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.

TVP Tacos

TVP, or textured vegetable protein, is a dried soy product available in granules or chunks that, when cooked, resemble the texture of ground meat. Available in the health food section of grocery stores, bulk food stores and health food stores, TVP is a very economical way to get protein into a vegetarian diet. Like tofu, TVP has a mild flavour and absorbs the tastes that cook with it.

Turkey Panini

Middle Eastern Chicken Breast Salad

This summery grilled Middle Eastern–inspired salad gets delicious nuttiness from the tahini and pistachios.

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.

Spiced Pork Stew

Pickling spices and mint give pork a tasty pickup. For drama, serve the stew in large hollowed-out crusty rolls.

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.