Smoked Fish and Chorizo Chowder

Michael Howell, chef and owner of Tempest Restaurant in Wolfville, N.S., sent us this recipe for the rich, creamy and delightful chowder that is featured at his restaurant as part of the Taste of Nova Scotia's Chowder Trail. This recipe calls for smoked haddock, but any hot-smoked fish, such as trout or salmon, will work. Garnish with snipped fresh chives, if desired.

Santa Fe Pot Roast

This updated standby has a bit of a kick, which can turn into a punch by adding 2 tbsp (25 mL) more chilies. If you can't find canned chilies, use half a sweet green pepper plus 1/2 tsp (2 mL) hot pepper sauce.

Rice Noodles with Pork

Inspired by the famous Singaporean noodle houses, this dish could hold its own on any street in Southeast Asia. If you can't find rice noodles, pre-cook some wheat vermicelli or linguini and substitute for the noodles.

Turkey Panini

Italian Spring Chicken Soup

Classic Italian stracciatella soup is the inspiration for this recipe. The key to its success is homemade chicken stock. Once that's made, the rest is quick, light and lemony.

Meal-in-a-Bowl Mushroom Barley Soup

Cremini mushrooms give this soup a deep rich colour and flavour. All that's missing is some freshly baked bread and you have a cosy family meal for a cold winter night. The vegetarian variation is also delicious.

Curried Lentil and Chicken Soup

Chicken thighs are less expensive than breasts, and they give this robust soup added heartiness. If you don't have plain yogurt, top each bowl with sour cream. Cost: $3.15/serving

Barbecue Southwest Brisket

A chipotle pepper and a touch of cumin add spice and distinct flavour to this brisket. Chipotles in adobo sauce are a trendy kitchen staple, which you'll find with the canned chiles at your grocery store. However, one chopped jalapeño pepper and 1 tbsp (15 mL) ketchup make a delicious substitute. Vary the root vegetables depending on your family's preferences.

Roasted Corn and Lobster Chowder

Bacon and corn add smoky-sweet flavour to this chowder inspired by chef Ryan Dunne of The Fairmont Algonquin. Use our recipe for Cooked Lobster and Stock or buy a steamed lobster and prepared fish stock from a fishmonger.

Italian Easter Soup

Homemade chicken stock poured over egg and Parmesan–dipped toasts makes a lovely, delicate dish.