Stir-Fried Soba Noodles with Pickled Ginger

Japanese shredded pickled ginger (shoga) adds striking crimson colour and intense ginger flavour to stir-fries. Find it in specialty Japanese or Korean stores. By comparison, sushi ginger (gari) is light pink, mild and thinly sliced. Use it in a pinch.

Beef and Oyster Mushroom in Oyster Sauce

Although oyster mushrooms have nothing to do with the dried oysters used to make oyster sauce, they are a lovely addition to the classic beef in oyster sauce. For extra spice, add a pinch or more of cayenne pepper to the beef marinade or increase the hot peppers. Green or red finger chilies are traditionally used in China, but jalape?are very nice, too.

Double Chocolate Chip Waffles with Bananas and Strawberry Coulis

Delicious chocolate waffles are a decadent way to start the day. A dollop of whipped cream or plain yogurt both make excellent additions.

Shrimp and Egg Stir-Fry

The key to this recipe is simple: Don't overcook the eggs or the shrimp, which, if overdone, can become rubbery in texture. The eggs are ready as soon as they're set, and the shrimp is cooked once its uniformly pink and opaque. Serve over steamed rice.

Lemongrass Pork Chops With Ginger-Butter Corn

The trick to making mouthwatering meats in minutes is a good marinade. Toss the pork in a fragrant lemongrass sauce in the morning and leave it to soak up the flavours—when you get home, simply throw the chops on the grill!

Pork & Kimchi Dumplings with Peanut Sauce

Chinese Lemon Honey Chicken

This is a jazzed-up version of a Cantonese restaurant favourite.

Serve with: Rice and saut? spinach or Chinese broccoli

Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Vegetable Skewers

These tasty delights are only part of our show-stopping, Oscar night menu "And the Winner is...Raclette!" A full, make-ahead schedule in the March 2006 issue of Canadian Living will leave you plenty of time to enjoy the night's festivities with your guests. Serve with Lemon Chive Aioli (recipe below).

Chicken & Pineapple Fried Rice

Vietnamese Grilled Pork with Rice Noodles

Cool noodles contrast with hot, succulent grilled pork loin (or use boneless chicken). You can prepare the noodles and sauce a few hours before assembly.