Honey and Beer-Braised Lamb

By Sean de Carle, winner, Beef, Lamb, Pork or Veal category.

This rich and tasty fall stew impressed us with its use of local ingredients and thoughtfully chosen side dishes: Citrus Quinoa and Honey-Roasted Carrots. Serve it with the beer you cook with.

Baked Holiday Rice Casserole

Mediterranean Chickpea Stew

You can make this hearty soup vegetarian by omitting the bacon, sautéing the veggies in olive oil instead of the bacon fat and substituting vegetable broth for the chicken broth. Use the bottom of a heavy saucepan to crush the fennel seeds, which will release their licorice-like flavour. If you don't have fresh spinach, you can use half of a 300-gram package of frozen spinach; just be sure to thaw and drain it well before stirring it into the soup.

Quinoa Dolmades with Tahini Yogurt Sauce

This is a vegetarian take on a traditional Greek and Turkish finger food. Grape leaves are available at Middle Eastern, Greek, Italian and most supermarkets. 

Tomato Chili Flank Steak With Grilled Cauliflower

Keep these common ingredients that can be kept on hand so you can whip together a last-minute dinner at a moment's notice. if you've got time to plan ahead, you can marinate the meat in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

Salmon and Potato Napoleon Casserole

Colourful layers of spinach, smoked salmon and potatoes make this an attractive main course. You can also make it a day ahead for a no-fuss Easter morning.

Lemongrass & Sesame Grilled Scallops

Miso Ginger Soba Salad

The star of this meal is definitely the dressing. Made with protein-rich white miso, maple syrup and a little heat from punchy ginger, it has a light, yet full-bodied, flavour. Make a double batch to keep on hand—it's great on rice, noodles and nourish bowls (see tip, below), too.

Mediterranean Chicken Pita Burgers

Want a healthier burger option? Look no further than this piquant Mediterranean version. Lean meat, lots of vegetables and plenty of robust taste make these hearty and filling. 

Cinnamon Bun Apple Cobbler

This is the ultimate in comfort food, combining two all-time homegrown favourites: cinnamon buns and bubbly, sweet apple cobbler. Sprinkling a cinnamon filling into rolled buttermilk biscuits offers a quick alternative to a yeast-risen cinnamon bun.