locally grown asparagus, fresh Ontario goat's cheese, organically raised local chicken breasts and I was on my way! They key to this recipe is simple and flavourful ingredients. Using ingredients that are in season makes a big difference since this is the time when they are at their flavour peak. I decided to serve the chicken with a fresh spring salad using some of the same ingredients from the chicken. It would also be nice with a crusty baguette and a warm bowl of soup. The simplicity of the flavours in this dish make it easy to pair with other foods. The result was a delicious springtime meal that was perfect for a casual night with friends. Buying local and seasonal ingredients allowed me to stay way under my $100 budget and the ease of preparing the meal allowed me to spend time with my guests - which is what entertaining is all about!

Antipasto and Canadian Cheese Salad

Quick Cheese Tortellini Soup

This soup is so easy, you can throw it together in minutes, even at the last second on a busy morning. Opening up a container filled with these delicious, steaming flavours is like getting a big, warm hug from home. Look for packages of fresh tortellini in the refrigerated cases at the grocery store.

Stuffed Curried Chicken Salad Sandwiches

Who needs a plate when your sammie is already stuffed and ready to go? These ones pack a surprisingly vibrant punch with big curry flavour and crunchy radishes.

Baked Goat Cheese in Classic Marinara

A great cheesy dipping sauce is an essential dish at holiday parties. Serve up this flavourful dip at your next soirée for guaranteed compliments.