Rigatoni with Sausage and Peppers

This dish can be served with or without the basic Tomato Sauce. If one chooses to have it with tomatoe sauce it is best to make the sauce first so that as the sauce cooks and becomes flavourful the rest of the recipe can be prepared. Sauce can be made in advanced to save time and so flavours have a chance to blend, making the sauce tastier. I like to make it a day in advance or even have it ready in the freezer for other pasta dishes.

Slow Cooker Mussels in Tomato and Fennel Sauce

Slow-simmering this sauce all day creates a flavourful base for cooking the mussels. The high setting on your slow cooker is great for steaming mussels without running the risk of overcooking them. This dish makes a great main for two or a starter for four. Serve with crusty bread, if desired.

Italian Stove-Top Mac and Cheese

You can prepare this dinner favourite in minutes with ingredients found in your pantry. Prepared pesto makes a great substitute for fresh basil when it is not in season.

Marinated Vegetable Salad

This colourful chunky salad tastes best when made a day ahead to allow the flavours to really penetrate the vegetables.

Roasted Red Pepper, Tomato & Ravioli Soup

Quick Fettuccine Stroganoff

This adaptation of a classic noodle dish is quick and easy — and delicious enough to command second servings.

Phyllo Crab and Avocado Cups

The combination of crab, avocado and corn blends salty, creamy and sweet. Stuffed into crisp pastry cups, it gives you a dinner party–worthy starter in just 10 minutes. For the best results, use fresh crabmeat, which retains more flavour than frozen.

Roasted Carrots with Honey & Cumin

Slow Cooker Lamb Shanks with Fennel and White Beans

Chicken Vegetable Stir-Fry

With just a toss of fresh ingredients, this is ready in no time.