Cold Beet Borscht

From Homemakers Magazine's food editor Andrew Chase, this was one of his father's favourite soups, reflecting his Baltic-Jewish background. Beet juice can be hard to wash off, so lightly oil your hands (or wear gloves). A food processor with grating attachment makes grating easy.

Honey, Fig and Mascarpone Tarts

These pretty pastries are perfect for brunch, afternoon tea or dessert. For ideal ripeness, choose figs that are slightly soft to the touch.

Whisky Wrap-Up

Asparagus Spring Salad

The sprouting of asparagus shoots signals the beginning of the year's first harvest. Enjoy this versatile vibrant-green, vitamin-packed veggie in this wonderfully bright salad.

Chicken Paprikash

This Hungarian dish is traditionally simmered for quite a while. Using boneless chicken thighs cuts down on time as well as adds lots of flavour. Substitute a short pasta, such as fusilli, for the egg noodles, if desired.

Seafood & Bacon Chowder

Cherry Almond Bundt Cake

Cherries and almonds are a natural pairing, but you can also try dried cranberries, blueberries or chopped dried apricots.

Hearty Meatball and Fennel Soup

Warm up cool evenings by filling empty tummies with hearty soup. Sprinkle a little Parmesan cheese over top or add a handful of cooked noodles to make leftovers new again.

Slow Cooker Caribbean Curried Chicken

Madras curry powder, a mix of spices including fenugreek, coriander, cumin and turmeric, is often hotter than other curry powders. Slow cooking mellows out the heat leaving an intensely flavourful curry. Look for Madras curry powder in the spice or ethnic food aisles. Serve wrapped up in a warm roti or with rice.

Roast Spiced Chicken

A North African–inspired blend of fragrant spices flavours this chicken. For an extra spicy kick, add another 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper to the dry rub. Serve with Pomegranate Spinach With Garlic Chips.