Baked Zucchini Fries

Kids will love this take on fries, even though they're secretly made from an unexpected vegetable. Marinara Dipping Sauce makes a tasty alternative to ketchup. Kids can help by cracking the eggs, shaking the flour mixture and dipping the zucchini sticks. Have them use one hand for dry ingredients and the other for wet, so the breading sticks to the zucchini and not their fingers.

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.

Vegan Cheesy Penne and Broccoli

Memories of childhood flood back with this creamy baked comfort casserole. Packing in protein, calcium, and balanced food groups, it tastes like a rich-indulgence, and is nutritious, too. Not only is it vegan, but it's deliciously gluten-free. Easily doubled or tripled, it is perfect as a main dish for a cozy comforting afternoon-in with a friend, or a side to your favourite meal.

Pork Roast in Onion Gravy

Tender pork simmered in a rich onion gravy is a perfect match for mashed potatoes any night of the week. You can easily substitute a boneless pork loin roast if you like; just reduce the cooking time to five hours.

Turkey Burritos

Turkey and vegetables all rolled up in a whole wheat tortilla make this perfect for recharging your child's batteries at lunch. The burritos can be made ahead and either arranged in the glass baking dish or wrapped individually and frozen. Just thaw and increase cooking time by 10 minutes. You can cook the burrito the night before and just have your child rewarm it in the microwave at school.

Thai Pork Skewers

This savoury peanut sauce uses a bit of Thai red curry paste, which once opened, can be refrigerated for up to one year. Of course, you can omit it and still have a flavourful marinade.

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.

Sweet Potato Soup with Coriander