Caribbean-Style Pork Curry

This curry is inspired by Pork Colombo, a stewed dish popular in West Indian cuisine. It takes its name from the Colombo spice blend, which can be found in major supermarkets or West Indian grocery stores. You can also prepare it yourself.

Biriyani

Inside-Out Cheesecake Spice Cookies

One bite into these cookies and you'll be hooked—while simple on the outside, the insides are stuffed with a heavenly cheesecake filling.

Spicy Asian Crab Noodle Salad

Eastern Canada is one of the main sources of sustainable snow crab in North America, with the bulk of the snow crab being harvested from the frigid waters of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. These crustaceans are often sold precooked and frozen in clusters of legs and arms. To thaw the clusters in a flash, place them under running cold water for about 10 minutes.

Apricot Almond Energy Bars

With no added sugar and lots of fruit, these soft, chewy bars are a nice alternative to store-bought granola bars. Although they take a little time to make, they are not at all difficult, and we're sure you (and your body) will love the results.

Strawberry-Basil Chicken With Grilled Broccoli

Grilling broccoli may seem unorthodox, but it makes for a crispy texture that's simply addictive. The savoury basil and spicy sriracha balance out the sweetness of the strawberries.

Chinese-Style Oxtail

From Jennifer McLagan's wonderfully innovative cookbook Bones: Recipes, History and Lore (HarperCollins, 2005), comes this aromatic dish that celebrates succulent oxtails. It's delicious with rice and a vibrant green vegetable.

Crusted Sablefish and Chips

By Eva Fong, Burnaby, B.C.
Cook of the Year 2009 Winner, Fish & Seafood category & Grand-Prize winner

The inspiration for this dish comes from Eva's husband, who loves fish and seafood. Before the couple had children, Saturdays were known as Seafood Sat­urday in the Fong house. The Asian spin on this dish displays the diversity we have in Canada: fish and cucumbers from British Columbia, sweet potatoes from Ontario. Eva serves this dish with Sweet Potato Fries.

Spiced Lamb Samosas

Wrapping these flavourful Indian treats in spring roll wrappers makes them quick and easy. Serve with Coriander Chutney. A fine grater or rasp will give you the perfect texture for the garlic and gingerroot.

Chicken Katsu

Similar to a schnitzel or cutlet, this easy dish is delicious served either hot or cold in a sandwich. Or you can serve it with steamed rice and a salad for a complete meal. If you can't find mirin (Japanese sweet rice wine), you can substitute 1 tbsp (15 mL) each boiling water and granulated sugar.