Pickerel With Mustard Cream Sauce and Wild Rice Pilaf

Pickerel and wild rice, two of the most iconic foods of Manitoba, are paired in this dish. The simple, creamy pan sauce pulls them together. This entrée is ideal for a casual Manitoba-style dinner party, but perfectly suited for a weeknight meal, too.

Roasted Corn, Turkey and Wild Rice Salad

This colourful, refreshing salad works well as part of a buffet brunch or luncheon menu. As an alternative to wild rice, use cooked brown or red rice. Frozen raspberry concentrate is convenient to have on hand: use any remaining in smoothies, fruit salads or for deglazing pans when saut?g chicken or turkey strips. Serve salad on a bed of arugula or shredded lettuce.

Cooked Wild Rice

Wild Rice Crêpes

Wild Rice Mushroom Soup

This velvety, nutty-textured soup tastes almost too rich to be meatless, but it is! For a slightly thinner, dairy-free version, replace butter with additional olive oil and replace cream with almond, rice or soy milk.

Basmati Wild Rice Salad

Since cooked rice hardens in the refrigerator, it is best to make this salad the day of the buffet.

Wild Rice Pilaf

This elegant autumn side dish dresses up any dinner plate.

Wild Rice Stuffing

Phyllo Halibut Bundles and Warm Wild Rice Salad

For the past 25 years I have been receiving Canadian Living magazine, have purchased the cookbooks and special publications. I have several file folders that are stuffed to overflowing with years' worth of my favorite recipes. A few years ago I finally gave away most of my mother's cookbook collection because I never used them. Those well used folders of CL recipes are the foundation of my cooking. I often think of CL magazine as a proud parent - one of my proud parents. Canadian Living has been with me from my infancy as a cook and has stood by me as my kitchen skills were honed and my cooking instincts matured. I would not be the cook I am today without CL. So, thank you, thank you, thank you for the years of wonderful meals and lessons. My guests think I am a cooking genius but it is the support system behind the cook that is the real genius.

I created this recipe because I love Greek inspired flavours and I love make-ahead meals when entertaining. You can enjoy a day out with family and friends and still have dinner ready for your guests half an hour after you get home. This meal can be made early in the day of the dinner or the day before guests arrive. The recipe looks daunting but it is not difficult to put together. The key is to chop and prep all of the vegetables and fresh herbs needed for all components prior to cooking. Use ready to go pre-washed, packaged spinach. If made ahead the flavours have a chance to meld together. This recipe features BC halibut, prairie grown wild rice and walnuts that grow in many regions of Canada. Also, Canadian orchard fresh nectarines when in season. During spring and summer use locally grown farm fresh herbs and vegetables (or from your garden) as well as locally produced free range or organic eggs.

Approx. cost: $90.00

Wild Rice and Broccoli Casserole

Enjoys creating this potluck favourite, which is great for vegetarians.