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.

Grilled Fish and Vegetable Soup (Diningding)

Diningding (pronounced with short "i"s as in "thing") is an Ilocano specialty from northern Philippines, where vegetables and fish play the largest role in cuisine. Use this recipe as a guideline and vary the vegetables according to availability and freshness. In Canada, black cod (sablefish), salmon or halibut are especially good for diningding, but freshwater fish, such as pickerel or whitefish, also makes a tasty dish.

Mixed Mushroom Risotto with Lentils

This recipe is done in a pressure cooker (I use a 6 quart Fagor) with a triple-ply base. I am always trying different recipes in the pressure cooker. Risotto is one of my favourites. I use it as the main dish with the addition of lentils. With or without lentils, I serve it as a side to roasted salmon with wilted spinach. I specify arborio rice but use Carnaroli or Vialone Nano, if you can find either, for the best results. Green lentils are used since they hold their shape in a pressure cooker. Romano cheese is my personal preference over parmesan.

Bagel Mania

Bagel fans make a ritual of picking up freshly baked bagels at their favourite bakery. Even if you don't live near a bakery specializing in bagels, you can enjoy these tasty rings of bread if you bake them yourself. Just follow our simple step-by-step cooking lesson. The satisfying chewy texture of bagels makes them an ideal choice for breakfast on the run, a quick lunch or snack any time of the day. They're delicious with sandwich fillings — great for perking up a lunch box. Teamed with cream cheese and smoked salmon, they make a casual brunch. If you prefer whole grains, you'll enjoy the whole wheat and rye variations of our simple bagel recipe. Cinnamon raisin bagels make a wonderful breakfast treat and the cheese or herb bagels taste terrific any time.

West Coast 3 C's Quiche

I love brunch. This is my favourite meal by far, and I love the ease of having something like a quiche already prepared. The flavours are always richer and more enhanced after the quiche has had a chance to sit overnight as well, which is another benefit to advanced preparation. I thought about my favourite Canadian ingredients and it really has to include crab, chanterelles, and corn. There is just something about the sweetness of the crab, the burst in your mouth juiciness of corn, and the earthiness of sauteed chantrelles with garlic that is just plain perfect. The gouda I love is from Gort's Gouda in Salmon Arm B.C., where my mom lives. It's organic and is outstanding. While the crab and the chanterelles are definitely the bell ringers on this grocery bill, the other ingredients are low cost. I buy my crab and fresh B.C. chanterelles at my local Costco for under $25 combined, which makes it even more affordable. I made this with a potato crust as I can't eat gluten, but a pastry crust would work just as well. I'd pair this with a tangy raspberry hazelnut vinaigrette mixed with fresh, tender leafy greens to round out the meal.

Gravlax With Bagel Chips & Dill & Caper Crème Fraîche

Gin Tarragon Gravlax

This Scandinavian specialty is delicious and easy. Note that it takes fives days to cure. Serve thin slices wrapped around breadsticks.

Chimichurri Marinade

Marinades are acid-oil blends that not only flavour but also tenderize.

Savoury Cheesecake Bites

Three different fillings provide a variety of tastes and colours. If you prefer one filling only, triple the ingredients for the one you choose.

Bangkok Marinade

Marinades are acid-oil blends that not only flavour but also tenderize.