Milanese Veal Stew

Sandra Proulx and Tracy Zambonin teamed up to open their personal-chef business, Cooks On The Run in Stittsville, Ont., after graduating from a culinary arts program last year. They have a knack for polishing up hearty dishes like this Italian stew. "This is a big hit with the young families we work with," says Proulx. "The kids like it because the meat and vegetables are in easy-to-manage pieces, while the grown-ups find it slightly sophisticated." Serve the stew with egg noodles to sop up the rich sauce; they cook in less time than it takes to reheat the stew.

Slow-Cooker Braised Beef Ragù

Prepare this comforting meal in the morning and enjoy its aroma all day long. We guarantee, your mouth will be watering by dinnertime.

Chicken Cacciatore and Polenta

Polenta squares topped with chicken cacciatore will bring make-it-again requests at home or for a potluck.

Pork Tenderloin with Mushroom Stuffing and Pan-Seared Onion and Apples

Cookup Rice

All over the Caribbean there are variations of dishes with rice and peas. Cookup Rice is the Guyanese one; the coconut and salt pork add richness and flavour.

Red Wine and Rosemary Pot Roast

Beef pot roast is such a versatile dish. So many different flavours and cuts of meat lend themselves to this method. You can also use a bone-in roast, which will have a beefier flavour than a boneless one, but either will be tender and delicious.

Qualicum Chowder

Dee describes Mom Sondra Mawdsley as having a pioneer spirit — pointing to the fact that she was one of the first women in British Columbia to be licensed to umpire mens' fastball. You'll often find her in her garden or on her boat. Then it's home to create a delicious dish with her catch — everything from seaweed bread to this thick chowder. And if she has no parsley or chives? Rinsed sea lettuce is a fine substitute.

Baked Rigatoni and Meatballs

The meatballs take a little time to prepare, but they boost this pasta dish to a deliciously flavourful meal.

Spaghetti Bake

This hearty dish will have your guests begging for the recipe. Be sure to bring it with you! Grating the vegetables reduces the amount of chopping and cooking time.

Fresh Avocado Spring Rolls with Sweet Thai Dipping Sauce

These rolls are a healthier choice than their deep-fried counterparts. Coriander and mint give them a light, fresh flavour.