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.

Sherried Chicken Consomme

Good homemade stock is the key to this rich, clear broth. Be sure to reserve 2 tbsp (25 mL) of the chicken fat from making the stock. A little garnish goes a long way in eye appeal, so see Consomme garnishes, below. Serve with sherry.

Chicken Consommé with Mini Choux Puffs

An elegant, rich and dark consommé is perfect for holiday entertaining. For a dairy-free version, replace the mini puff garnish with sliced chives. 

THAI CHICKEN SALAD CUPS

Sloppy Chicken Tacos

Switch up the toppings on these saucy tacos depending on what you’ve got in your fridge, or try this recipe with ground pork instead of chicken. For a true retro vibe, top with iceberg lettuce and shredded Cheddar.

Creamy Pasta with Broccoli

This creamy pasta fools you into thinking it's sinfully rich. The evaporated milk is the culprit: it is much lower in fat than cream. Plus, it has 80 per cent more calcium than regular milk. Chicken provides protein in combination with pasta, a carbohydrate. Did we mention that it tastes good, too?