Creamy Penne and Peas

Here's a pasta to which you can add cubed smoked ham or chicken, or canned tuna or salmon. Pack carrot and celery sticks to add crunch to this lunch. Save some of the pasta cooking liquid and add it to each serving before reheating it for the lunchbox.

Tangy Matchstick Salad

This vibrant salad is a perfect makeahead side dish because, with a little time in the fridge, the dill and the dressing have a chance to work their magic on the root vegetables. To speed up the prep, slice the celery root and beets with a mandoline first, then cut them into matchsticks.

Shropshire Walnut Spread on Belgian Endive Spears

Though you could also mound this rich nutty spread onto toasted raisin bread or into ribs of celery, endive is glamorous and adds a pleasant hint of bitterness. If you can't find Shropshire, use 1/4 cup (50 mL) each crumbled blue cheese and cold-pack Cheddar (such as MacLaren's Imperial).

Roasted Carrot Dip

A dip is a fun way of adding variety to the week of lunches. Pack about 1/2 cup (125 mL) of this dip, wedges of pita bread, carrot and celery sticks or your child's favourite vegetable in separate containers. Add a few rice chips or potato chips and your child will think it's a party.

Halibut Cordon Blue

We ocean fish most weekends through the summer months. The thrill of catching a halibut approximately 30 pounds provides the opportunity of making the "perfect halibut cordon blue". To accompany the main is a refreshing salad dish which includes rice, peaches, capsium, celery, onion, saltanos, cashew nuts and dressing. The dressing is olive oil, lemon juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, fruit chutney and curry.

Easy Chicken Stock

You will never want to buy broth again after tasting this homemade chicken stock, which couldn't be simpler to make, thanks to your slow cooker. Homemade stock with no added salt is not only far more delicious than store-bought, but it also allows for better control over the amount of sodium you add to your recipes. Use whatever vegetables you have in the fridge, including the green tops of leeks and shallots, and celery leaves.

Oyster Topping: Bloody Caesar

Tuna Pasta Salad

Using tuna packed in both oil and broth means you'll need less oil in the dressing.

Caesar Shrimp Cocktails

Dazzle guests with this classic party appetizer that features a Caesar cocktail sauce.
 

Split Pea Soup with Marinated Red Onions