Barbara's Cheesy Bacon Nibbles

This is a recipe from my friend Barbara who died a number of years ago from breast cancer. We used to play bridge together once a week and Barbara always served these tasty snacks that were a big favourite with everyone.

Beef and Bean Burritos with Onion Relish

Pull out one of these spicy, filling homemade roll-ups for a microwaveable lunch with a salad or serve them with rice for a hearty dinner.

Mellow Liver and Onions

Now is the time to cook liver, especially if you have lived your life in horror at the very prospect. Liver perfectly cooked is perfectly delicious. Fried until golden on the outside but still rosy and tender inside, liver is truly luscious and should become a favourite weeknight or special-occasion meat. Liver, like all variety meats, is very perishable; use on the day of purchase or by the next day at the latest.

California Roll Burgers with Wasabi Mayonnaise

Sushi lovers will enjoy these golden burgers with all the fun elements of a California roll. Surimi — imitation shellfish usually made from pollock and flavoured with crab or lobster — is available in the refrigerator or freezer section of most grocery stores and makes these large patties affordable.

Checkerboard Cake

Mussels in Harissa Broth

Harissa paste, a Tunisian hot sauce made of chilies, garlic and spices, adds a lovely warm zing to the broth of this simple dish. If you like things really spicy, double the amount of paste. Serve with crusty bread to sop up the delicious broth.

Steak Salad with Blue Cheese Buttermilk Dressing

Cajun Marinated Pork Chops

Freeze these savoury chops right in the marinade so they're ready and waiting to pop into the oven along with baking potatoes and squash wedges.

Baked Bunwiches

Whether eaten rewarmed in the microwave at school or enjoyed cold, these sandwiches make a great lunch. They're easy for preteens and teens to make on their own and younger cooks will feel grown-up mixing the filling and spreading it on the buns.

Breakfast Bakers

A duo of stuffed potatoes makes an all-in-one breakfast. Cooking them and the bacon the night before makes pulling this meal together in the morning a snap. Serve with a dollop of sour cream, if desired.